Elder Robertson goes (back) to Washington!

For the last six months Elder Robertson has been serving in Moscow, Idaho. He loved it there and it came to feel like home to him. However, transfers are all a part of the missionary experience, and this week Elder Robertson was assigned to Othello, Washington. He is assigned to work as the District Leader in an all Spanish speaking district, which means that all of the missionaries that he has stewardship over, including his own companion, were called to learn Spanish and work among the Spanish speaking population of the area. The only odd thing about this is, Josh isn't assigned as a Spanish speaking missionary. He does know a little Spanish so hopefully that will be enough to help him get by; however, he will need lots of extra prayers. His new address is:
Elder Joshua Robertson
505 N. 14th Ave.
Othello, WA 99344

The life of a misionary....play hard and work hard!

Jacob and his new bride Connie on their wedding day about a month before Jacob's baptism.

Elder Robertson and Elder Starnes with Faith and her mother on Faith's baptism day.

Baptism of Chris and Crystal just before Josh transfered from Spokane.

Overdue Update

It is hard to believe that it has been since July that I have updated Elder Robertson's blog. So much has happened during the past 3 months that I better give the Reader's Digest Version of the new developments. Elder Robertson was assigned to work with Elder Starnes for two transfer periods, but then he was assigned a "Greenie Missionary" Elder Miller. this is Elder Robertson's first time as a trainer in addition to being the District Leader. He has loved working with Elder Miller and the two of them have been teaching many people. They had a couple of baptisms, a little girl named Faith, and a guy named Jacob who looks like Vin Disel. They have another person, Jeremy, on date for baptism, and the two of them are teaching Maggie, Jane, Andrea, Antonio, Frank, and Robert.
Last weekend Elder Bednar from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited the mission and Elder Rasban of the Quorum of the Seventy was with him. Josh seemed especially touched by Elder Bednar's address. It is amazing to witness the transformation that is going on with my son. He doesn't even realize it, but the Spirit has tutored him in such a way that can't be described. I asked him recently if he feels like he has changed and he said he didn't notice anything other than he has a greater love for the scriptures and that his testimony has grown. But what I notice is the change in him because of his deepened testimony.
On the lighter side, Elder Robertson's very first companion, Elder Hunter has finished his service as a missionary and returned home to Colorado for almost one month before he left for college. He called our home to visit with us. How fun it was to chat with him and talk about the things that we learned from Josh through letters, and to learn a few things that we didn't know.
I gave Elder Robertson a hard time about his hair cut and gave him new instructions on how to get it cut the next time. I basically told me he liked his hair just fine and it was easy to take care of. I guess I can't mother him like I would like to anymore.
Yesterday was transfers again, and it looks like Josh will be in Moscow for another 6 weeks at least. By then he will be so close to his halfway mark. I never thought that I would say this, but I can't believe that it is going by as quickly as it is.

Elder Robertson called to be a District Leader

Elder Robertson was newly assigned to work in the Moscow Idaho area. He was originally paired up to work with Elder Smith, but after some medical challenges, Elder Smith was moved closer to the mission home in Spokane. Josh's new companion is now Elder Starnes. Josh was also assigned to be a District Leader, aka DL. He is doing his regular work as a missionary, but know is also responsible to motivate, train and care for other missionaries in his area. He has a great love for the work and the other missionaries that work with him. As a mom, I am so happy to see him grow spiritually and personally.

Good bye Spokane.....

After being in the same area of Spokane for 6 months, Elder Robertson is being transferred. He is headed to a new area of the mission, Moscow Idaho. His new companion will be Elder Smith, and Elder Robertson will also have new responsibilities as Sr. Companion and District Leader. He is humbled by the new assignment but is facing it with great faith. Even though he is very excited to meet the new adventure in Moscow, he is sad to leave all of the great people he has come to know and love as his second family in the Shilo Hills area. Elder Robertson's new mailing address is 617 E. 6th St. Moscow, ID 83843. Drop him a note, he would love to hear from you!

May 4th, the last Prep-day before last transfers, a group of missionaries in Spokane took the opportunity to play and see the sites, since they knew many of them would be leaving the area the next day. They had a great time playing in the park. It reminds me that even though they are busy working most of the time, they are still young men who like to have fun and be a little goofey!

Elder Robertson gets a new companion.

We just received Elder Robertson's weekly email and he reported that he is staying in Spokane for at least another transfer, but his companion, Elder Hunter will be moving on to a place called Hayden Lake in Idaho. Elder Hunter was Josh's trainer and the two of them have been together for 4 1/2 mos. Josh said, "It's going to be weird to see Elder Hunter leave." Hunter is going to be a District Leader in his new area. Elder Robertson's new companion is Elder Connolly. He has been serving for 8 mos in the mission. Half of his district is switching up, but Elder Robertson's close friend Elder Jacobson is staying also in the same area, so he was happy about that. He seems excited to face the new changes and to move forward with the work. There are many people who seem to be close to baptism commitments and he is glad to stay longer and see what more work he can accomplish in the Shilo Hills area of Spokane.

Investigator update

President Clark is nearing the end of his term of service as the President of the Washington-Spokane Mission. He goes home at the end of June. He recently had a meeting with Elder L. Tom Perry, a member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, about the progress of the mission. The mission has had a goal of 90 baptisms in one month for some time now. It was met in March, just in time for Elder Perry's visit. Elder Perry now has issued the challenge of 100 baptisms in one month. Elder Robertson was excited about trying to meet this new goal. He has spoken of some new investigators, Chris and his wife Chrystal. He says that the two of them enjoy the lessons and compete with each other on who gets to read the scriptures aloud during the lesson. This brought out a laugh for Elder Robertson. He also spoke of Robert, a gentleman who recently moved to the area from Sudan, who seemed very receptive after his first lesson on the restoration of the gospel. They also have met another woman who has been a member of the church for most of her life, but for the past 30 years has been inactive. She was married to a man who held ill feelings toward the church and didn't allow her to attend. Now that she is separated from him, she has sought out the church again, and has been attending. Her daughter who isn't a member is also interested in the church and is now taking the lessons. Another man, named Paul, also heard the lesson on the restoration and was very excited about what he learned. Elder Robertson and his companion left him with the assignment to read all of chapter 10 of the book of Moroni and most specifically Moroni's promise issued in verse 4 of the same chapter . Paul completed this and then later in the week phoned them, and asked for more reading assignments. They directed him to read about the plan of salvation. Paul also attended church this week. So, in all, Elder Robertson believed the week to be "a pretty good week". It is great for all of us to know that the difficult times don't stay long, and with continued hard work, the gospel does move forward. He ended his weekly report with, "I love being a missionary and being in the Lord's work!"

The bike comes out....

The guideline for bike riding in the Washington-Spokane mission is to park it when there is snow or rain on the ground. Needless to say, the bike was just recently busted from its box and Elder Robertson has put on his helmet. The missionary experience isn't complete until you get on the bike. When he was younger I tried and tried to get him to wear a helmet. Now look at him. The only thing that comes to mind is....LOL!


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Boy....Missionary....Man

This photo was taken on the way home from the last BYU home football game of the '08 season, just a few weeks before Joshua left. As we were driving home, I noticed that it was rather quiet in the back seat so I turned to see why. This is what I saw, my three boys fast asleep after a long hard day of watching football. As you can see, the two younger ones are both leaning on Josh. Over their lives they will always look to Josh, and lean on him for help to know the way. I am so grateful that Josh has been a good example to his brothers by serving a mission. They will learn how to be obedient, courageous, humble, generous, and kind by following in his footsteps. Josh, Elder Robertson, has been gone just a little more than 4 months now. He has had some really tough times, but I am seeing him turn into man as he puts one foot in front of the other and he learns to lean on his older brother, the Savior. He has had to dig deep and find courage to press forward, and I have had to learn to step back and allow him to do it. We have all learned a lot from his missionary service. Not long after Elder Robertson first left and I was still feeling the sting of having my oldest child leave home, I jokingly said to Robert, "What if mom just doesn't let you go on a mission?" He looked at me with determination and said, "Well, I will be an adult and there will be nothing you can do to stop me." Thomas added in with a, "YEAH!" I would never really want to keep them from serving a mission, but it did bring a smile to my face that even at ages 7 and 9, Elder Robertson's brothers knew just what they would be doing at age 19, serving the Lord as a missionary. Thanks Josh, for being a great example, and someone to lean on.

Struggles of a missionary......

This week's email came with some obvious discouragement in the words he shared. Elder Robertson shared a story of a young man that they approached in the street. This young man really gave the two of them a hard time, calling names and making false accusations. It seemed to really hit Josh hard. He wants so much to serve the people there in Spokane and help to change their lives. He feels so frustrated that he seems to be making little progress. He named a couple of new investigators, Eric and Denise. He asked again, as he always does, for prayers to go out to the people that he is teaching. Keep Elder Robertson in your prayers too.

Elder Robertson and Elder Hunter together with Richard on his baptism day March 21, 2009

"Good Job!....Keep Going"

Saturday, the scheduled day for investigators Chuck and Richard to be baptized, was bitter sweet. Chuck had some very challenging days, and is suffering from some very deep struggles. He was beaten by his room mate and also had to be admitted to a psychological care facility. Needless to say, there are more issues that this man must face before baptism. However, Richard was baptized, Saturday March 21, 2009. Elder Robertson wrote that during the talk on baptism, during the meeting, Richard began to tear up as he realized the great opportunity before him. Then the Elders all joined together in singing. Richard walked into the baptismal font and was immersed into those sacred waters. As he was coming back up, someone whispered in Elder Robertson's ear "Good job, keep going" Although Elder Robertson knows that it is truly the Holy Ghost that does the converting, he also knows that it is through his service that he is able to play a part in changing people's lives forever. He used the word "Awesome" many times to describe this wonderful event.
Word came today that Josh and his companion Elder Hunter will stay together another 6 weeks. The next transfer will take place on May 5th. Josh said that Hunter has never stayed with any other companion this length of time. Elder Hunter has been out 18 mos, and is scheduled to go home in Sept.
Elder Robertson mentioned in his email that many people have commented on the tattered condition of his scripture case. The handle is only connected on one side, providing not much of a handle at all, and the corners are pretty worn. He just tells people, "I can't get a new one, because this one's my dad's that he used on his mission, and I got to get it through my mission too."
We had a fun surprise when we got a phone call from some old friends, Brian and Susan Humpherys, who happened to be in Spokane on a business trip. They called and told us they were sitting in front of Elder Robertson's house, but he wasn't home. They waited around for a bit because it was his prep-day and they thought he might come home again, but no luck. So they left a note and were on their way. I was hoping they could see him! I have been particularly homesick for him lately.....Time does march on and it gets easier, but there is a very unique sort of ache that is in a mother's heart when her child is away from home.

"It was a rough week!"

After stating, "It was a real rough week" several times throughout his last email, I figured Josh hadn't had his best week in the mission field. He wrote, "With two baptisms coming up this next week, the adversary was working real hard on us!" Josh described a storm that brought an unexpected 5 inches of snow and a temperature change to around 10 degrees. The sun reflecting off of the snow amplified its effects and he got a bad sunburn on one side of his face. He said, "I think my left ear might fall off" Most of their teaching appointments had cancelled on them, there was an increased amount of animosity from those they attempted to approach, and more doors than usual were slammed in their faces. He has developed a foot problem from all of the walking and he admitted that he was more homesick than usual. But even with the increase in challenges he seemed to put things in perspective and said, "It was a real tough week, but I just need to push through this, and good things are to come." Elder Robertson is VERY excited for this weekend's scheduled baptisms of Richard and Chuck. We will all offer our prayers that everything goes according to plan, and that the coming week is a bit better than the last. Transfers are scheduled for the 24th of March. The wondering game begins again. By next monday's email he should be able to tell us if there is a change coming for him.

Day of Miracles!

Elder Robertson and his companion dedicated Feb. 24, 2009 to be their first "Miracle Day" The two had declared it to another missionary, Elder Jacobson who had been asking what he needed to do to have a "miracle" When the question came, Elder Hunter confidently proclaimed that they had set aside the very next day for their own miracle day and Elder Jacobson could join with them. Jacobson wasn't as convinced of the pending miracle day, calling it foolish but that didn't discourage Elder Robertson. He said, "I knew it was going to be a miracle day! I had the faith!" Their miracle day started off with a call from another set of missionaries who needed to pass off a person they had been teaching, but was now moving into the area where Elder Robertson and Hunter were assigned. This man name is Richard and is 19 years old with a wife and child. He was ready for baptism....these are words all missionaries love to hear! Miracle #1. Miracle #2 came as they got more calls from other missionaries for some referrals. Elder Robertson and Hunter made visits, taught lessons and now have two more people in their teaching group. A man named Dave, a newly released inmate met up with the two Elders and wanted a better life, of course his first lesson was scheduled on the proclaimed day of miracles. At their visit with him, he accepted the Book of Mormon, committed to pray about it and scheduled a 2nd visit later in the week, miracle #3. Josh could hardly contain his excitement in his letter. 3 new investigators and one baptism scheduled!! Josh continued, "I know you think that these miracle have to cease, but just you wait, this is how it went down." He continued to tell us about a lesson they had that night with their investigator Chuck whom he has spoken of often. Chuck was feeling pretty down, because he had just received word that he had to be out of his home by Sunday. The two elders taught him about Abinidi, and Alma and the baptisms performed at the waters of Mormon. Elder Robertson wrote of the strong spirit that was there and how the lesson had gone well. They decided to ask Chuck to commit to baptism. The answer from Chuck was, "No, I am just not ready for that commitment." The three of them were silent for a moment, then Elder Robertson spoke, "Chuck, have you seen how happy you are when you are at church? Have you seen how happy you are when you are with us and Brother and Sister Miller? When you are not with us, you forget about that and the feelings fade. You have seen how happy the Millers are who are both converts to the gospel, and you know why they are so happy. They are happy because they have the companionship of the Holy Ghost with them at all times and he guides them and is with them ALL of the time. By being baptized you can receive that gift." Elder Hunter then read Mosiah 18:10 "Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you." The question was posed to Chuck again if he would commit to baptism, he said "YES!" Miracle #4. Richard and Chuck have chosen to be baptized on March 21st. Josh wrote of his great joy that he still felt in his heart nearly a week later. Elder Robertson then compared notes with Elder Jacobson at the end of the week to see how his day of miracles had gone. Elder Jacobson too, had similar stories to tell. So they decided to dedicate the month of March to the "Month of Miracles" I can hardly wait to hear of what they accomplish with their great faith and dedication to service to the Lord. One miracle that Josh didn't declare is that he has agreed to sing a solo at the baptism. Oh how I wish I could be there to see that!

"This is my home!"

After receiving this weeks email from Josh, I was in tears...well OK, that happens just about every time, but this time the tears were from joy and not from missing him so much. Elder Robertson spoke about some of the people that he is teaching, Chuck, Monica, Katon, Annie, Tin, Torien, Martez, Serenity, Collin, Marcy, and Matt. I could feel through his words that he loves each one of them and he genuinely wants them to feel the peace that comes from living the gospel. He spoke of one couple's inability to understand the importance of the Book of Mormon and unwillingness to accept it's teachings. He felt so frustrated by this and wrote the following. "The Book of Mormon is the most perfect thing we have and Joseph Smith is a true prophet. I was so discouraged because I felt like I didn't do my part to convince them, but I know I can't really. It's up to them and they weren't willing to do anything about it. I wish I could have the power to manifest it unto everybody, but I can't." Elder Robertson has truly caught the vision of missionary work! He closed his letter with these final words. "I miss all of you guys, but I wouldn't rather be in any other place. This is my home. I love Spokane and I love the work. Just keep my investigators in your prayers." These are words that I have been praying to see him write. I am so happy that he has gotten the emotional connection to the sacred work that he is doing. He will truly be able to be used as a tool in the hands of the Lord.

I sent Josh these giant chocolate lips and reminded him that these would be the only lips he could put his lips on this Valentines day......I think he didn't appreciate my humor!

Elder Robertson and his companion, sporting their Valentines Day t-shirts.

Valentines Day tough for a missionary!

Elder Robertson....it is hard for me to call him that. It sounds like and old person, but the name of Elder is an important one right now for him. Even though he will always be Josh to me, he has committed to the Lord to be Elder Robertson until Dec. of 2010. So, I will call him Elder Robertson.
This week he wrote about Valentines day and how it is tough for a missionary on this day about love. No one is interested in what he has to say and people are all "lovey dovey". Spoken by a true missionary who left a girlfriend behind. I sent him a t-shirt that said, "I love Missionary Work!" along with lots of candy that had scripture verses about love and charity printed on the package so he could give them to people. A little different than sending candy and flowers to a girl.
He asked for special prayers to go up for one of his investigators, Chuck. Chuck's mother and girl friend recently died. He has some pretty serious medical problems, and he is also on the verge of losing his home. Please include Chuck in your prayers and ask that he will feel peace in his heart and the Spirit will testify to him of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Katon Bethay, #97 of the Spokane Shock arena football team. Elder Robertson and his companion are teaching him and his family.

First Transfer Day

Well, transfer day is tomorrow and it also marks Joshua's 2 month mark since he entered the MTC. He got the official word today that he and his companion are staying together for at least another 6 weeks. He was very happy about it, because he and his companion have worked very hard together teaching several people and they wanted to see it through together. They have added to their teaching pool a young college girl, named Marcy Murray along with her boyfriend. He also mentioned that they were teaching another part member family. The husband, Kayton Bethay, is a member but hasn't been active in some time. Kayton has a wife and a couple of children, and apparently plays for the Spokane Shock, an arena football team. Josh is very excited about teaching them! They have been teaching some Marshalese families, but the mission president just brought in a companionship that speaks Marshalese so they will be turning these families over to these new missionaries to finish teaching. Josh was a little disappointed to not be able to see them through to the end, but he said, "as long as they are baptized, I'm fine."
Elder Robertson also reported that in spite of working out "hard core" every day and playing basketball once a week, he has gained 10 lbs since he left. He mentioned a member of the ward, Sister Conklin that is a good cook! He also mentioned another family, the Millers, in the ward that have them over for dinner often and also offer to have investigators in their home to have the lessons. The Millers had two different people over to be taught by Josh and his companion, at different times on the same day. What a wonderful example these people are. I am sure that there is more that we can be doing to help the missionaries here. It certainly makes me more aware and hopefully we can do better to help.

Elder Robertson loves kids! He is pictured here with the children of a Marshalese family that they are teaching.

While Elder Robertson is working in the Shilo area he is only about 30 minutes drive to the Spokane Temple. He and his companion were able to attend a session last week.

Two weeks ago, Josh wrote and told me that he was FREEZING! So I asked a few other moms for some tips on keeping missionaries warm, since they are outside so much. One mom suggested silk socks and gloves to wear under regular socks and gloves. I got on line and ordered some for him right away. When he got them in the mail he thought the socks were pretty funny looking so he decided to model them. However they did the trick and he is much warmer now!

Elder Robertson along with other missionaries and a Marshallese woman wearing traditional dress from the Marshal Islands

Investigator Update

Elder Robertson is just one week away from his first scheduled transfer day. On transfer day, the mission president makes new area assignments to missionaries. Some move to a new area, some stay. Elder Robertson is anxious to see what happens, as am I! Not often does a new missionary transfer out of his first area in just one transfer period (six weeks), but it does happen. We will just have to wait and see. Elder Robertson and his companion are teaching several people, but he has mentioned one women several times. Her name is Annie. She calls Josh, "little boy" and she calls Elder Hunter "big boy" Josh says that Elder Hunter gets the big boy title because he is older. Annie is Vietnamese, and speaks with an accent that Josh seems to like. She loves him like a son and says that he now has two moms. He laughs when she tells him, "Put your hat on little boy, it is cold outside!" Along with Annie, they are teaching an Indaina man named James that lives with Annie, and Annie's daughter, Tam. Elder Robertson is very excited about the progress they are making. There is a community of people living in their area from the Marshal Islands. They are teaching one of the Marshalese families and Elder Robertson wrote in all caps... AND THEY CAME TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY! He realizes that if investigators can commit to attending church they seem to progress faster because they feel the spirit during the meetings so strongly and they begin to bond with other members. He has also mentioned other investigators, Monica and Rachel. He asked us to pray for all of them, so please remember them in your prayers too. Hopefully next week we will have some new photos to share.

Elder Robertson with his Trainer, Elder Hunter from Parker Colorado. Elder Hunter says that he is grateful to have gotten a greenie that "hit the ground running"

Elder Robertson with his mission president, President Clark and his wife Sister Clark. The Clarks will continue to serve in the Washington Spokane Mission until June of 2009

Eler Robertsons and Elder Hunter's study area & Elder Robertson in front of the home where he and his companion live with the Bouvier family

Elder Robertson with his MTC companion Elder Jensen from St. George Utah

Elder Robertson with his MTC District at the Provo, Utah temple

This blog is a way to help me keep all of Elder Robertsons friends and family informed about how he is doing while serving his mission in the Washington-Spokane Mission. The mission boundries take up the eastern part of Washington, western part of Montana, Idaho panhandle and a tiny chunck of British Columbia Canada. Currently Elder Robertson is serving right in Spokane in the Shilo area, with his companion, Elder Hunter from Parker, Colorado. They live with the Bouvier family. They use bicycles for transportaion unless it snows. In December there was over 60 inches of snow that fell, so needless to say they are now walking wherever they need to go. It takes a little over an hour to walk from one end of the area to the other. The streets have been snow covered and have been difficult to walk, until recently when rain and warmer temperatures helped to melt the snow and now the streets are slushy and difficult to walk. Elder Robertson and his companion are teaching several people currently and are pleased with the progress that they are having.