Toolson w/Power Tools!

 

1) Elder cummins going cray on a wall

2) Elder Bunnel and myself

3) A few of the boys with brother Sniff

 

Ok, so these pic were taken my first week in Medina but i finally got a hold of the pictures!! For service aside from the horses, we demolition a house!!! :D I'm home!! the member we work with asked me if i could use power tools.... he did not know my father is general contractor so i told him that i was comfortable. Ever since then I get to be the power tool guy!!! IT IS SO FUN!!! The other elders get a little jealous sometimes but they'll get over it :)

 

This week has been absolutely incredible!! we went to Kirtland and saw Nativities form all over the world. one of them was painted in detail on a seed that is as big as your pinky from the tip to the first knuckle!!!! it was so cool!! we, as requested by our mission president and our father in heaven, rededicated our apartment and our time to the lord and his work. our determination and success has been noticeably enhanced! we were able to get in contact and have an appointment with less-active members who haven't let members or missionaries over for a while. we each bore fervent and strong testimony with our ward mission leader and he has accepted the invitation to let us come back and set it up! this is an AMAZING start!!! we are loving our calling as missionaries for the lord's church!! Interacting with members, less-actives, investigators, people in general!! i love my calling!!!!!!

 

Christmas devotional was incredible!! the music and clips coming in and out during the talks were very powerful!! the talks were amazing by themselves but i think that is a testament that music adds a certain power that nothing else can!

the following story is a true story. i am not exactly sure but i could swear it was on Dec 5th. elder Cummins and i are driving home at to grab some treats we made for a member for dinner and we were listening to his flash drive like we usually do. a song came on that always reminds me of grandma, but, this time, i was not only reminded of her, i felt her and i knew that she was with me and is one of my angels. the song is a rather popular song, at least with the strong family. it is entitled "Danny Boy". grandma's song that was sung at her funeral.she just used Danny boy to help me think about her, but  then... she spoke to my soul! :) I know that she lives, I know that she loves me and helps me to continue to do the work!!

 

This Gospel is true and Heavenly Father has a glorious plan. This church is His!! I cannot stress this enough!!!! I can not say it enough! I will wear the name of Christ until I wear it out!!

 

I love you all!!

 

Love from the OCM (ohio cleveland mission)

Elder Tr3y Toolson

 

December in Medina, OH!

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but we love to share the gospel.... and since we love our Savior So... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! Happy December Everybody!!!

This week was low in numbers but we have a lot of appointments set up for next week!! We are so stoked!! We have appointments with 2 new investigators and hoping for the 3rd to come through!

Life in Medina IS NOT very similar to Cleveland, It's 1 of the top 50 cities in the US to live, so there haven't really been any funny stories regarding crazy people or situations. The youth here are amazing! They give talks, accept callings delegate well in preist quorum and find ways to love it! Big difference.

We gave service this week and will every Friday to a former investigator who owns horses. Horses are awesome! I have always loved them and my dad is thinking right now, "he is still saying that even after he cleaned out their stalls?" Yes dad, I am. Even though they smell funny sometimes, even though they have stepped on my toes a few times and even though I shovel up their droppings into a wheel barrel, horses are legit!!

About the Horsin' around photos...Comapnions... the one wearing the beanie is Elder Betzold who is companions with the other guy in the Mormon helping hands shirt Elder Bunnel and the one in the red jacket is Elder Cummins my comp :) we are at the horse stalls in this picture but the place is HUGE! We "dwell" in an apt here and they are good guys. I will try to get a photo of me to you later today :)

Thanksgiving was amazing! We had great food with people that remind me of family! Exaclty what I hoped & wanted it to be like!

Tomorrow, we are having the entire mission meet together at.... KIRTLAND!!!!!!!!!!! I am so stoked for this!! We get to go to the first temple of the last dispensation! We as a mission have been asked to study, doctirne and covenants sections 109,110, and 137, as well as chapter 3 in the book "Our Heritage" which all takes place in Kirtland!! YEP, it will be Amazing!!

I love being a missionary. I love gaining and regaining a testimony of the same and new truths that the Lord gives me and blesses me with. I love my companion! I know this church is true and I know this because I have tried it and tested it! Life is SO GOOD!

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith!

Elder Trey Toolson3

Trey giving thanks in Medina OH!

Wahoo! Happy Thanksgiving in bundles!

First full week in the new area and I am lovin' it!! I went to a meeting before church on Sunday and met a man from Texas who said that he recognized the last name Toolson as an elder Toolson who served somewhere in Texas. Elder Toolson was finishing up his mission as this man was getting ready to leave on his. they met back up at BYU provo and became business partners. if that sounds familiar to anyone in our family that would be small world story number 3 of people in the cleveland ohio mission who know of the Toolson name!!! I will also try to remember his name next week!

We have been working on working well with eachother and it is coming along beautifully. We had a lesson with a less active gentleman who hasn't had contact with the church in years. We stopped by many times and we never caught anyone home until last week which I think I mentioned in last weeks letter. We met with him and we/spirit NAILED IT!!!! he isn't coming to church quite yet but man we worked like the ice climber twins on Super smash bros! knowing what the other was saying , going to say, the point getting across and had the same mind set. It didn't just come, but we knew what the goal was and prayed REAL hard and we had a great lesson with this man. we have another appointment this Wednesday and are STOKED!! we are thinking about the restoration for this lesson but we will continue and see where the lord takes us on this one! :) his thought are not our thoughts :)
 

One elder I live with who is from Middleton Idaho I think, he and I had a spiritual talk this morning. I know that I have had the experiences in my life so that I can use them to relate, uplift and edify not only those I teach or those I serve, but those I serve with. I was able to relate my high school experience about being TJ's, Tucker's, and Ty's brother and being referred to as Trey seldom but that experience i had helped me find, and see things positively. I learned that being referred to by your brothers name means that they recognize that we love each other, care for each other, and will stand up for each other just as the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does. we have one purpose and one goal. we have love, peace and comfort in our Savior and want all the world to join us. I know that these things are true. and the world can deny it, apostles may fall into apostasy, but my faith will not be moved, will not be changed. I am set in/on the rock of my redeemer and will stand strong for I know it is true.

Stay the course, fight the fight, and keep the Faith!!
 
Love, and lot's of it,
Elder Toolson3

Goodbye Parma!

 

 

Gonna Miss You Parma Heights!

YEP...it snowed about 3 or 4 inches of snow last night.... although I am getting transferred to a new area tomorrow, which means Elder Jarvis is stickin' around biking in the snow!! I felt bad for him.... WHILE I LAUGHED!!!!!!   Now he and I are even because I got splashed by a car last night as we were biking and he laughed at me, so I'd say we're good :) He stays...I GO!

This week has been amazing!! We decided that we should stop by one of our less-actives we had on our map and records which was out in the BOONIES of our area. we had to cut through the community college campus to get there on time. we got there and took for ever to find the house because we couldn't see the numbers and tried the guess and check method. we found them 1st try!! She looked surprised to see us as we introduced ourselves and offered service. she said something along the lines of, "Hi, how did you know to stop by?" Elder Jarvis and I looked at each other and said, "We saw your name and didn't recognize it, so we just wanted to stop by." She went on to tell us about how she moved from California (Monterey area) and she had no idea where the church building was. She saw us a few days before and tried to yell us down but we were too far away. She wanted to talk and meet with us and get back into the church! It is amazing how the Lord works through us, his broken vessels and somehow he channels his perfect gospel through us and accomplish his will for those wanting!! Such a rewarding find, so worth the extra effort because they are awesome!! This family is young, they have 3 girls the oldest being 7 and she is STOKED to be baptized at 8! Something funny though was that the mom, in conversation, brought up Sisters and if there were any in the area because she liked Sisters more than Elders. There isn't so we told her that we could test run "Elders" and see how the girls react and see if they still want sisters we'd try to work a miracle. We played this one game that is an AWESOME visual for how the spirit works and the girls were going crazy!! They were hysterical trying to find the "Still Small Voice" and loving every second of it!!! Needless to say, they love us ; -) Elders and all our Cooties! We had another lesson with them about the Book of Mormon and bore testimony of it's power and truthfulness. They came to church and her husband is not a member and their nephew came also who isn't a member either!! Elders answered the call... IT WAS SO AWESOME!!

The Lord, Savior, and Redeemer loves you with all that he has. and what does he have exactly? His children...us! Worlds without end, power to create, love, enlighten, uplift, change, and forgive. I know that this 2 year mission is nothing less then a 2 year change in me. I look forward to the changes I will make in who I am as the Lord sees fit. I love this gospel. I love my Savior, the lamb of god, who not only died for me but LIVED for me. He will love us for as long as He will live. I love my testimony because I get to regain it everyday!!

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith.

Love,

Elder Toolson III

 

Elder TREYS LETTER

Helloooo Friends & Fam!
Another week in the books another week to look forward too!! This next transfer my zone leader Elder Burch will be going home. we don't like to talk about it. His trunky papers came (travel plans) and I wanted to hide them from him!! He has been a great example to me in how to stay focused and serve with everything! He still wants to tract, teach, find, serve and love these people! THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO BE!!

 

This week was so good! We have been setting appointments and been running around like crazy! Elder Jarvis saw me get frustrated for the first time.... he laughed HAHAHA it's funny now but at the time I was TICKED!  Anyway...
 

We had a trunk or treat part at our church this week and it was PACKED!! We had people eating out in the hall way because there wasn't enough room!! Good that there were that many people...but bad because .... they were in the hallway! So me and Elder Jarvis brought another table in and somehow managed to find room. We were also the chili tasters for the chili cook-off competition. Best..... job..... ever!!!!!! Elder's Meza and Burch were the pie judges! it was awesome!! the other 3 elders got shafted!! Trick or Treat!
 

Any funny stories this week? Oh Ya.... ELDER JARVIS RAN INTO A FIRE HYDRANT!! HAHAHAHAHA it was hilarious!! He's fine.. a little muddy but fine! His brakes are GONE... LITERALLY so there was no stopping it!!! He was trying to slow down on the grass while he was doing "the serpentine" and just NAILED IT!! flipped over the handle bars and everything! I swear Elder Jarvis has ridden bulls that didn't buck that hard!! Oh man what I guy! We have had some great times!! I've been learning so much about myself and others! I love the love I feel  out here!!

I got an email from my stud of a brother Ty and I'd like to quote him, "I kinda think of angels and missionaries as SWAT Teams. The missionaries walk up to the door lure the enemy real nice and close and then right when that door opens the angels just bust the door down check to make sure the spirit is there and then they just let you boys come in with AR15's blazing "piercing the hearts" of your investigators... I truly believe you are in the worlds largest religious army. you've all been divided to your separate areas now CONQUER!"

I could not have said it better!! Alright chumps, le's do this!!

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith

Love from yo boi :)

Elder Trey Toolson

Trey's Sunny adventures in Parma Heights, OH

I went to downtown Cleveland a few weeks ago to see if I could get a souvenir and I saw a shirt... "Welcome to Sunny Cleveland" .... needless to say, I was thoroughly disgusted. That's not a knock off of anywhere dear.... AND to add insult to injury, we got snow, Lake Effect temperatures are REAL people!!!
 

So on to the real world, which is the mission ;) This mission has been changing me and helping me become more like who I  was in the pre-mortal life before this and better yet who I need to become in the future. My companion is an awesome missionary and an example to me in many ways. Being a good companionship is tough and even more important is both of us becoming great missionaries together. It is hard, rough, tough, difficult, and frustrating, BUT THAT'S THE POINT!!!!! This is such an AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!  Elder Jarvis hates sitting still, always is looking to better himself, and hates talking about his feelings. all things remind me of DAD in his early years! He is always planning things down to the T and hates when something doesn't go according to plan. He was a guide in the rocky mountains of Alberta Canada and northern Brittish Columbia in the yukon territories for bear, deer, moose, caribou, geese, stone sheep, mountain goats, fishing, etc. (still reminds me of dad. I on the other hand haven't been the best at planning or leading in the way that I usually see a leader. I have always known how to follow a well made plan. Here's my life's experience: Dad tells TJ and Tucker, then they tell me and Ty. We were the grunt men and we knew how to follow the lead of good leaders and get it done. With Elder Jarvis' and my combination we have been able to strengthen each others weaknesses. I know that the Lord inspired President Vellinga who knew to pair us together and where we need to be.  He is always GO GO GO and I help him calm down, see the picture and just find JOY as we do important little things!! We REALLY CONNECT IN THESE WAYS: Elder Jarvis said he wants to blow up all video games...DAD! He Loves UFC...TJ! Played football as a middle linebacker...Tucker! He's hilarious... TY! This has been and will continue to be an amazing experience.

 

I have felt the Saviors love for others and I get to represent Him as I help and serve them, and in turn I feel His love for me. I know that this gospel and church is the church that god has restored through a prophet. it's not true for me, it's not true for anyone SPECIFICALLY, because it is just true PERIOD!!! THIS IS IT PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

Weather changes here have really only changed one thing... now, I REALLY don't want to run. Running is TERRIBLE!!!! but I need to. Elder Jarvis and I were running this morning and on our way back up the long, slow, steep accent on satan's hill number 2 (the reason why I don't like running) I heard and saw Elder Jarvis scream like a 12 year old boy as he struggles through puberty and leap over something in a manor that reminded me of a gazelle. Turns our there were 3 baby racoons and one hissed at him like the racoon on "Elf"!! it was HILARIOUS!!! I was too out of breath to really laugh then,  but now that I have regained full capacity, Ha ha, soooo funny. LOL!! It made running today worthwhile!

As we have been biking and the temperature has been dropping fast, we have gone from short sleeve shirts to 4 layers in a matter of 6 or so days. and regrettably..... I have had to resort to wearing the ear warmers! A brother who is coming back to activity made fun of them and immediately asked if my mom got them for me. My reply was in the affirmative and then he said, "You gotta promise me that you will wear everything that your mothers send you! They do it because they love you!" What a guy!! Meeting with him is a blast! We have been running around meeting with a ton of Less-Actives (LA's) and have made that our main focus for right now! We have 350ish families in our Stake and only 32% are active...... my compaion and I are determined to change that as much as the Lord wills us by the  time we leave. In doing so we have almost crashed 6 times.... it's become a regular occurrence.

 

Anyway, this week was so sad and exciting! Sad because our investigator Paula is moving to Idaho Falls!! She is engaged to Blaine Pack and he is baptizing her there pretty sure. She is awesome and  I'm really going to miss her but I get to visit her when I'm back at school in Idaho!! Exciting because... I am happy to announce that I have gained 20 pounds and am holding steady at 170 lbs. this is a huge accomplishment. don't worry it's healthy :) I'm not fat.... yet!!!

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith!

Love Ya! 

Elder Trey Toolson

 

 

 

 

Trey's weekly from Parma Heights

 

Hello my people! How's life? That's Good.... I hope!! Well it should be good cause it's all so GOOD! 

Study the Good Word of Christ and you will see and Know for yourself!

Anyway this week was great!! We Got a hold of a less-active man in our ward and he has had a change of heart and is really wanting to get back into church! I was wondering about him. He once said he was going to "SUE us if we ever stopped by again" but obviously we kept stopping by! :)  Ha ha... I mean come on, we are missionaries! The week before last he came to the 1st hour of church, this week he stayed for the 1st AND and 2nd and next week he committed to come to the whole 3 hours!! Then there was another less active who, with his son came to church who then they picked up a different lass active on their way to church!! Then ANOTHER less active who has been committing then falling through for the past few...ummm... months, FINALLY MADE IT TO CHURCH!!! I WAS SO EXCITED!!!! IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE!!!   Never say never and never give up...exclamation point.

We have been doing a few family nights with the Lowry's. I love this member family... the little girl putting on the armor of God reminds me of Tiara so much :) They have a son that's struggling a little to know things for himself and I am trying to be a good example for him the way Elder Springer was for us Toolson boys! Hopefully the spirit will touch him.

 

Aside from the less active work we have been teaching Joel and his family as well! They are awesome!! Alex is 16 and he is really excited for the youth activities coming up! Kelly is doing awesome and has read the introduction to the Book of Mormon!! WHAT!? SO COOL!! I know that they can feel the spirit working in their lives more and more as they do these things the lord is asking them to do!! We also met with a woman named Julie. Julie's mom just recently passed away form cancer and she has felt so alone through this whole thing. I told her about toby and grandma. the spirit was so strong in that room as we discussed about eternal life and forever families. It is incredible how much love you feel for someone when you are mourning with them, and comforting them. I know that our message about the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ can and will help because I have felt it in my life! I love my trials! I love my pains! not because of how I feel during them, but becasue of how  am able to turn to the Lord and now feel as I use those experiences to strengthen others!

This week is short but it ws incredible!! I love these people that I am blessed to be working with! And these people I am working for! I know that this church is true!! It is the church of the living God! I say these things as a representative of Jesus Christ!

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the faith!

Love You,

Elder Trey Toolson III

 

PS... We met with Paula's sister but our boundaries changed and she is in the other elders area now but same ward! Demra is her name and she said that I was the one with an accent... HA!!!! yeah right! she is awesome though! Elder Clement and Shin will do well with her and the family. Elder Clement would definitely be in "my boys" of the mission! He's good to the bone.

Mission Tour with Elder Bowen
I just couldn't stay too serious!

Trey's Conference Report

WOW!

 

Conference was incredible "exclamation point"!! (such a good talk) ex-BYU QB was my man! So many great talks really. A new Elder who isn't used to the missionary regimen was out cold on his companion's shoulder and his comp had no idea what to do!! It was so funny! I tried offering him some paper to take notes so he could get more out of general conference or as much as I was getting... but he'd fall asleep again. This was his first Sunday in the field, so we still got time to reform him :) So guess what I had for breakfast on Conference morning?!? A breakfast sandwich (egg, ham, cheese on bagel) which was nice... but it wasn't quite sausage-bake, french toast custard and cinnamon crumb cake with a gallon of quickness chocolate milk that was hand shaken.

I GOT TO PLAY THE PIANO!!! not for any special occasion but I got to just play for just a few minutes but those minutes were sweet! I had a wonderful time sitting and playing and listening to the other elders. We have ANOTHER set of missionaries in our ward. 4 SETS!!! HOLY COW!

The work has been picking up and Elder Jarvis and I are ready to run with this! We are re-doing how we do things and are doing our best to leave it better how we found it! Just like how I've always been taught! Our schedule is getting more and more packed but I wouldn't want it any other way!! Elder Jarvis and I have really been hitting it off and we are starting to come to the realization that our time as companions is slowly winding down. NOOO!!! but I have learned a ton from him and I hope he has learned as much from me as I have from him! We still have 6 weeks!!! LEZ DO WORK!!

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith!

Love
Elder Toolson

Trey - Quick Step in Parma!

 

 We have really been stepping it up this week!! We found 3 more investigators! We are doing our best to do all the Lord needs us to!! We made a goal to teach 20 lessons this week!! good things are coming!! WE CAN FEEL IT!! Because they have been, so let's KEEP it coming! :)
 

So... I keep talking about Paula. Well she also has a sister who has never wanted much to do with the church. On our way from a lesson we Missed our turn even though I was watching it come & go the whole time... which was a little weird, I was thinking, "We'll just go up the next street and turn there." My comp and i realize that there is a hill that we go up and because of the missed turn, we get to go up more of the hill, but then we both thought and felt that there is a purpose for this. as we ride by this family sitting on the porch one lady screams out, "Do you guys know Paula?!" I hit the brakes and sked if they were asking about the Paula we knew. she said, "Yeah ... I'm her sister.  I recognized you guys from facebook!" (WWHHAATTTTTT!!????) After talking a bit she asked if we could go over the next day... We left being so grateful for guidance of the Holy Ghost and thinking WOW, This is the sister that wanted nothing to do with the church!?!? Paula is helping her family come to the realization that there is more to this life then previously thought and that this church is it, the truth and there is joy in it! IT WAS SO AMAZING!!

   As you can see in the pictures with the bikes, there was more

bike trouble this week.

Actually almost every week... ha ha ha! 



We decided God is telling me that I need to open a bike shop.  :)

I know that this is where I need to be and I am loving it!! GO OHIO!
 

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith.

Much Love,

Elder Toolson III

18th Letter: Share the Gospel Neighbor!

FHE at the Cargills

 

 

 
Hello My Dear Family and Friends Out There!

 

SO...This week was really good!! We have had great food and fun family nights but, We found 2 new investigators!! Our recent convert Rod has been stepping it up!! he has been talking with his neighbor about the gospel and the NEIGHBOR asked if he could sit in on our lessons!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SO PUMPED!!!! He has been preparing for such a long time. This is huge!! We are so excited!! His name is Ryan, he has been divorced and remarried, but has used drugs & alcohol and has been doing his best to get those things out of his life!! One side of his family is NOT religious at all and he sees the contrast and knows that the Lord blesses lives and wants to see what we teach!

 

The other investigator is a little different. He claims to have been baptized as a Mormon but it was "behind closed doors" and took place in a evangelical church..... and the church has "shunned" him. This is obviously something that was weighing on my mind, and I was thinking that I have been preparing for my mission these past 19 years, there are important parts missing here and we will find them as we pick up the pieces. So we need to take a very different approach with Stan but we are definitely seeing some potential for something great! 

 

I know that the Lord is in this.... not just his hand. This is His work and His glory, would you then say after hearing that statement that just his HAND is in it? THIS IS HIS EVERYTHING! I was struck with the power that comes with my job and His! This was the purpose for creating the earth, for this plan he has made, for us to become like him!!

 

We also had stake conference this week SO GOOD!! They were talking about how there are some of our siblings (children of god) who weren't getting home taught. The first thing that came to my mind, NO EMPTY CHAIRS!!! I WANT MY WHOLE FAMILY TO BE THERE WHEN I DIE!!! When we are all sitting at the giant dinner table in heaven, and we see that your brother didn't make it because he was never taught. ... indeed that would be devastating!!

 

NO_EMPTY_CHAIRS!!!

This week is short but I gotta go!! Love you

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith!

Love,
Elder Toolson III

 

 

Letter 17: Da'gum Good!

Photos:  Throwback to June of time spent with Paula, the amazing one that bore her testimony at the Mission Pres. Fireside in last weeks letter? She's Awesome!!
I Love serving so close to Kirtland!

 

This week was da'gum good! We had chicken and waffles for the first time!!
 

 It was actually AMAZING!! it was so good! I was weirded out by the thought of putting fried chicken on waffles but it was AWESOME! We had this dinner with a part member family and the husband is the non-member. He said that he has been investigating for 19 YEARS and says he hasn't been baptized because he is "pushing for equality" until women can hold the priesthood. his daughters and wife who are SOLID members have explained it SO MANY TIMES but he wont get it. so we are going to do like Elder Holland does, "get in their face a little, like a good coach, just enough fire to singe the eye-brows." but do it with the spirit and all will go well. I'm looking forward to this lesson!! :)

We have been trying to get a hold of this investigator Ronny for the past 3 weeks and we FINALLY got a hold of him again! we stopped by and he was just chilling at home but couldn't hear the knock for some reason. we went in and he has an old, out of tune, piano. he had to run to the back for a little so we were sitting in the living room on the couch. I wanted to play the piano last time we were there but I didn't want to intrude and he came out and remembered that I played the piano (use of term is very loose) and said he wanted to hear sometime, so this time I JUMPED on that!!! I started playing and he came in so much quieter and was feeling the spirit. it was awesome! that lesson went better then the others because we had the spirit there. He did not smoke during the lesson, and he was asking questions that PERTAINED TO THE LESSON!!!! OH HOW SWEET THE SPIRIT IS!!! He said he really wanted to come to church but he needed a ride. We got him one but he wasn't there. Ughhh... he is getting so close!! COME TO CHURCH!!

We met with a few less-actives again this week. One brother we saw while we were service tracting (we go out in service clothes JUST offer service, BRILLIANT!! Elder Jarvis' idea) was smoking a rather large cigarette and tried to hide it when we biked over too him. All we said was, Hey! How's it going? and he says, "you got me!" as he holds up the smoking stick of death (cigarette). He went on to say that he was at an AA meeting and one lady said that the "higher power is drunk people." and that ticked him off... so in order too cool down and relax he gets a cigarette... ? so Elder Jarvis said, you got mad because you love God right? and God loves you right? Would God want you to show your love for him through smoking? The brother said "No, he wouldn't!" and he threw it down the sewer!! We offered any help we could and told him we love him. He lit up and said that he felt a lot better. We met with him later that day too for added support. Great learning opportunities for all of us!

I love being a missionary. I really do. It is hard, it is FREAKIN hard, but it is the only thing that I would want to be doing at this point in life! I know this is the work of the Lord. Moses 1:39 "this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the eternal life and immortality of man." that is my calling... to bring these people in the Cleveland Ohio mission and for the next few months Parma Ohio in specific. I have been preparing for my whole life for this purpose. I know this is true. I have so much fun and so much joy and this is because of the sorrows and pains we also must feel. Salvation is going to cost all of us something. This is amazing what the Lord is doing. I love this gospel because I live it, I live this gospel because I love it!! unitl next week!! :D

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith!
 

Love,

Elder Trey3 Toolson

 

 

 

Elder Toolson is just Wearing out his Companion!!!

Letter 16: Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Small, Mad World!

First off I want to talk about how small the world of "Mormonism" is... while I was at our mission president's fireside last night I was going around mingling and I introduced my self this gentleman and says, "Toolson, do you have any relation to..." at this point I'm thinking, "He's going to ask about Andy Toolson like the rest of the nation" but then he finishes his question with,"...James Richard Toolson?" I respond saying Yes, I am related to him! He is my Grandfather! He smiles and say's, "He was my mission president in Trinidad, Tobago. I was one of the AP's when he went home." Issac Eddington!!!!! We talked about how grandma would give lessons on dinner table eticate and that grandpa was a super stud!! Of course I expected nothing less, this is Grandpa Dick and Grandma Weezy we're talking about here!!! Oh how I love them. It was so funny, mad crazy and AWESOME to run into him!!

Staying on the topic of the mission president's fireside, Paula our not investigator/investigator bore her testimony at a mission President fireside last night and brought all to tears!! She says she hates crying when she bares her testimony but then she remembers that that's what Elder Toolson does!! So she doesn't feel bad anymore :) haha she has grown and learned so much!! I had a miniscule part in it . . . I have witnessed miracles in her life and in mine in doing so.

It hit me this week just how hard it will be to leave when I was at a training meeting with me and my boy (missionary term for the Elder I'm training). President was talking to us about what kind of missionary we want to be when we get home. He said that he has a missionary say a kneeling prayer right after they take off their name tag and are released. When those words escaped his lips my heart sank. I just told myself, "You still have time, you are still a missionary, SERVE the people you are called to and you will be the missionary you will become the missionary He needs you to be." THE NAME OF MY SAVIOR IS STILL ON MY CHEST!!!! I WILL GIVE MY ALL, BECAUSE HE GAVE ME HIS!! I love this mission, I love my investigator, I love those that I teach, I truly love as the savior loves. I have to potential to see and feel as the lord sees and feels especially while serving his sons and daughters, my family. This is the best experience and there is none other that could replace it. I am witnessing myself become the man that God needs me to be in order to accomplish his purposes, and I LOVE IT!!!! But the best part is, that you are realizing that too. The fact that you are feeling his hand in your life is testimony that He lives, that He loves you, and that you have a purpose in life! ISN'T THAT AMAZING!!?!?! I love it so much!! haha I'm such a weird kid but I guess that's okay... right? :)

Funny story: Elder Jarvis and I were biking to a less active Sister Toothman, she's awesome! While on our merry way, we encounter another "sketchy dude". He tore through some shrubbery and walked toward us at a VERY quick pace yelling at us while we are 7 feet away, "I AM THE FIRE!! I AM THE SPIRIT!! YOU WANT TO PRAY TO JESUS!? YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PRAY TO THE RIGHT JESUS!!" as he is waving cash in our faces. the guy then BOOKS IT to the other side of the street without looking almost get's demolished by a car, "yellow ones don't stop" then proceeds to run into the parking lot of rite aid by charging through a rather large hedge even though there was a perfectly good walk-way about 17 inches to the right of "the bush" as we call it. Then immediately after that, Elder Jarvis snaps his head at me and says, "did a bird just poop on me?" and sure enough there was a fresh one on there!!! a bird on the telephone wires just chillin'!!! It was hilarious!! So Random and freaky chaos happening for about 2 mins...ending in just laughter!

Sorry this is so long... but I have one short stroy from yesterday (Sunday) so we were asked to teach the 12 year-old's to 15 year-old's about commandments. These kids are NOTABLE for being the most annoying, frustrating, rowdy and distracting kids ever. So we were optimistic about our lesson because they also respect missionaries on top of all of this. So the lesson begins and ipods and phones are out.... that's 1. Elder Jarvis and I ask them to be put them away. they go away and then somehow end up back in their hands..... that's 2. They took everything we said and took it way off topic and expected us to be okay with it......... THAT'S 3!!!! The teacher we were subbing for had 2 kids in that class and she and I have gotten pretty close. I know she has talked with these kids before about this exact thing. Soooo I didn't hold back. I did my best to be guided by the spirit as I rebuked these kids. It was pretty heavy. I made one of them cry. I feel bad about that, but some of the times I learned the most was when I was rebuked in Sunday School. So I get to check that one off the list! freakin' Deacons.

Yep, so that's the week :) it was AWESOME!! I really loved every minute of it!!

Fight the fight, stay the course, and keep the Faith!!
Love,

Elder Trey Toolson

 

 

Letter 15: I Labor in OH, and I Glory in it!

 

Hello to My Fam and Friends!

This week was incredible!! Oh the spirit was so strong in multiple ways  on so many occasions. We went to a less actives home and as we were riding up it felt like we were arriving at a pivotal time. We walked in and sat down and there was severe sorrow and frustration in the air. I looked at the youngest son and he was red in and around the eyes from tears. Jeramiah was sitting in a chair in his football pants, and Jennifer was on her way out the door saying that she's running a way.... sound familiar?  We apologized for coming at a bad time and the father said, "you probably came at the best time." Those words were music to my ears. I could cry... which I eventually ended up doing. we talked and elder Jarvis and I related some stories from our childhood. how we had to sit in a corner and "hug it out" by doing just that. I remember sitting with TJ and Ty and tucker all on seperate occasions and sitting there with our arms around each other for 20 minutes until we loved each other again. that got us ready for the lesson which was on listening to the spirit by paying attention to the "still small voice" by playing the broom sniffing game. Elder Jarvis being a seasoned hunter could smell which section of the broom someone had touched after leaving the room. they were awestruck by his abilities!! HAHA It  was so FUN! We needed to be there and it felt GOOD!

Sacrament meeting was incredible!! Sister Anderson bore her testimony which was incredible! I love her and her family!! There was a gap in the line for baring testimony and I felt like I should go up there. So I jumped up and bore testimony of "Why would I ever leave San Diego for Cleveland Ohio?" simple. The gospel is true. I want to share it. I love these people. nothing more, nothing less. It felt good to testify!  Rod blessed the sacrament for the first time and Brother Holt came for the first time in years and Brother Light brought his son Joshua. I was so happy for them and they could feel the Lord's love as they entered. You could see it work in them.

I need to tell you about Paula!!! she is an investigator but not really. She is a dry mormon and is waiting until she moves to.... IDAHO FALLS to get baptized!! We could totally hangout and go to B-Dubs (buffalo wild wings)! Her fiance's dad is performing the ordinance! We had a lesson about families being sealed together. it was one of the best lessons that I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. we went to an AWESOME members home and had the lesson there. The spirit was so strong. and to say the least. we cried... it wasn't just me :) We were both, she and I in tears and so was sister Anderson. Brother Anderson is a UFC trainer and elder Jarvis is a cowboy from Alberta Canada so they don't show that emotion, ever... but I know they felt it!! it was such a good lesson. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! and sacrament meeting was incredible!!
 

I know this is the work of the Lord. I know that I am where I need to be in the time I need to be here. This is the Lords work and glory and I glory in it! (sorry Tucker, I stole your line today!)

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith!

Love always,

Elder Trey Toolson

 

 

Elder Trey Toolson, Jenni Cargill and Elder Jarvis

Thanks to Jenni for sending us the first photo of Trey and his son :)

He's excited to be training!!! Catch the Wave! 

Thanks for the yummy food Sister Cargill!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter 14: ME AND MY BOY! :)

This week was full with some of the most incredibly spiritual and the most incredibly frustrating week I've had thus far!!

Starts off with Elder Houser and I having to say goodbye after him training me for 2 transfers. we had really gotten close the last 2 weeks and it was rough. but then I saw .... ELDER STUCKI!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so good seeing him again!! it turns out we are both training!! he will do amazing things throughout his mission. then as we are going into the room where we meet the new kids coming in, i felt a hand on my shoulder i turn around and it's PRESIDENT PAGE AND HIS FAMILY!!!! WHAT!?!?  it was so nice seeing familiar faces from home.. a little weird bit still so awesome!! then me and Elder Stucki are sitting in the room and all of the new missionaries come in and sit down. they all have pictures of their trainers but we have no idea of who we are getting. when president tells them to find their trainer, I knew exactly who I was getting. When he came in he just stood out and it felt familiar. Elder Jarvis is from Alberta Canada and he was a hunting guide for his dads company "3 River Adventures". name something... he's hunted it. It is SO COOL!! after he came in we have been running into all of these people that "coincidentally" are huge hunters too!! These people have been waiting for him to come!

Now we can get into the week. It was awesome having this new energy come in with Elder Jarvis!! So we are working out tails off and wearing down the pavement. We have been tracting and contacting like it's our JOB... because it is!! Elder Jarvis reminds me of my dad. hates sitting still, and is always doing something. I'm more of a chill guy and he is a GET IT DONE guy, so we balance extremely well!! FINALLY WE ARE GETTING WORK DONE!! We got a referral from a member out of our ward boundaries saying that this family would like a home blessing. we tried and failed a few time to get a hold of them at a good time but after a few days we were able to go over and meet the Cox family. they are AWESOME!! Of course... HUGE HUNTERS!! The daughter who is 14 has already shot 3 dear!!! One with a 12 gauge slug, one with a rifle and the last one... A CROSS BOW!!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!? That is so cool!! So me and the mom and the daughter were talking while Elder Jarvis was going OFF with the dad about hunting. We knelt and blessed the home. The spirit was so strong during that blessing. after words we stayed and talked for a while and then headed out. as we were leaving they said that they have an open door policy that is now officially extended to us!! YES!! They are awesome and have such an amazing desire to find what it is that makes "you guys so different". I think we can help with that... :)

The next day we went to help someone move and these guys had no idea how to pack a truck.... none. there were 2 members and both are well over 55 years old and we are moving a single man who has mental problems. so we helped them pack up and after a few frustrating hours when we thought we were done they said, "So just follow us over the his apartment and unload it." ..... Okay. so we go and are unloading and all of these old ladies are complaining because we are using the elevator... OF COURSE WE ARE USING THE ELEVATOR!!!! THE GUY LIVES ON THE 7TH FLOOR!!!! I was frustrated to say the least. so we just took all of the stuff up the elevator first then take it to the room then the guy who's stuff all this crap is tells us that him and the other 2 will be back in 15 minutes... so we threw everything into his room and bailed... after taking some candy bars of course. I was upset but the Twix and Snickers made me feel better :)

There were other experiences but I gotta run and this is long.... sorry. "Anyway have a good one." (despicable me)

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the faith

Love Elder Trey Toolson

 

 

Pres Drew Page's email to us :)

I checked up on Elder Toolson today.  He is doing great!  His mission president and the AP's speak very highly of him.  We saw him just before he picked up his new elder to train.  Very fun to see him.   Obviously, a great missionary.

 

It was fun to see him!  We asked him if he wanted us to pass along anything to you guys.  He thought for a minute and said "no," I said it all in my email.  :-).  He is clearly focused on the work.  I told him that he was about to start what might be the most important thing he will do in the mission field (training).  He seemed excited.

 

We also talked to an older couple set of missionaries (the Black's from Mississippi).  I told them we were from Elder Toolson's stake.  Sister black shared that she went to a zone conference after Trey's first week or two.  He did a role play of teaching the Plan of Salvation.  He did such a good job that Sister Black cried When she found out he'd only been out a week or two, she cried again.

 

We accompanied the new missionaries through the Temple and Whitney store today.  What a great place to serve a mission!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look who Vaccationed into Treybien!

President Page and Family!! Awwww, So Sweet!

I think they are pretty LUCKY to be hugging on that Elder right now :)

 

PS... Those Other cartoon Photos sent w/this weeks letter, were taken with Elder Toolson's new camera, finally. Yay! We will now get photos from him more frequently I hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

13th Letter: Go Elder Ty Toolson!

Ty, in your farewell you said you have been a missionary since you were 12. I want you to know that you have been a missionary all of your life, you are just realizing and seeing it now more prevalently. A missionary invites other to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. you have done all of these things ever since I can remember. I know you have done these things, because you have done them unto me! You have been my missionary, my friend and my brother. When I listened to your talk I could feel your love the the people in Honduras. Amazing, you already love them! That is the mark of a missionary that is prepared to serve with every part of yourself. you make me want to be better and you have been that way your whole life. I love you Elder T4. I love you my brother. you're going to kill it!!

 

Tiara, you have been called to lead because you lead naturally. people want to follow you and want to be with you because they feel loved and happy when they are with you. I witnessed it time and time again. I know that you will do an amazing job Tiara!! If you ever need anything T, turn to those that love you. You do remember who loves you? :) RIGHT!?! ME!!!! I want you to know Tiara that I love you with all of my heart. You are one of the greatest blessing that I count everyday. I love you.

 

So you know that one week when I broke all of the bikes. I kept thinking, of that scripture that is in Alma that talks about how the sons of Mosiah had endured they're afflictions with patience. Their afflictions weren't, "Aw man my bike got a flat, Oh not a big problem, I can fix it..." their afflictions were, "So you want to kill me? How about I serve you? maybe until the day i die." So you just threw me in prison and left me there malnourished and bound with strong chords for most likely months on end, how about I teach you how God loves you and I serve you?" You know what... I HAVE BEEN A PANSY!!!!! So I decided to "buck up" and just deal with the fact that I have used, broken bikes that aren't easy to fix. After afflictions there are blessings though right? YES!!! WE FOUND AN INVESTIGATOR!!!!!! His name is Ronny!! He has 3 daughters and the oldest is about 8 I think. He wants to understand who Christ was along with his daughters. we are so excited for this opportunity and thank our Father in Heaven for it.

 

Also, My trainer, Elder Houser is being transferred and has been called to be a zone leader. It has been a sad week but an amazing one as well. He and I just really clicked this last week and we have truly come to love each other for who we each are individually. I have learned so much from him and he has learned from me. We had dinner with a family, the Andersons, the guy who gave a talk last week that loves UFC, we were leaving a short message with them and were saying our goodbyes with Elder Houser. The Spirit was so strong as we were with them in their home. They told us something that almost brought me to tears. they said, "All missionaries are great, but you two, are such a great team, a dynamic duo." Then they also let us know that if we ever visit that we should feel free to stay with them during our visit. sister anderson reminds me of my Mother :) Whenever you leave you feel more loved, uplifted and positive. Sister Anderson is another one of my mission moms for Parma.

So going along with how Elder Houser leaving that means I will get a new companion. President Vellinga has asked me to be a trainer. I am so excited for this opportunity and nervous at the same time. more excited but still. Actually I don't know if it's nervousness or just hoping that I raise him right, which I guess could be considered nervous.

 

I know that this is the work of god. I feel so often the help of angels. pushing me forward when I feel I can't go on, lifting me up when I want to collapse, and filling my heart, mind and mouth with the things I need to say, feel and do. I know these things to be true. I know This church is gods only true church on the earth today with his authority and power.

 

Fight the fight, stay the course, and keep the Faith

Love,
Elder Trey Toolson

 

 

12th Letter: Spirit Sunday

Hello Family and Friends, 

This week was incredible!!! we went on exchanges and I learned so much from Elder Biddulph!!! but as we were talking about life and what not, he asked, "do you know Emily Huntsman at Byu-Idaho?" AND I DO!! It was crazy figuring out that we have a friend in common!!! Biddulph is a stud and super chill!!! We went tracting and we found this lady Amanda who seemed interested and amazed at the fact that we spend 2 years away from home doing this and wants to know why we are so dedicated. I said that it's because of the Book of Mormon, the bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ. She said she wants to learn more. the thing is, a lot of people say stuff, so we'll check back with her. then after the exchange me and Elder Houser were riding along and this guy asked if we did bible studies. we answered in the affirmative and he got so excited and wants us to teach his family of 3 daughters and girl friend.... we'll deal with that later but THIS WEEK HAS BEEN AWESOME!!! While we were riding home from our discussion with Ron (the guy mentioned above) Elder Houser reminded me that I have never ridden a bike without hands.... so I did it!!! I was so stoked!! Elder Houser was so proud of me and he wrote it in his journal! ha ha

Do you remember the investigator Victoria? (If so awesome if not, bummer. :) anyway, Victoria has been falmming our appointments (not showing up) and not responding to anything we send or our calls. we really don't want to but it might come down to dropping her as an investigator. we have been struggling to avoid it but. this is hard. we know she feels it, she just wont!!! it's o frustrating!

Alright, now down to the best part of the ENTIRE WEEK!!! maybe even the entire time I've been in the field!! SUNDAY!!!!!!!! this Sunday, yesterday, was incredible!! This 12 year old YM named Griffin gave his first talk EVER on faith in sacrament meeting and it was awesome!  love that kid and his family is awesome! Then Brother Anderson gave a talk on the atonement. Brother Anderson loves UFC, wrestling, football, basketball, and is the "coolest" guy ever! Needless to say... He's a stud! :) Then these twin girls Morgan and Kendall and another girl Emily sang a BEAUTIFUL song. then Bishop Pylick got up with tears and bore his testimony about the spirit that was there in such strength... it was beautiful. The entire meeting was almost like being in the temple. Then brother Orr gave a talk and that was an amazing talk. He is a flight instructor so he made a lot of plane analogies, so it was like Pres. Uchtdorf :) then 2nd hour me and Elder Houser taught the gospel principles class on agency. Again the spirit was there so strong and there were 2 or 3 investigators there. I also taught and testified, ended up crying by the end of it. I was trying so hard but, that's one of the ways the spirit manifests himself through me. 

 

I know that Jesus Christ didn't have to suffer, he didn't have to die, and he didn't have to love me. He chose it. His love for us is incomprehensible and I know that to be true. Our father in heaven gave us the option to chose what we want, and in doing so, he risks loosing us. When I am teaching someone and I know they have felt the spirit testify of this gospel, and then choose against it, I hurt. I am so sad for them and want to plea for them to just accept what they know is true. But, it is their choice. I am coming to know of my Saviors love so much more here then I could have ever known. I know this to be true!

Fight the fight, stay the course, keep the Faith!

Love from Cleveland, OH

Elder Trey Toolson