Letter Week of 4/6/10 - Transfer to Star, ID

So the time has come finally for Elder Hopkins to be transferred. "Where will he be going!?" I'm sure is the question on many of your lips. Well the answer is finally here! I am going to be going to the City of Star, Idaho. Now, please, don't get too excited as Star is less than 1 square mile total and has a population just over twice the size of the graduating class of 2008 from Wakefield High School. I'm not sure as of yet exactly how much area I'll be covering and if I am in charge of surrounding areas as well, but I am excited to be back near Boise and out of Minidoka county and returning to Ada county (where Boise is.) So, although I will be in an even smaller town than Rupert (assuming, of course I live within the city limits) I will have access to civilization, unlike the city I have been in the past 6 months. For example, Elder Henao went to the Wal-Mart here to try and purchase a GPS. They were out of stock of the one he wanted and so we had to wait and save up mile on our car to drive 45 minutes to Twin Falls where they have a Target to get him one. That can be a bit frustrating. Or when you want more ink for your Parker pen and the only office supply store that carries it is...45 minutes away in Twin Falls.

I have had the privilege of meeting very many kind hearted and wonderful families here in Rupert and I feel I would be doing an injustice to even begin to try and thank them individually, for fear that I may pass over someone. This is a special community and will continue to be so in my heart for what I'm sure will be years to come.

I experienced a few adventures this past week, many of which involved cows. Many of you, I'm sure are either intrigued or afraid after that last sentence. I can assure you everything worked out for the good of myself and the cows (So, Dani, if you're reading this, no cows were hurt in the making of these adventures.)First, at dinner on Sunday, the father of the family took us out to see the pigs and cows he owned. I even let a calf suck on my fingers, which, if you've never been able to do is quite a neat thing to do. I was also able to have a very fun outing to the Zollinger Dairy this past weekend. The Zollingers are a fantastic family that live around the Declo area. Their son, Stirland (Please forgive me if I spelled that one wrong, buddy) took me and Elder Henao around their property to show me how a dairy works. It was beyond fascinating. First, we drove to where they actually milk the cows. He showed us how they sanitize the udders and all the fun things that goes into milking a cow. In fact, contrary to what you'd think, the cows love to be milked! They were lined up! Anyway, after a little encouragement, I was coerced into drinking some milk, straight from the cow. It was fantastic, albeit a little warm. But nonetheless it was an experience I enjoyed and would do again in a heartbeat (preferably NOT in a suit next time!) After that, we climbed a tiny ladder to the top of a grain silo and had a commanding view of the surrounding area. It was quite a sight to behold. Then, we went to where the big storage tank is that holds all the milked milk (that sounds funny to say) is and were able to drink from the giant valve that lets it out. Very cool.

--

I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody’s need made me blind;
But I never have yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind.

I love that poem. I always think about how too often, we treat one another with sarcasm and with harsh jokes and comments. I know that I, myself fall victim to that way of speaking all the time and I have a bad habit of playing Devil's advocate and arguing with people just for the sake of arguing. But I know that this helps no one. Sometimes I marvel at the way we, as friends and loved ones, treat one another. Obviously, I do not profess to be any better at accidentally speaking this way in my life, but I realize that it is an issue that I need to work on. I think that these lines have truly helped me see the power in kindness. There is no reason we should try to tear one another down. We're all in this race of life together, so rather than tripping each other, I think we should support one another so we can all get to the finish line and have joy that we succeeded together. I vote we all try to be kinder to one another; what's the worst that could happen?

Thanks to everyone for their continued support, I love you all very much!

- Elder Hops

Letter - 3/16/10

Hello everyone! Yes, I am in fact, alive and well, still in good old Rupert, Idaho! Things have been just great out here, although there hasn't been much change to report, as I am still with Elder Henao and we are still having a blast and doing lots of work. We recently have had the opportunity to do a lot of service work in the mornings for and old couple named the Rasmussens. Brother Rasmussen needed help with yard work, so Elder Henao and I leaped at the opportunity to shed the suits and get into our jeans and t-shirts! So, the first day, we just shoveled and wheelbarrowed (that is now a word) a ton of mulch into his garden. Then, we moved a ton of cut trees he had from a storm this past fall to a GIANT burn pile which I hope I will be around to see incinerated.

Then, we helped him move around his food storage the last few times we were there. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Oh, a couple buckets of wheat..." Wrongo bongo. This guy had SHEDS full of food storage stuff. SHEDS. With an "S." As in multiple. It's beyond incredible. So, we do all this work for him every other day for about 2 hours (10 AM to noon) and then his wife makes the BIGGEST lunch. It's the greatest, because they're both about 70 years old or so and just charming and in love and everything an 70 year old couple is. It's adorable. Anyway, so they make this big lunch, and let me tell you: there is NO better feeling, in my opinion, than eating a burger or sandwich or anything when your hands are covered in dirt after doing a solid few hours of manual labor. EVERYTHING tastes refreshing. When there's a salad, it's amazing. When there's peas and carrots, it's amazing. I love it.

Also, we have had the ability to meet some very great people out here. It always seems that the members of the Church in our area want to make sure we are well taken care of. For example:

Normally, we are fed a meal by a family every night except Tuesday (When we make our own food) But this past Sunday, the people who were supposed to feed us unexpectedly canceled and Elder Henao and I were without food. We normally only keep just enough food around for breakfast and a light lunch, and we didn't really have any food to eat and we didn't want to buy any since it was the Sabbath. So we called up a really great family in our area named the Copelands (Greer = Dad, Kay = Mom, Kris = Son) and asked if they could feed us. Kay said that Greer and Kris had gone to Arizona to see Spring Training for a few days and that she could maybe make us a small something and bring it to us. We suggested we meet at a church building just down the street and we could eat in the kitchen there. We were expecting some sandwiches and Kay.

About 30 minutes later, we arrive at the building and Sister Copeland shows up with her mom, a friend and a TON of food. It was amazing. We had chili, chips and salsa, salads, and cookies and Creamies for dessert. They brought everything, silverware, a tablecloth and even a Diet Coke for me :D It really meant a lot for them to take their time to do that for us and it's humbling to see the good that's in the world. It also made me think of the way Heavenly Father works in our lives. When we ask God for just a simple thing, he often blesses us with more than we are even able to handle. He loves us more than we can ever know and there is no way we can ever repay him for what he does. I think that's why sometimes in life, we feel the best when we do selfless acts of service for others. When we go and help with no expect for reciprocation, we truly get in tune with that love that we so often receive from our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ.

So, my hope is this: don't lose faith in people. Don't give up on humans just because there are a few bad apples. As Gandhi once said "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." I really love that quote. I find that when you put your trust in people, they realize the faith you have in them and respect that 9 times out of ten. I think the hardest part in life is relearning how to trust after that tenth person abuses it.

I love you all, and hope everything back home is going well for each of you. I appreciate the prayers and letters you send my way, as well as the help you give to my parents. I am truly blessed to know the people I do.


Rocking the 208,

Elder Hops

An Inspiring Story - 1/13/2010

Well, everyone, it's been a while since last I posted a real summary of what was going on over in Rupert.

I have a new companion now, and his name is Elder Henau (Hen-now) and he has been out a grand total of 3 months, which makes me senior companion. It's kind of crazy to think that I was his same "age" when I first got into Rupert. He's from Sandy, UT and we get along just fine. Of course, I was sad to see Elder Smith go, the two of us had been through a lot together, coming in to Rupert and gaining member trust and starting the work back up after the last set of Elders had not really been doing what they needed to.

The area has truly grown on me, and although I love the city at heart, I also love being out in the middle of nowhere with people who love to help out and are always asking what they can do to further the work. It will be a sad day when I eventually have to depart from Rupert, but for now, I know I have at least 6 more weeks ahead of me in this area.

In food news, I had a new dish: lengua. Yes, it's cow tongue. Yes, I've had it. twice. It's quite tasty, although sometimes you get a piece where you can see the taste buds :]

I've been trying to think of how to blog better and more often. I have been able to see many miracles in this area, both on a large scale and on a personal scale. I'll share a few over the next few weeks.

Valentine and Quitting Smoking: We have an investigator named Valentine. He comes from one of the most terrible backgrounds I have ever heard, and for his sake, I won't go into detail. Let's just say he had it rough his whole life. Times 100. Anyway, we had always been warned by other Elders in the area not to associate with him and at first we tried not to as best we could. Then one day, he came to our door and asked for money for food. Being missionaries, we are no strangers to a) People assuming we have a lot of money because of our suits and ties (Which we definitely DON'T haha) and b) Less fortunate people asking for money for "food." As he stood at our door, I told him I didn't have money, but that we could help him out in a different way if he would let us come over. He said that would be ok. As he left and I closed the door, I thought about what I had just said. "Why did I say that? Everyone says to stay away from him and I asked to come OVER!?" I thought. I told Elder Smith the appointment I had set and he was equally surprised. But I felt that I had said those things for a reason, so we went over at the scheduled time. Turns out, he was an absolutely golden investigator, with a thorough knowledge of the Bible and an eager want to learn about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. He said there were some changes he had made in his life when he saw us move in two doors down and how nice we were to the people in the grocery store and around town, so he thought he'd come ask us about our church, but got nervous when he knocked and instead asked for money. He was relieved when I suggested we teach him instead. The only problem he said he still had to overcome was smoking. After a few weeks of teaching, he said he was down to 8 a day. Although that was an improvement, I decided I would fast the next day (Tuesday) for Valentine to overcome his problem completely. When we returned home from our lesson that Monday evening, I knelt in prayer and pleaded with Heavenly Father to help Valentine overcome his problem. We didn't see him again until Friday. The next day went by very slowly and it was difficult to fast as Tuesdays are our P-Days...kind of our day off. But at the end of the 24 hour period I had determined not to eat, I was grateful to Heavenly Father for helping me through it and felt comfort in my heart that I had done so. Friday came and we met again with our friend. He said that on Tuesday night, he decided to throw away all his cigarettes and not buy anymore and hadn't smoked since. That was the same evening I ended the fast for him. I know that through my faith and also through Valentine's faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, this miracle came to pass. Since then, he has decided to be baptized and is scheduled to be on the 23rd. I am very thankful to my Father in heaven for the blessings he pours upon us when we approach him in faith and ask in a just cause.

I know that prayers are answered. I know that we can all receive help to any problem, great or small when we come in humility to Christ and accept that we need his help in order to improve our lives.

Thanks as always, to everyone who helps me by sending words of encouragement my way. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful support and know that you are always in my prayers!


Until next time

- Elder Hops

Christmas Ornaments - Thanks Everyone!

Hello!

These are the select pictures I took of all the ornaments everyone sent me. I decided to put them on the tumbleweed tree instead of the paper tree my family sent me. Thanks so much to everyone who sent me ornaments!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic 2010! I know I have been having a spectacular year so far, and hopefully will continue to do so. I'll do a pretty good "catch-up" post next week, but for now, here are some of the ornaments that helped make my Christmas absolutely wonderful!
Thanks again!

Elder Hops

Rupert Thanksgiving! 11/24/09

So, things that happened this week:

We went to the local Mexican place: Aguila con el Taco! (Translates to Eagle with a Taco) and the food there was way good! All the stuff they make is really authentic and delicious. The waiter was very attentive to us (since we were the only ones there) and talked with us for a bit too.

The small window in our bathroom is partially broken out and lets in a LOT of cold air at night (when it gets down to around 15) and we were getting fed up with a cold bathroom and apartment every morning. So, we did what any intelligent pair of young men would do. We duct taped the window over. But, that was a bit unsightly, and now, we had no view of outside (when the curtains were opened) when taking care of our lavatorial responsibilities. So, I devised a cunning resolution to our dilemma. (See the pictures to grasp the magnitude of awesome that my solution displayed).
This past Wednesday, I had the privilege of having a meal I'm sure is unique to my mission and probably Rupert. Venison Sloppy Joes. Top that, Guy Fieri.

Elder Smith and I decided to enter the Pinewood Derby in one of the wards that we cover. Here are the pictures of our car! We wanted to name it something to do with speed, so we searched diligently through the Bible and Book of Mormon and found the perfect title. "The Word of God." Helaman 3:29 was the inspiration (Caps added for emphasis) "Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is QUICK and POWERFUL, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a STRAIT and NARROW COURSE..." Quick and powerful sounded like attributes our car would need to navigate the straight and narrow track and defeat our enemies! Unfortunately, we lost every race. But hey, the other cars had tons of time put in to them, ours had barely an hour of labor put into it and was colored with Sharpie, so I'm proud. Note the license plate.Last but not least, I scored the coveted Final Triple X in bowling (Also known as the Armageddon Turkey) today. Although, the rest of my game left something to be desired. Oh well, practice makes perfect, right? Right.I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for all of you who care enough to write and e-mail and let me know that you're there for me! I'm also thankful for having a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to have sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die so that I can be forgiven of my sins and imperfections (of which I have many, as we all do). Don't forget to be thankful that we have this wonderful Earth to live on and wonderful families to share our time with. I'm thankful for my Mom and Dad who so patiently raised me and always took the time to let me know how much they care about me, I could not ask for better parents, teachers and friends than my Mom and Dad. Also, my sister, Alex, who is one of my closest and best friends as well. Although we may not have always liked each other, I know we've always loved each other and always will. And of course, Alex's husband and my only brother (even if it is only in law :P) Trevor, who has given me invaluable advice on my mission as well as in life. I would form a PGA with him any day (don't worry, it won't make sense unless you're him) And finally, but not least of all, my grandparents, who have supported me throughout all my endeavors in my life. They are an irreplaceable source of encouragement and they mean more than they know.

I can't list everything I'm thankful for, it'd take far too long, but I am thankful for the many of you who have and continue to write me while I'm on my Mission. It is such a source of strength that you can never fully understand until you're out. Thank you.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

-Elder Hops

Pictures - 11/10/09

I received all of these pictures from Elder Hopkins today in an email! I am so excited to share them with you! Captions are courtesy of Mike himself! Enjoy:

The Temple at about 7 AM, before our session.The temple afterwards
All four of us outside the Temple (L to R: Elder Begg, Ware, Smith and me!)
A shot I took of the snake river off my tag
Shoshone Falls! It's HUGE! It's hard to appreciate without being there
Falls again
Me after conquering IHOP's largest breakfast
The face of victory! (Notice all the plates and A1 and syrups I utilized)
The classic heel click after leaving the Temple
Contemplating how to improve the score (They had an instant replay feature where you can see your last throw...notice the sweetkicks.)
The professional...from 1930
We're glad to see that Elder Hopkins is doing well and enjoying life as usual! :)

Hello Rupert! 10/27/09

Well, I'm here in Rupert, a town of supposedly just over 5,000 people, although I don't believe it, I've barely seen more than a couple hundred. We've moved into our new apartment, which is easily one of the filthiest places I have ever seen in my life. The last elders who lived here CLEARLY did not understand the principle "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" After a few DAYS of cleaning, scrubbing and detoxifying our apartment, we felt at home. It's a nice little place, where we sleep on mattresses on the floor and have a toilet that sways when you are using it. The apartment also has no heater, save a small floor heater we bought that warms one of the rooms fairly well. The interesting thing is about this abode in which we live is that I love that way that it's falling apart. I absolutely love it. For some reason it just makes me happy knowing that I'm in easily one of the most run down of all the apartments in this mission. I know it doesn't make sense, but it's true.

Many things here are different. First of all, Rupert has a very distinct smell. For those of you who have been the the State Fair near where the animals are, THAT'S what it smells like. However, much like the condition of our apartment, instead of disliking it, I enjoy it very much. It's really nice to be out of Boise where people are very prideful and unfriendly to a small town like Rupert where anyone will help you out with anything you need. Already, Elder Smith and I have recieved:
1 - Apples picked from an tree in someone's yard
2 - Homemade huckleberry jam
3 - Made from scratch cookies
4 - Elk burger meat
5 - A meal made solely from things owned by the family (Chuck roast from a cow they owned and killed, corn cut from ears they owned and of course, potatoes from their farm)

They also have a very strong following in the Church here. Attending membership is easily 2 to 3 times more than in Boise and the youth program is MUCH more active than in my last area. The other Elders in our area are Elder Begg and Elder Ware, from Tampa, Florida and Hueytown, Alabama, respectively. They are awesome. All four of us get along very well and get lots of work done while still sharing plenty of laughs. Well, I have to go for now, but pictures will be on the way soon! (Pics posted in the previous post!)

Take care everyone!

-Elder Hops