Elder Mattei's Return with Honor

Mission Accomplished

Picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Last Email~ "I Wouldn't Take it Back for Anything"

Hey how is yalls week going? I'm not going to finish this letter all in one day but I figured I would start it. We had the Bell's baptism today. It went really well. I baptized Merced and Julio. The kids names are Merced, Julio, Gabriella, Monica, Jordan, Kayla, Leandra, and Nicholas. Brianna couldn't be baptized because her grandma and Sister Bell both have a custody over her and the grandma wouldn't let her get baptized. So she will have to wait 10 months to be baptized. President Cannon and Sister Cannon came to the baptism as well. It was probably one of the best baptisms I have had on my mission. We will have to come by and see them when we come back to Idaho this September.

It's hard to believe I go home so soon. I only have like four days left today. It's so crazy to think I'm going home so soon. It really doesn't feel like two years have gone by. On Wednesday we had dinner with President Cannon with all the missionaries going home. It was really good. It was a testimony meeting and it was really powerful. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. It was sad because it was hard to accept that I was going home soon. Like I want to come home but at the same time I want to stay out longer and don't want it to end. That is kinda how everyone felt there. It was even harder seeing the missionaries whose families came to pick them up and you saw them seeing their families for the first time. Like I wasn't jealous or anything but it was just hard to believe that that would be me in a week or so. I really liked it though. You could really feel the spirit in there. It was also sad cause I was saying bye to people I have known most of my mission and I might not see some of them again. 

 

So you asked me to write about my whole mission experience. I have really enjoyed my mission and it has been such a blessing to go on one. I think my favorite thing is being able to see the change in someone else's life. Its amazing what the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do to change someone's life. I like being able to teach others about the Restoration of the Gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It's really been a lot of fun and a good time. I wouldn't take it back for anything.

To answer your question, dad about Elder Ware we both are really good friends and enjoy being around each other. I'm not gonna lie though he and I both argue quite a bit lol. We are both stubborn people but we always make up and remain friends. We never get in like really bad arguements but we do argue lol. I kinda figured we would though before I served with him. I'm leaving my bike with the other missionaries. The greenie needs one so I figured I would be nice and let him have it. His name is Elder Ofe. He is from Ghana. I honestly don't care for his trainer. But I don't feel like telling what all he did.  Anyways sorry if this is kind of short. I've been really busy with packing and my mind is kind of elsewhere. I'm not gonna lie I'm kinda nervous about coming home cause its going to be so different than what I'm used to. Anyways yall take care and have a good week. I will see you Wednesday night.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

Time and Emails are Getting Shorter

Well this email might not be too long. So the baptism this week went pretty good. . Anyways the 4th of July was fun. I spent time with the Hardy's while Elder Ware went to Middleton. We popped fireworks and just hung out. We went to Sister Hardy's house and visited with her family and stuff. They had a pool and stuff but unfortunately I couldn't go swimming or anything like that. It was fun though. I like that family a lot. I would like gumbo and Jambalaya and maybe go out to eat somewhere.(in answer to the question of what he wants to eat once he's home) I can't seem to really focus on this email much.  So I called Mark and he didn't really talk much. He was on the phone for maybe 30 seconds. Then I called back later and they never picked up. The only thing I can think of that I need is money. I only got like 80 dollars for this month. I got that Drew Brees Jersey a week ago. Its sweet. I only paid 30 for it and its like a 100 dollar jersey. Its a superbowl one too and its black. I like it. Not much else is new really. Anyways I got to get goin. Yall have a good week and take care.

Love

Elder Mattei

3 more . . .

So this week has been good. We have a baptism coming up for Lindsay Waters.. Anyways we went to go see Travis this week in Caldwell. Apparently he moved but his baptism is still going on. It will be on July 9th. We went to a Ward Council this week in Sunny Brook and we are just trying to get things going for when new missionaries come in. We are doing the same in Bridgetower and are getting splits going and visiting new families. We got a new WML in that ward and he is doing a good job. It will be good to leave the area doing well and to leave with all those baptisms. So today we went fishing with our investigator Dorian. We didn't catch anything and all I caught was some algae lol. But I enjoyed it. Sorry I don't write as much as Mark. Mark writes a freakin novel jeez. It sounds like he is enjoying his mission though. Anyways I sent some of my stuff home. I'm trying to have not a lot of stuff so I don't have to pack it onto a plane. Anyways sorry if this is short but there really isn't too much to say. Hope yall have a good week and take care.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

Less than a Month Now

Hey mom and dad. How are yall doing?  This week has been pretty good. Its actually starting to feel like summer here finally. So the Bells moved there baptism to July 16. Me and Elder Etherton are probably going to baptize the children. Lindsay Waters moved her baptism to July 2nd or something like that. So we are still working on getting all that squared away. So me and Elder Ware gave talks on Sunday in two wards. I think we both did a pretty good job. We talked about fathers and stuff. I mentioned a lot of stuff about dad in my talk. But it went pretty good. I really don't get nervous when I talk in public anymore. Like talking in public is nothing to me now. I might be a little nervous before but I'm not like really nervous when I begin speaking. So today we played football and it was pretty fun. I did pretty well for my ankle being messed up. O yeah I'm gonna need a new American Express Card cause it expires next month. I dunno if I told yall but we get free snow balls here. I know u said you had your first of the season. I've had like 10. I love goin over there and geting them. I think I'm addicted to them. Sorry that my emails keep getting shorter and shorter. I try to make them long but not much new has happened. Well me and Elder Ware got in trouble for having a Pday eve. Basically that is spending the night at another missionaries house before pday lol. Anyways I got to get goin. Yall have a good week and take care. 

Love

Elder Mattei

5 more . . . .

Sorry dad for my emails getting shorter and shorter. I try to make them long but I'm running out of things to say. I don't have as many crazy experiences as Mark does lol. That would be a fun mission though. So today we played football and I kinda hurt my ankle.  It's not as bad as what it was. This week has been pretty good though. We started teaching a guy named Dorian. He is in Linder ward and is dating a member. The girl that he is dating, her mom called you when I messed up my foot. It's the Crane family. They are really cool. We are almost done with the lessons for Lindsay Waters. Her baptism is June 26. Then the Bells are gonna be baptized maybe June 24. We hung out with the Bells and had dinner with them yesterday. It was pretty fun. To be honest I played NCAA football with some of the kids. It was pretty fun and good to play with them. Marie is also having her sealing. That will be the first sealing I will go to. So that should be pretty neat. To answer your question I know Elder Corbit. He is a huge gunner. He is pretty good at basketball though. Its pretty crazy to think the house is that quiet. It will be weird when I get home not having Mark and them around the house. Our condo looks pretty nice. I think I will really like it. I'm looking forward to getting to use the jet ski and going water skiing. I have already started packing stuff for going home in boxes to send. I would love to be able to spend time with the Barnes if they are able to come pick me up. (He has a 4 hour layover in Salt Lake).  Elder Etherton would probably come too. I have became really good friends with him. I replaced him when I came to this area and he has served around this area some. He is pretty cool and from Dallas, Texas. I've met a lot of cool missionaries on my mission and a lot of good new friends. Its good to hear that everyone in the family is doing well and ok. Anyways im gonna get going. Yall have a great week.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

6 more . . .

Hey how are yall doin? This week has been pretty boring. There isn't much really to say. Elder Ware has had the flu literally all week. Its really been boring. But at least I like Elder Ware and can talk to him all day. The only highlight of the week was the baptism we had. It was Kassey Massey who ended up getting baptized. Elder Ware interviewed her since he has never taught her and he had to call President Cannon to come do the interview because of some things. But all turned out well and her husband is gonna take us golfing sometime soon. It will be a lot of fun and maybe I can actually learn how to golf. Anyways how is everyone in the family doing? Would it be ok if I got a smart phone when I get home? Like a droid or something? Anyways sorry this is so short. I need to get going. I hope yall have a great week and take care.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

7 more . . . . .

Well this week has been a awesome week. As you know I get to serve with Elder Ware. Its going to be a lot of fun. So we have a total of 12 baptismal dates. We set a baptismal date with the Bell family. They will be baptized on the same day that girl named Lindsay will be. So June 25. Kassey Massey will be baptized this Saturday. We are having a ton of baptisms and the work has really picked up. I'm excited to see what is going to happen. Elder Ware and I are going to have a lot of fun and work hard. I picked him up yesterday. It took forever cause the mission truck broke down on the way up to Boise and he was in it. I was shocked that I got to serve with him. Cause we are both going home at the same time. I think the AP's made it happen. Both of us were pretty good friends with both of them and they convinced President to put us together. We are going to have a lot of sucess in the area I think. We went and saw his grandparents last night at his Aunts house in Kuna. President Cannon said we could go and do that. His Aunt lives in Kuna and his grandparents were visiting lol. They took us out to dinner. I'm also still a District Leader and so is Elder Ware. We will both probably swap out District meetings. Anyways I hope yall have a good week. Take care.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

Elder Mattei and Elder Ware in the MTC

Eight More . . . .

It sounds like yall (meaning Missouri) had a pretty bad storm. I heard about it and it killed quite a bit of people. My ankle is doing much better. I was out about a week though. I think it healed so fast cause of the chiropractor. I know I probably spelled that wrong. He really worked with my foot and helped it heal back correctly. So this week nothing new really happened. This family the Bells finally came to church. I was so excited to see all 9 of them there. I'm hoping they will be baptized soon. We are also teaching another girl named Lindsay. She is really nice and is ready to be baptized. There is also another one named Todd that we are working with. Funny that they are both names of my siblings. He is a good person and I'm really glad that he asks questions. He makes it somewhat a challenge which is good cause I don't feel like I'm talking at them. So I really only went to appointments we had set. This week we will be busy though. I still don't know if I'm gonna stay here or go. It will be interesting to see what happens. I enjoyed reading Mark's email. It reminded me of when I was a greeny and has motivated me to work hard more. I hope his trainer is a good trainer and will teach him how to work hard. It took me awhile to figure that out. Things have really been turning out well in our area. I'm excited for next transfer if I get to stay. I wouldn't mind staying with Elder Bevell again. He has been a good companion and we both have gotten along really well. I'm glad my ankle and everything have healed so fast. I went and played football on it today lol. I did pretty good and it didn't bother me a whole lot. Tell Thomas Congrats on him getting his black belt and everything. Well yall stay safe with all the bad weather that is about to hit. That one is Joplin was pretty bad. Yall have a good week and take care.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

A Broken Foot???

So this week has been pretty good except for the fact that I might have a broken foot. We found a new investigator this week. She is pretty much ready to be baptized so it won't be to hard. Then there is a guy named Todd who we taught and he was a bit more challenging which is good. He asks lots of questions and they are really good lessons. I extended him a soft baptismal commitment. Basically that means I say when you come to know these things are true will your follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone having the authority? 


So anyways on to my foot. Its either fractured or sprained really bad. I went for a reverse layup and somehow I landed weird and I heard and felt my ankle pop. It hurt so bad. Then I started to walk it off and I remember feeling so much pain and I almost blacked out and threw up. 

That is awesome that Mark is in Harlem. That place is so ghetto. So right now I'm on a pain killer so I'm pretty light headed lol. I can't really tell yall much except that I broke my foot. But our area has picked up a lot. The boy in the baptism is Harrison Bass.

  Another missionary found a lady to buy jerseys for like really cheap. So I got a Drew Brees Superbowl edition jersey and a Mark Ingram jersey and a LSU jersey. Like they are only 25 dollars each and super cheap so I couldn't resist. I am gonna start sending stuff home. I just need to go and get Flat rate boxes at the Post office. Anyways not to much has happened this week. But I will let yall know more about my ankle and everything else like that. I'm hoping it will heal fast. Anyways yall take care and have a good week. 

Love

Elder Mattei

Remember last month's pizza challenge?

Here is the pizza.

 Elder Mattei and Elder Dela Cruz before the challenge . . . 

 and after (they look pretty miserable!)

Update on Elder Mattei's foot - He's apparently been hobbling around for the last 2 days.  They had dinner with the Crane family this evening.  Sister Crane called me tonight just to tell me what an awesome young man he is!  As an aside, she informed me the they gave him some crutches and she gave him a good lecture about getting to the doctor.  She's likely giving him a ride there tomorrow. Another member gave him a brace, some painkillers and has been providing them meals.   I emailed him back and forth a few times today as well and encouraged him to get to an urgent care or ED.  I think he's worried about being sent home.  Please keep him in your prayers that it's not all that serious and that  he heals quickly and can return to work!  

Mark's in New York

Hey how are yall doing? It was nice bein able to talk to all of you. I enjoyed it. There really isn't much new goin on since then. Today we played dodgeball and had sushi. It was pretty fun but got pretty old fast. I would have rather played basketball or football. Don't move my room into that big room unless I get a door cause I would like to have some privacy down there. But if there is a door built there I'm all for it. Thats awesome that Mark landed today. He will probably really like it there. I wonder where he is gonna serve first. That would be sweet if he went to Manhattan. I will have to write him more now since he will have more time. I hope he will have a pretty good trainer. I think he packed way too much stuff. That was so stupid for him to do. He is gonna just end up getting more while he is there. It will be a pretty big pain to transfer with all of that stuff. As I told yall we got a new investigator on Sunday. He seemed like a pretty nice guy. Our area has picked up a lot. We seem to have a lot of potential people to teach. So I'm hoping everything will turn out for the best. Anyways sorry there isn't much to write this week. But yall have a good night and take care.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

Not Counting Down

So how are yall doin? So to answer some questions Elder Crook is doing good. He actually called me from Indiana. It was nice being able to talk to him. I hope to see him sometime later this year hopefully. Elder Ware's family apparently did get hit by a tornado but eveyone is ok. He said his house had lost some shingles and damaged the roof pretty bad. But his Aunt lost her house entirely. It looked really bad. But they all seem to be fine.

I'm still working on doing that fireside. Its gonna take a couple of months to plan. It will prolly be like right before I go home. So hopefully I stay in this area long enough to plan it all out. That conference sounded really good dad. That is a lot of popular people you got to hear. It sounded like it was a pretty good message as well. 

So the NFL draft was this week. The Saints got some pretty good players. I think they will have a pretty good team this year. They got the Heisman Trophy winner in 09, Mark Ingram. The Cardinals also seem to be playing pretty well as of late.

I will probably start sending stuff home pretty soon. To be honest I really don't get that trunky. Its just kinda like whatever. Like the days are going by fast and I'm enjoying them. I'm not doing that count down thing. To be honest I don't really count down the days, just the months. Right now we aren't really teaching anyone new. We are hoping for that to change. Its slow right now and kind of discouraging. Things with my companion are really good. I get along with him.. Thanks for doing my college stuff by the way. It sounds like my classes should be pretty good. Anyways I got to get going. I hope yall have a good week. Tell everyone that I said hi.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

Starting to Enjoy Being a DL

Hey how are all of yall doing? This week has been pretty good. Its just been slow cause I feel like I'm always going to meetings and I'm not able to get any work done in my area because of it. Our area is really slow right now. Elder Bevell and I are really trying to get more investigators. I'm going to plan on doing a Missionary Fireside. So we will see how good my organization skills and everything are lol. I'm enjoying being a District Leader. Its not as bad as what I thought.

I read about the tornadoes and flooding in the paper. That's crazy. I kinda miss that kind of weather. Yesterday Elder Tukuafu and I got rained and hailed on. It actually was a pretty good storm. O yeah so I have some big news but unfortunately its bad. Elder Crook is going home tomorrow. I'm pretty sad to hear that he is leaving. He is going home to have surgery on his knee. I really like Elder Crook and Elder Ware and I are going to miss him a lot. I will probably go visit him sometime when I get home because he lives in Indiana. But I feel bad that he has to go home early. I went and told him bye earlier this morning. It will just feel different without him here. 

So on Easter we went and ate with the Wilsons and watched the Ten Commandments with them. It was actually a pretty good movie and I enjoyed watching it. I remember trying to watch it when I was little but I fell asleep. I also made gumbo on Saturday and ate it. It came out pretty good. I do think its pretty scary that everyone is getting married. That's crazy. Dad it seems like u will be going a lot of places this summer. That will be cool to go to all those places though. I doubt I will get to serve with Elder Ware. I wish I could serve with him though. Panama City is going to be fun. So will going to a LSU v Alabama game. I'm so excited for that. It looks like a lot of people wrote on my facebook. Tell Bro Scollingsberg I have like 3 months left. I miss that guy. He was pretty awesome. Anyways I need to get going. I hope yall have a good week and take care.

Love

Elder Mattei

Email to Todd:

I'm doing good. Well Mark's and my mission will be very different. Mark will probably be doing a lot of street contacting people. I don't really do that much. I receive more referrals to go contact people and teach them lessons. We also walk around and go and see less active members and stuff like that. Yeah that was me laughing in the background. I figured  it was you she was talking to cause it sounded like you. ( A sister that feeds Elder Mattei regularly called our home to find out some information for him about school.  She spoke with Todd who could hear Greg laughing in the background.  Todd was like "Oh my gosh, is Greg there?"  He couldn't believe it!)  My mission has been very good and I've really enjoyed it. How is school and everything going for u? Anyways I need to write Mom and my mission president so I will talk to u later.

Elder Mattei

Easter Week

Dear Family and friends,

How is everyone doing? Are yall getting excited for Easter? I'm gonna watch the Ten Commandments on Easter with the Wilson's. I've never actually watched that whole movie so I'm kinda excited to see it. Yes I'm still in Meridian. Your new car sounds really cool mom. It looked like a pretty nice car. That's cool that Dad will get to go to Hawaii. I'm glad your liking your new job dad. I'm glad you like Elder Ware. He is a good missionary. Elder Crook is also a good missionary. I talk to them a lot on the phone. They both are there to help me out whenever I need help or a hand up. I'm still debating between becoming a teacher or whether to do some kind of journalism or not. Not too much is going on here. We are about to start teaching a new person named Tyler (girl). She seems to be pretty nice but I've barely met her. Im really hoping to start teaching more people. We have another person that could potentially be taught. I'm trying to think of their name. O yeah its the Masseys. I'm hoping she will get baptized. They are supposed to move to Eagle soon. They are really nice. She is like 24 and her husband has to be at least in his 40's lol. How has Todd been doing in hockey? I read Marks email this week. It seems like he is having fun. Its cool that he gets to see RJ a lot. So the New Orleans Hornets beat the Lakers in the first game of the playoffs. So Thomas suggests I should write new things I teach people. Lately we have been passing out stuff to help members invite others and talk to them about the gospel. Marie, the person we were teaching has given some of the stuff out to a friend which is good. We are trying to really get things going in the area though. So how are Granny and them doing? It will be nice to come and see everyone when I get home. Anyways I'm gonna do this Mormon.org thing and fill out this mission survey they want us to fill out. Yall have a good week.

Love

Elder Mattei

It's Been a Good Experience

Hey how are yall doin? It sounds like Mark is having a good time in the MTC. Its cool that he got to see Jackson and RJ there. I just got a call from Elder Edwards telling me that Trina is having the missionaries over again. Which I was excited to hear that. For the car when I get home I wouldn't mind having a Jetta. They get really good gas milage. So about the pizza challenge, I finished my half but Elder Dela Cruz couldn't finish his. I felt so sick after it. My stomach hurt so bad. I had to make myself throw up. It was pretty gross lol.

Well on my mission I have learned quite a bit. I've learned to be more outgoing and how to live on my own. The Gospel has really changed my life and I feel like a better person because of it. I've learned to see the better in others and not just the negative. I'm glad for the opportunity I had to serve a mission. Its been a good experience and has really taught me a lot. 

So anyways Transfers are coming up and I might be transferred. I figure I might be either transferred or I'm going to stay here the rest of my mission. I would honestly like to stay here the rest of my mission. I like it here and would enjoy staying here. But we'll see what happens. Right now we are trying to get our area going again. Its kinda slow right now so we are trying to think of ways to find some new people. Sorry if I wasn't specific enough on what you asked me. I'll be more specific in my talk when I get back home. Anyways I got to get going. I hope yall have a good week. 

Love

Elder Mattei

Another Food Challenge

I enjoyed Conference. It was really enjoyable to watch. I liked a lot of the same talks you mentioned. We watched Conference with Marie and her family on Saturday and they took us out to lunch and then we went to the Wilson's to watch conference and some basketball afterwards lol. Then on Sunday we watched it with Darryl in the morning and then with Tony in the afternoon. Tony made us lunch afterwards. I was suprised at how often they mentioned  young men getting married and not putting it off. They talked about it on Saturday and then in Priestood Session and then again on Sunday.

Did you hear that they are building a Temple in Meridian, Idaho?  (where Greg currently is)  I was shocked to hear that. It's hard though to pick out a favorite talk that I liked.

The weather has been pretty nice. I don't have to wear a suit coat which is really nice. We also found a new person to teach this week which is really good. Yesterday we went and chopped wood for somebody. It was nice to get into some regular clothes. It also made my muscles pretty sore and lower back but it's all good. 

That's cool that Austin got home. It looks like I'll probably be the next missionary up to come home. I don't think anyone else left before me. Yeah I'm settling into my role as distict leader. It's been not too bad. O yeah I forgot to tell yall but tomorrow I'm gonna be doing that pizza challeng -. its a huge pizza you eat between 2 people, its got over 4 lbs of dough and 2 lbs of cheese and you have to eat it in an hour  I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures. Anyways I don't have much else to say. Yall have a good week and take care. I will probably be sending stuff home very shortly.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

Pretty Short and Sweet

Things this past week have been slow because I had a bunch of leadership meetings to go to. We met with the Brokehaws on Thursday and it went well. We didn't teach anything really cause she had her sister and daughters and niece there. Anyways today we played football and it was fun. Me and Elder Ware played. I busted my lip though. It's not really too bad though. It's crazy that I will be done soon. I have less than 4 months now. If I get my way I want to serve with Elder Ware in Middleton or at least live in the same house as him. I'm planning on going to the LSU v Alabama game with him. It will be a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to it. Things with my companion are going pretty well. I'm hoping to get a lot of teaching in there. Anyways I dont have much to say this week. I haven't decided what I want my major to be. I'm still thinking about it. Anyways I'm gonna go. Yall have a good week and take care.






Love

Elder Mattei

A Busy Week

Well this week has been busy. We have been teaching quite a bit and getting a hold of people. We are supposed to have an appointment with the Brokaws this week ( Model Girl lol). We finally got a hold of them. There are other people we are likely gonna start teaching if we can ever get a hold of them. I will be at leadership meetings on Thursday and Friday so I won't have much time to go contact them.

To answer your question, I write my mission president every week. I've done it my whole mission. It just lets him know how things are going and everything like that. Harrison is 9 years old. (Harrison was baptized last week.) He is really smart for his age though. He knows alot about the gospel at that age. It's really impressive. Trevor didn't end up with my former comp. (Must be another Elder Jones from Cali.) We are still trying to get the family with 9 kids to church. I can understand why they have trouble. Their kids a have a variety of things from ADHD to what Thomas has. The kid who has what Thomas has is way worse though. (Thomas has Asperger's Syndrome)

I kind of figured Mark would be a better writer. I'm kinda lazy with it lol. I just don't take the effort to do it. Unless its a girl I'm writing lol. Things are starting to get harder to stay obedient. I'm really trying. So far I'm doing good. Like video games and stuff have become so much  more of a temptation.

I just looked at that picture u sent me of Garrett. I can't get over how much he has grown. So today we played zone against zone in football. It was pretty fun. Although there were quite a bit of people there. Too many lol. I can't believe Austin will be home soon. That's pretty crazy. (Austin is another missionary from our ward that is coming home next week from the Los Angeles mission.  I have always said that once Austin gets home I will start counting down.) That last week is gonna be so hard for me. I'm really gonna try and stay focused though. Anyways that's about all I have for this week. Yall have a good week.




Love

Elder Mattei

Elder Mattei with Callie Mac

w/ Elder Edwards and Callie Mac

Handsome missionary with the Fall foliage

Same handsome missionary shoveling snow in church parking lot

But where's his coat????

Jerome District

Meridian District

with the Kuper family at April's baptism

w/ Elder Jones and the Pascoe family

One of the Best Baptisms

So Harrison Bass got baptized this week. It was a really good baptism. I showed some video on forgiveness that made eveyone cry lol. Harrison is a great kid and he will be really strong in the gospel. We went to an after party afterwards and had some amazing bbq. It was really good. It was honestly probably one of the best baptisms I have had on my mission. I really hope it gets his family active.

The black guy in the photo is Collie Mac, just to answer your question. The tongan missionary that looks like Julian is Elder Langi. I love that kid. Anyway we are trying to get more work going in our wards. Elder Bevell is ok. He is a pretty nice person. Somet But anyways how is everything going around the house? It's hard to believe I only have 2 transfers after this one.

District leader has been good. I have to do trainings and stuff though and go to a lot of meetings. Then people call me to ask questions about stuff there not sure about. I also gave my first baptismal interview and district meeting last week. It was funny cause I talked mostly about football in the baptismal interview after I was done asking the questions. She was a big football fan. I also have to have exchanges with other missionaries and see how they are doing. I'm gonna be doing one probably on friday cause one of the companionships needs a break from each other. Elder Tukuafu's companion is a little...lets just say different. So I will probably give him a break from him.

I heard about Japan. That is really sad. Brother Dow was like come look at this. So I looked and watched some of the news with him. Dad you will be happy to hear this. So I got my bike back finally! I rode it yesterday. I probably won't ride it much cause of it raining here like crazy this week. It's supposed to rain like all week. Anyways I need to write my letter to my mission president. Yall take care and have a good week.

Love,
Elder Mattei









Love

Elder Mattei

Elder Mattei with Elder Roth this past Saturday

Another Transfer in Meridian

So it's exciting to hear that Mark goes to the MTC tomorrow. I got a new companion, Elder Bevell. He is a pretty nice person. Harrison has a baptism coming up this weekend. It should be pretty good. I'm hoping that it will get his family active. All the kids go except for the parents. Anyway we are close to baptism with this family, the Masseys.

They made me a district leader this week. I'm not really too excited to have it. I guess it will be good for me though. I will be running district meetings and going on exchanges with companionships and making sure everyone is doing what they're supposed to and that kind of stuff. I also have to give baptismal interviews. I had a good experience at my last district meeting. I kinda realized I needed to start being more obedient and doing better. It's been hard especially since I'm coming to the end of my mission. So I think it was a good experience for me.

Anyway going out with the Garcias was fun. They took me and Elder Roth (a former companion) out to Buffalo Wild Wings. It was really good. You should post that picture as my main one on facebook. It was fun being able to visit with them as well. I enjoyed getting the King Cake. As I told you it was a little bit dry. Probably from being in the mail for so long. They tasted good though. So how long will Mark be in the MTC for? Anyways not much has gone on this week. Its been kinda slow especially since one of us knew that we would be transferred. So Elder Jones got sent to Peitte or howerver you spell it. He will be in a tripod companionship. Anyways thats about all I have to talk about for this week. Except yesterday was a hetic day. I went to Boise about 4 times. First time to bring Elder Jones. Then came back with other Elders and they had to be there at 10. So then I went later to pick up my companion. Well they were like 2 hours behind so then I came back and hung around for 2 hours and then finally I went and picked him up again. It was a pretty hectic day.

I hope Mark enjoys the MTC and has a good time. It seems like he packed way too much though. But he will learn soon that that was a mistake lol. Anyways I hope yall have a good week. Thanks for the King Cakes and tell Grandma thank you.




Love

Elder Mattei

A Familiar Face

Things here have been going well. Transfers are coming up this week. So by the next time I will write yall I could have a new companion and possibly be in a different area. I'm guessing I will probably end up staying here but then again you never know. I know Elder Ware and Elder Langi have been requesting to serve with me.

I'm suprised that Lindsay didn't get in to BYU considering she has such good grades. I would recommend him getting about the same amount of shirts I had. I would pack like 2 pairs of jeans and a couple of shorts and stuff for pday.(We had asked what he would recommend packing for Mark.) It's crazy that he is leaving already. I hope to get to see him sometime during his mission. Anyway Harrison Bass has a baptismal date set for like March 12. We have another one with this family named the Masseys. They are really nice. He decided to come back to church after like 20 years. She isn't a member but baptism is looking pretty close for her.

You will never guess who I saw this past week. I saw Tom Stanley. I was on an exchange with another missionary and they had splits that night. Well Tom Stanley was their split. He got out of the car and I was looking at him. I was like he looks like a Stanley. So I was like whats your name? He was like I'm Tom Stanley. So I was like I know your family and you. I was like what a small world. He was like I thought your name looked familiar. Anyways we talked for a little while. Apparently he and Tristan have 3 kids.

Let's see I attend 4 wards. We are teaching the same people. Anyways how have yall been doing? Im excited that Grandma might send me a king cake. I have been craving that for so long. Anyways sorry this letter is so short. I hope yall have a good week and take care.




Love

Elder Mattei

18 months out

I'm glad to hear that Mark's farewell talk went well.  (Mark delivered his farewell talk this past Sunday-He leaves for Utah on March 7.)   My area right now is pretty much kind of like living in O'Fallon. There's a park here that I cut through all the time to use as a short cut. Its ok dad that your haven't been able to write much. I understand. It seems like everyone is getting the flu. All the missionaries around here have been getting sick with it. I've been fortunate enough though not to get sick with it. My companion had an ingrown toenail so Ive been stuck inside the past couple days. I went out with Tyler Wilson yesterday to go contact some people because I don't want to sit inside all day. It gets so boring. I'm going to make him go out Wednsday though. If it still hurts by then he needs to suck it up. So by the way after I get off my mission I want to come back here to go boating with the Hardy's. Sis Hardy's parents have a boat and wake boards and all that. Like that would be so much fun. I think y'all would like them. Anyways that is something I really want to do. They are one of my favorite families that I have met on my mission. Anyway let me know how y'all feel about that. It's hard to believe that I won't see Mark for like 3 1/2 years. I'm thinking I might get to go visit him in NY. Maybe if I'm married I'll bring my wife haha. Anyway not too much is going on here. Just trying to find more people to teach and the usual. We do have a baptism date set for Harrison Bass on March 12. So I'm hoping that I'll be here for that. Transfers will be March 6. I would imagine I would be staying but I could be wrong. The answer is yes I still want a Jeep Wrangler. I might want a stick shift too. If I got one I would want it to be a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Those ones are pretty nice. Sister Betts also fixed my suit coat because it was ripped. She is Marie's mom. It was really nice of them to do that for me. I enjoy visiting with their family as well because they are always nice and welcoming. Anyways I g2g. I hope yall have a good week.




Love

Elder Mattei

A Note from a Family in Idaho

The gumbo turned out great! At least we thought it was great, and if Elder Mattei didn't think so he was much too polite to say so! It was a lot of fun to make, and was a hit with the whole family.


Your son is a very good missionary and a nice young man. We have heard him bear his testimony several times. What strikes us most is his sincerity and honesty. He is a good example; thank you for sharing him.


The Hardy Family

I'm Not Like Super Trunky, but . . . .

Everything here is going pretty good. We are still trying to set up a time with the Brokaws. It's really hard to get them both at once so we might just have to start teaching the daughter. Anyway she took a Book or Mormon which is good.

Eating at the Hardy's was fun. She did a good job at making the gumbo.  (Sister Hardy called to get my chicken gumbo recipe.)  They are probably one of my favorite families I have met on my mission. Their family reminds me a lot like y'all lol. All of them are pretty cool though. Brother Hardy almost beat me at basketball which is pretty sad considering he is twice my age lol. We have a new investigator that some other missionaries gave us. His name is Travis. He is a pretty nice kid. He will most likely be baptized as well.

The weather has been really nice here. Too bad its going to get cold again soon. Well I'm glad you are happy to go see Keith Urban in concert. That should be a pretty good concert. (mom's Christmas/Valentine's day present) I like his new song , "I want to put you in a song." I only know it cause every once in awhile I'll hear country music in someone's car or at someone's house.  I'm not gonna lie I'm lookin forward to coming home. I've been writing to Scott and Julian and Courtney. It will be fun. I'm not like super trunky but there are times I think about hanging out with my friends and stuff and it brings a smile to my face. That's cool that Thomas wants to play the Trumpet. Dad I am gonna have someone that goes down to Twin Falls a lot go and pick up my bike. Anyway thank you for the Valentine's stuff. I liked it. Y'all have a good week and take care.




Love

Elder Mattei

Still Walking

Wow Dad you are going to have a busy next couple of months. It will be cool to go to all those different places though. Mason's baptism was this week and I got to confirm him. The baptism went really well. I became pretty good friends with his uncle that he lives with. His name is Bob Pascoe. We talk football and sports quite a bit. We have a potential of 2 new investigators this week. One family is called the Brokaws. Just like Tom Brokaw. Their father just passed away of cancer and they had help from the ward. They are really nice and I feel really bad for them. Anyway they accepted to take the lessons and hear what our church is all about. Then there is a referral that other missionaries gave us. So the work is going pretty good. Things are going better with my companion. I get put out with him sometimes but I'm pretty much used to it by now. Tell Thomas thank you for that letter. I don't know if I told him last time or not. So I watched the Superbowl with a less active family. It was a decent game but the commercials stunk. I saw that Ashley Jeffrey wrote on my facebook. Yall should reply to her and ask her for her email and tell her I would like to email her. Anyways the weather here has been nice. It sounds like it has been cold  back home. So this week I'm goin to the Hardy's and I told them I would cook them gumbo. It will be fun.  I like Brother and Sister Hardy. They are really fun to visit with. I talk politics with Sister Hardy lol. Anyway that is all that is new this week. Otherwise we are still walking . Yall have a good week.




Love

Elder Mattei

No Snow in Idaho

I heard about yall getting a huge storm in the newspaper this morning. I thought I would be getting more snow than yall coming up to Idaho. So this week we have been teaching quite a bit. Mason has his baptism this weekend. He wanted me to do his confirmation. I don't think I've done one of those since Russ was baptized. One of the less active guys we teach came to church as well. His name is Darryl. He is a pretty nice guy and I enjoy going over to visit him. Things are going pretty good. I get up early in the morning and go play basketball with members of the Linder ward. It's pretty fun. It also helps me get up in the morning and stay awake during my morning studies. I haven't written Christine Bisoni yet. I've been pretty lazy about letter writing lately. How long has she been out on her mission? Tell Julian I said hi. I was glad to hear that he is looking to go back to church. Is he still dating that one girl? I can't remember her name. I'm looking forward to getting to see all my friends. Its going to be really fun. Yeah I'm still looking to get a law degree or maybe being a teacher. I've actually been reading a history book before I go to bed. It's the same one I had my senior year in high school. I never thought I would be picking it up ever again. Especially to read cause of boredom lol. Sister Dow bought the book though cause she likes history. That would be awesome if I could meet with Jim Talent. That's like a great hookup to have. Anyway I seem to be sleeping a little bit better. Although the sleeping stuff I take knocks me out and makes it hard for me to get up in the morning. Anyway things seem to be going ok. I don't have too much else to say. Anyway yall have a good week and take care.




Love

Elder Mattei

Companion Struggles

So Talley Ellsworth got baptized this weekend. I also got to go down to Jerome for April Kupers baptism. It was fun and I went and saw John while I was down there. The guy that baptized her was from our ward. It was pretty cool. He knew Bishop Tuttle and everything lol  (Spencer Henderson??? . . . help I'm drawing a blank.) . Anyways the baptism went well and I got a ride home with Chris Kuper and his friend Bryan. It was a pretty fun roadtrip. We listened to country music and rock and stuff haha. Even if I asked them to turn it off they probably wouldn't listen haha. Anyways it was nice to go back there and see some old friends. Elder Nelson's talk was really good. He mostly just answered questions and stuff and told us to tell yall thank you for getting us to go on our missions. I got to shake his hand and tell him good morning. You could really feel the spirit just being around him. Bishop Mcmullen and Elder Gonzalez of the Seventy also spoke. Im pretty sure they all spoke at conference. But they were really good talks and you could really feel the spirit. It was a really good experience and I enjoyed it.


So I'm with my companion for another six weeks. President Cannon told me he left me with him cause he needed me to help train younger missionaries and that I was doing a good job. Its just really hard cause it stresses me out a lot. Anyways enough about that. We are trying to find more people to teach cause everyone seems to be getting baptized. 


Last night I sang a duet with this girl we teach lol. She is a senior and she does choir and stuff and she started singing a country song so I just started to sing with her. It was you'll think of me by Keith Urban. She was like I didn't know you could sing. She was like you have a beautiful voice you should sing more lol. The girls name is Marie. She has a crush on another missionary lol. I can't really say im attracted to her haha. She has a attitude. Anyways not to much else has gone on. Tell all my friends I said hi.  Anyways I'm gonna go. I hope yall have a good week.

Tony's Baptism and Alaskan King Crab

Thats awesome that Mark went to the Temple. I'm glad all those people were able to come as well.  Anyways Tony had his baptism and it went really well. He ordered Alaskan King Crab legs. They were so good. We spent probably like 3 or more hours there with him and his family and some other Missionaries that taught him came up as well. We had a good time though. We also are teaching a 13 year old kid who wants to get baptized. His name is Mason. He is pretty cool and likes to hunt and stuff. We have a baptism coming up this weekend. Her name is Talley Ellsworth. She is 9 years old. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it cause I have to go to a meeting in Twin Falls to hear Elder Nelson speak. It will be good to hear a member of the Twelve speak. I feel bad though for not being able to make it to her baptism.

I'm glad to hear that work is picking up dad but it really stinks that you have to work a ton this week. Those are some crazy hours. So I'm ready for transfers. Its been kinda a hard transfer. This week has been kinda a hard week. I guess I've felt lack of motivation to do anything and haven't felt the happiest. I've been praying and stuff to help me out. I guess I'm just having kinda a struggle. I'm really trying to get Elder Ware to come serve with me. He and I would do awesome together. We both get along well and I really think we would get a lot done. Give Elder Ramos my email. I miss him. He was freakin awesome to serve around. He is a good friend and I wouldn't mind talkin to him.

Thats awesome that Lindsay got in to BYU I Do. lol. If she goes there she should come up and see me. Its not too too far away. By the time she goes though I will probably be off my mission. Anyways I can't think of much else to say. The highlight of my week was Tony's baptism and eating the crab and stuff. Man that was so good. By the way mom send me the Gumbo Recipe again. Tony wants me to make that for him sometime at his house. We have been getting rain and stuff. It sucks. But anyways I hope yall have a good week and take care.

 

Love

Elder Mattei

Some New Pictures

Here are some pictures from Greg's friend, Elder Ramos, who returned home to Argentina in November.  I think these were in Jerome.

Frenchy, sitting by Elder Mattei;  his last comp Elder Edwards and Elder Ramos in back

Elders Mattei, Icharante-Remoune, Edwards and Ramos

with Elders Ramos and Huett

                                                                                      
                                                                                with Elders Ramos, Huett and ???

The Countdown Begins!

Well today's blog will basically be a summary of things Elder Mattei mentioned this week.  Things with his companion are still so-so.  Sounds like this companionship will be a trial of patience.  Apparently he's a nice young man, but he complains a lot about his feet hurting, having to walk too far, and when people aren't at home.  He's only been out a few weeks so things will hopefully improve as time goes on.

Elder Mattei did have an interview with President Cannon this past week.  Transfers will be on January 23, but Greg will more than likely be staying in Meridian.  The most exciting result of the interview (for mom anyhow) is that Elder Mattei was given a release date of July 20!  So the countdown begins!

There will be a baptism on Saturday.  Tony, the man with a military background whom he mentioned a couple of weeks ago, has agreed to be baptized.  Greg referred to him as a "golden investigator".  He sounded excited about the upcoming event.

Of course Greg shared his dismay regarding the Saints loss this past weekend.  LSU won though!  So football in the Mattei household is done for the season.  Happy thought:  the next time the Saints and Tigers play, Greg will be watching and hollering.  Let the countdown begin!

Happy New Year

I'm glad that yall are enjoying New Orleans. Yeah the Sugar Bowl is tonight. Its between Arkansas and Ohio State. Things here have been good. It looks like we may have more people to teach so we'll see about how that turns out. Its been kinda slow with New Years and everything. We spent New Years with the Wilsons. We mostly watched the Rose bowl lol.  Right now we are trying to find new investigators and stuff so we are just asking the wards and stuff for names that we could go and see.   Accept the Friend request on Facebook from Sebastian Ramos. That is one of the Missionaries I served around in Jerome. He is awesome and got off his mission a month or so ago. He is also from Argentina. I don't have too much to say really. I've been having trouble sleeping. For some reason I wake up every night between 3 and 4:30. Its weird. The Dows are a really nice family. I enjoy talkin with them. Bro Dow used to work for NASA as a landing person. Like on the grounds crew. They are pretty down to earth people. I heard about the Saints playin the Seahawks. They should win but its pretty gay that the Saints don't have homefield advantage considering The Seahawks are 7-9 and the Saints are 11-5. I'm sorry that you weren't able to get those jobs. Maybe something will come about. So how is everyone in the Family doin?  Anyways yall have a good week and take care. Hopefully I will have a good one as well. Saints play on Saturday by the way. Hopefully they will win. Tell everyone yall visit I said hi

 

Love

Elder Mattei