The Jeep of Alan

Butler District

Greetings my family and friends!!!! 

What an exciting week this one was.  Butler is probably my favorite area.  Honestly, I love it a ton and I'm sooo happy I'm still here with this ward and these people.  I can't grow a beard so I don't fit into this ward at all cause many people have a beard.   You know it's sad when the girls of Pennsylvania can grow a better beard then some of the guys out here- eeeek! 

We were able to go to a sweet store in the mall with a member and he bought me a really cool Dragon Ball Z shirt and a banner too!!!!! It wasn't expensive but boy was I grateful.  That amazing bearded man is always great to us missionaries! We also rode in his jeep.  It was a ton of fun (it was a little cold with the top off once we got on the highway). We ate dinner at the Hooks that evening. I love the Hook family- they are fantastic missionaries and truly want to be a part of Gods work. They have done soooo much missionary work in the Butler Ward and people know and love the Hooks.  Even if they don't say good things about the church, they always say good things about the Hooks. 

Elder English and I in run in the morning together.  Getting up and running helps a ton with waking up in the morning because I don't fall back asleep.  We are best friends and I will never forget this kid.  I love him a lot!!!!!  As we were running, we saw a ton of people fishing in the creek nearby our house.  I was really surprised that you could even fish in there but they were all over it! 

Sister and President Johnson

We got the opportunity to see President and Sister Johnson this week!!!!!!!  This was their last interview with everyone besides those who will be going home when he goes home because he and Sis. Johonson are getting released.  I am going home at the same time as the Johnson's.  It was an awesome interview and I got to put my arm around Sister Johnson (I got a pic with my arm around her).  It was like hugging my mommy!!!!!!  Also Dad, you and President are a lot alike. Now when he interviews me, it is like talking to a father.  It reminds me of how you talk to us- you don't have too much to say and you just give me an answer with the bare minimum of words.  I remember sitting there thinking this is exactly how Dad acts lol!!!!!!  So what I'm trying to say is President and Sister Johnson are just like you guys.  

Well, they gave beautiful trainings that helped a lot.  It's so nice that I still get to see some before we leave.  After the trainings, we got to a Chinese buffet for lunch.  I got an upset stomach and I did not feel good so I had to crash for a couple of hours but then I was good to go!  We drove to the Fike's house for a campfire dinner.  We even played volleyball with them.  It was soooo much fun I just love this Ward. 

We got to see our good friend Joe this week.  He will be interviewed in 2 weeks to receive the Aaronic Priesthood so we are helping to prepare him.  He is excited!  Another night, we got asked by Brother Fuller if we would accompany him in giving a blessing.  So we went with him to give the blessing.  While we were together, we got a call asking us if we could go to the hospital to give another ward member a blessing.  When we got there we say the Relief Society President and we thought she was there as a loving Sister looking after another. Well it turned out that she was there because her mom (who is not a member) was admitted to the hospital.  The Relief Society President wanted a blessing and after her mom witnessed it, she asked if she could have one!  Of we accepted excitedly.  Elder English gave her the blessing and it was really special (I could feel the spirit a ton!).  After this we were heading back to the truck with Brother Fuller.  He messaged his wife about what he had been doing.  When she found out we were giving blessing,  she asked if she could have one.  Sister Fuller has gone through some health issues recently.  She is always so loving and focused on others.   When we showed up, we talked for a minute and then I waited for Brother Fuller to ask either English or myself to anoint so he could give the blessing.  But Bro. Fuller said "Elder Cahoon, would you be willing to give my wife a blessing?" I agreed and proceeded to give her a blessing.  Afterwards, I gave her a hug and told her I loved her and that we as missionaries have Mission Moms and Earthly Moms but that she has been my Ward Mom.  I squeezed her tight and told her how very grateful I was for her.  That night I wrote about it in my journal (only in more depth).  Elder English also told his conversion story and how he joined the church.  That was a beautiful way to end that night! 

So you may be wondering why is the subject title about Alan- well we saw him all this week except for Saturday and he went with us to see Sara.  We had a great visit and it helped her a lot.  She just has to keep pushing through the trials she faces.  After Sara, we helped at Katie's Kitchen.   It brightens my day to help there!  Alan asked his sister to feed us that night and she did.  Alan and his mom picked us up in the jeep.  His mom is the coolest.  Dinner was delicious and it filled our tummies.   

We also did service at the Lighthouse.  We were outside in the beautiful sun!!  Aahhh.  

We also had a lesson with a former investigator that I used to teach. Elders Syndergaard and Andrews and I used to see him.  When English and I met him this time he was still searching.  He had been studying on his own.   We basically taught him the Plan of Salvation. At the end of the lesson Toby said "That makes more sense than any other denomination I've studied or read about.  I am VERY interested." Then he asks "What benefits would I receive as a member?" WHAT?!?!? I've never had someone ask us that it. So we told him about some of the blessings.  It was a wonderful lesson!  

We also saw the Grahams.  That family has improved and grown so much!  How grateful I am that we get to see them and spend that time with them! Honestly, I feel like we are all one big family here in Butler.  I have seen many blessings in my life, in the lives of members and the investigators as a result of the service in Butler.   I'm so grateful for the Butler Ward members- they've made a lasting impact upon me.  While serving in Butler, I have also had the opportunity to see members from Wexford Ward (which I also love!). I was able to see Dave Kraus this week as we helped move his Dad.  We laughed and talked about old times.  Oh how I love Elder Schofield, the Wexford Ward and the Butler Ward.  It was a heart warming time!   

I love everything about this work. I just wish I could stay out here longer.  I never thought I'd say that but it's good to be homeward bound in Pennsylvania! I love you all.  Take care.  Bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

The Bonetti Family from Butler Ward

Elder Cahoon was able to see an old friend,
Bro. Kraus, from Wexford Ward

Elder Cahoon the Baboon

All The Little Mash Together

Hello family and friends!!!!!!!!!! 

This week had a lot of uphills and I really feel and see many pieces of the puzzle coming together! This area has been a ton of fun and I was sooo excited to find out that I was going to still be serving in the Butler Ward. I love this ward. I think this one is my absolute favorites- just so many people here that are so loving and kind and are all willing to connect with and help one another.  It truly is such a great ward!😄 We were able to connect with Alan who helps us in lessons and comes out with us.  He is a great friend and he has made it a blast to be in Butler. He actually lights himself on fire and does a lot of cool things with fire.  He's taught me a few cool tricks so I have some exciting things to show you all when I come home!😉 Get ready!!!  Anyways instead of usual volleyball on Tuesday night we went to help Alan out.  He was picking up a bean bag and needed a couple of hands to grab it. I thought alright, no problem.  Well, we pull up and it's this FAT, TALL bean bag sack.  It was so big that the only way we were going to get his thing mobile was if we held on to it on the top of the car as we drove it back to his place! Hahaha You should've seen the size of that bean bag compared to the size of our small car! Hahaha After we dropped it off at his place we went to the Fikes home for dinner.  We around a campfire and it was a blast.   

We had a ton of people that we got to see that we haven't been able to hook up with in a while.  We stopped by James' house and we went over for the first time with him the Word of Wisdom.  When we first met him he told us he would never give up his smokes. We told him it was his choice and we continued to meet with him.  Well after further meeting with him we talked to him more about commandments and obedience.  He told us that he knew he had to give up smoking.  He told us he's tried to quit several times and we kept reaffirming him that not only could he overcome this but that he would be blessed for doing so. As we taught about the Word of Wisdom, there were things in the lesson he told us he wouldn't give up but as we continued to teach and discuss it, he was willing to give those things up too.  We read about the Anti Nephi Lehis and how they buried their weapons of war (which symbolized their rebellion).  It was a good lesson.   That same day we saw JD and Amy.  I was so happy to see them.   We  felt prompted by the spirit to tell them that they need not only call us when they are experiencing storms in their lives. When we call upon God only in the storms, it's more out of a fear of the storm rather than faith that He can calm the storm.  We shared the prince of peace video with them and they loved it.  It really struck Amy when she heard the music and saw the name Jesus Christ appear. We told them that He can calm the storms in their lives if they will turn to Him and ask in faith.  We left them with a talk to read from Conference it was "My peace I leave with you" by Henry B. Eyring.  

I forgot to mention everyone here is staying in Butler except Sister Kelley.  We got a fresh, brand new Sister from the same place Sis. Kelley is from- Shelly, Idaho.  They don't know each other though.  The new Sister's name is Sister Fielding. It's great to see new missionaries that have a desire and zeal for missionary work!  She's super cool and seems to be doing well.  

We also ate dinner at the Hendrix this week.  This family is way cool and they are like my family (just like so many others in PA!).  I bought their 15 year old daughter a birthday gift because he birthday was that day.  I got her a Jack Skelington poster (she loves that movie).  She loved it and told us it matched her hat.  

This week we also had a whole day dedicated to service and it was LOOOOOONG!!!!!! We helped out at the lighthouse and packed a ton of apples and biscuits. They needed our help a ton because they had a minimal amount of help.  I'm glad we were able to help them out and honestly that's how it always is when we help out- they desperately need volunteers.  After packing apples and biscuits for 5 hours, we went to Katie's Kitchen and did service.  I got to talking to the janitors at St. Marks/ Katie's Kitchen and they were telling me about past missionaries that served there and the ones they remembered. I knew pretty much all of them and have met them.  They were telling us how cool and laid back they were and how much they talked with them.  After we helped serve the people and washed all the dishes, we had a picnic dinner and called it a night.  That was a long day of service but it felt good!

 

When we got home that night and I realized that I left the phone in the Sisters' car (sigh).  The next morning, after studies, we walk to get our phone out of their car but they were already on team ups (sigh).  Sometimes you just have to laugh at your own stupidity.  So we decided to walk to the Grahams.  I was thinking Anthony wouldn't be up 'cause he doesn't sleep well.  We were just going to check on Sister Graham because she fell the other night and was having muscle aches and pains.  When we ge there we see Anthony...😳 He told us it was the first time in long time he actually fell asleep last night and got good rest.  We asked Sister Graham if she would like a blessing. She told us yes and the blessing that was given was powerful. I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost who can help us to know what Heavenly Father wants her to hear and what we need to tell her.  As the blessing was finished, I could see the puzzle pieces fitting all together- not being able to catch the Sisters in the morning, Anthony getting a good sleep so he was awake to see and hear the powerful blessing and Sister Graham being humble and willing to accept a blessing.  Anthony hasn't witnessed any blessings because his father isn't a member.  We made plans to revisit them on Easter Sunday,which we did!!!!  God's puzzle pieces may seem small to others but they was absolutely perfect fitting and inspiring to me! 👍🏻☺️ God is the master architect of all  and knows each of us.  He helps orchestrate these kinds of instances so we can grow closer to Him.  These kinds of things are amazing and I love seeing them in action! It is a testimony to me that there is a loving, kind Heavenly Father.  

Easter Sunday was great.  The Fuller's had us and Joe over for dinner that was awesome!!!!!!!!!  Kevin, the individual we've worked with, taught the lesson in Elder's Quorum and it was sooooo well done. I loved it!!!!!!! We saw the Grahams and visited the Laroses  this week.   This area is just doing great!  I love it here in Pennsylvania!!!!! Love you.  Bye!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️

Elder Cahoon the Baboon

So Much To Do....So Little Time

Service at the Lighthouse!

Hello familia and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 This week much took place and I'm not gonna be able to fit it all in- what's new?  First off, I got to go on exchange with Elder Noyes to Freeport.  I haven't left Butler since I've been here so it nice to get out- I was going a little stir crazy.  Elder Noyes is a ton of fun!!!!!!  We checked in on a lot of people.  One guy named Rick had surgery recently and he has been stuck inside for 2 months!!!  He has 2 kids and we basically just played with the kids and talked to him.  We had a fun time and we all enjoyed each other's company.  We went to visit another family.  There was a guy named Harley outside and we shared with him the #prince of peace video and We were able to get his information and the Freeport Elders will be going back. On the exchange we tried a few other people and a few members and to get a glimpse into what is going on in their lives. One member we saw was really into WWE. I gathered all my knowledge of WWE (which is nothing) and I mentioned the name Roman Reigns.  He started talking in the WWE lingo and I had no idea what he was talking about. hahaha  As we were driving back to town I saw this guy that I had seen earlier.  I've been working on acting on thoughts when I get them- you know, to be a spiritual first responder!!!  So I rolled through and I totally had a Jesus Christ moment!!!! The gentleman was walking and had to get to his destination rather quickly well I asked if we could walk with him.  He said yes.  So just like Jesus with others on the road to Emmaus, we had our walk with John on the road to Kittaning.  We talked about the Book of Mormon and showed him the prince of peace video.  So just like Jesus tarried and had meat with them we were able to tarry with him.  The spirit was present while we talked with him.  John actually called Elder Noyes and they are seeing him tonight!

Back in Butler, we have been sharing the Prince of Peace video on lds.org.  We have had a lot of cool experiences! The greatest experience we had this week was the G family WOW!!!!!!!!! The G's are also going through a lot.  The mom is a member, the Dad is mot a member and they struggle connecting with their son.  We invited Kevin to come with us to the visit.  Remember, he was the one that had difficulty leaving his room and we got him to come to play basketball and to come to church.  He's progressing and doing better and better each week!  So proud of him!!!!!!  We have been visiting the G for the past 3 months and we have never seen their son.  He never comes out of his room.  So Kevin felt prompted to ask if

Anthony would want to come down and talk with us. Sister G asked if he wanted to come out and visit and he agreed.  We showed them the prince of peace video and it was really powerful.  Kevin then shared his story about when he was at his lowest point and he was spending months in his room.  He told them he knew that if it wasn't for the help that God offers through the scriptures, prayer, other people, and the Holy Ghost he wouldn't be at their home that night.  He testified that all those things bring us peace and it is possible because of Jesus Christ and his

sacrifice! BOOM!!!!!!!!!  Then Sis. G's husband, who never opens up about spiritual

things, talked about the power of prayer...WHOA!!!!!!!!!😳😱😳  So then the Saturday before Stake Conference we made an appointment to visit the G's.  When we got there, their son was WAITING FOR US!   Miracle!  

Let me tell you..  I thought at the beginning of my mission I would miss things I used to do but I love my mission because there will never be another time when I will be able to spend every day soley visiting with people, talking with them and sympathizing with them as they share their stories with me.  I am able to help them by bringing the message of the Gospel of peace and goodwil.  I see them as they recognize their mistakes and them teach them that God loves them.  I am able to listen to them as they share with me their feelings of sorrow and joy- sometimes they have never shared that stuff with others.  I love that I have been an instrument in bringing these children of God back to their Father.  I'm so grateful for this opportunity.  Service can be emotional, physical, or spiritual and the best part is both participants are being healed by the same redeeming spirit that is only possible because of Jesus Christ.  

We have learned A's (The G's son) favorite show is Dragon ball Z!!!!!!!!!!!!😛

That's a Cahoon show!  Heck mom, we have watch it for so long that you even know the characters!!!!!!! lol  We've really been trying to connect with Anthony and build trust since he struggles with trusting people and talking to people.  He's opened up a TON.  I love this young man with all my heart (as I do this Butler area).  

Love this guy!

Stake Conference was great and the Saturday Priesthood meeting was my favorite.  President Carter, the Stake President, spoke about what I have been focusing on- bringing the spirit into people's homes so the Spirit can touch their hearts.  I have been loving them, helping them, listening to them and inviting them to repent.  I feel like I've been doing pretty good at it and am still striving to be better.  I love President Carter.  I remember last Stake Conference (I was in Wexford Ward) VERY clearly.  His talk referenced hymn 220- learning how to be your brother's keeper and learning the healers art.  President Carter was his bother's keeper by connecting many people in different states and over many years so his brother's heart and his family's hearts could be healed.  That is the power of service through Christ-like love.  Whether it is physically, spiritually, or emotionally, if we are willing to help others, we are willing to heal them and us! 

As I've written this letter I've been touched.  I hope that you may feel the love that I have for each of you as I write this.  Mom and dad, I will NEVER forget your Christlike love you have shown me.  God bless you both for ALL your efforts.  Uncle Darin and Aunt Allison- thank you for always being there for our family and loving us; for being wonderful parents and people that are full of fun and laughter! Collin, Alex, Todd, Uncle Mark, Camille and Aunt Cami- you continue to think of me even after I have been in the mission field for almost 2 years.  That is being your brother's keeper.  The memories we have made are constantly in my mind. Thank you for always reaching out. :)  Grandma J and Jack you have not ceased to show your love and express your gratitude for me.  Uncle Scott- there aren't words to describe the help you've provided for me in this life. You are a light to my world.  I treasure the nights we spent at the movies.  I talk about them with those I serve.  They know your face and your stories.  Thank you! My brothers Kyle, Tyler, and Austin- I view you as superheroes.  I sit looking at your pictures on my study desk and I think, "Man, those guys are superheroes!"  Nana and Papaw- thank you for your letters.  I may not respond all the time but I read them.  As I read them, I try to

envision what is going on in Kentucky.  Thanks for praying for me.  You are my angels that are helping me on my right hand and and on my left and bearing me up!  No matter how imperfect you all are I wouldn't trade you for anyone else in the world!  It's your imperfections that make you who you are.  Now I just hope you'll do the same with me!😉 hahahaha!!!!!!  

One more experience, later on the week we saw A again.  We had a heart to heart and afterwards, raised his hand up with a fist and said,  "You're a bro."  I then raised mine up and echoed his words!  Man, I love Pennsylvania no matter what kind of crazy people we meet.  They are family to me! 

I love you all.  Take care.  Have a great and wonderful day.  Bye!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

Elder Cahoon the Baboon

Service at the Lighthouse.  Love these guys!!

It's All Good In The Pitt Hood!

Hello family and friends!!!!!!!!!!!

Another week in the books! It's been a great time being here in Butler with Elder English!!!!! We've been dealing with a lot recently trying to help out one of our investigators.  I just hope that something different will come about soon cause I feel I'm just running in circles trying to help her and it's actually hurting us.  I was so tired this week but I'm hoping soon we will be able to figure out how we can best help her without having to help her out every second of the day.  Even though this week was hard I loved it.  It is so wonderful to be here on a mission- I love it!!!!! 

This week I got to go on exchange with Elder Snyder and we had a lot planned that we were going to do but seemingly and as always on exchange, our plans fell through.  We were able to stop at Sara's for a lesson.  Afterwards, she felt peace.  We tried to help her understand that this message we share brings peace, balance, and serenity in her life.  It is hard for her to exercise faith because when one thing goes wrong, she begins to question everything.  Thank goodness for General Conference because it helped her and us a lot!!!!! 

We were able to help out and do a BIG service project.  We go to a place where lots of people are fed.  There a food assembly line and it is run by all the volunteers.  At 4:00 (when it looks like all of Butler has come to get food) they open the doors and everyone lines up single file.  The line literally looks endless.  It's a lot of work and absolute chaos but I enjoy it a lot. I was wheeling the carts and helping people to their cars and as I did this, I thought to myself how humble and loving people of Butler are.  I really am going to miss the people (I ain't gonna see nothin' like them out west).  I have learned a lot from the people of PA.  It really does have my heart!!! 

The Butler area is so good about feeding us missionaries and I love dinner appointments because the members are so kind and are always willing to help us out.  

The new initiative from the Church is the #prince Of peace. I'm way excited both because not only is it my last initiative but because at district meeting we came up with all these new ideas of how we could share it with EVERYONE!!!!!!  whoot whoo  Can't wait to get this party started!  It was also my birthday that day and I got to spend it with the missionaries I serve with that I love- Elder English, Sis Stimpson and Sis Kelley (the Sisters are like sisters I never had).   

This week we also ate dinner with the Clarks.  I love them a ton.   We had a really good talk with her husband about the future- marriage, life after the mission, etc.  He is really easy to connect with and to talk to.  After dinner we headed to the church and did some church stuff.  I talked with Bro. Fuller and he told me Sis. Fuller was not doing well (please pray for her).  I don't know what the medical issue is.  I love the Fuller family.  Brother Fuller definitely has a ton of faith and god bless that man!  He is a great example of faith and trusting in God even in the hard times. 

So transfers are the 11th.   Elder English and I don't want to get split up.  Elder English and I are trying to work hard and do what we can and have fun while doing it!!!!!! 

General Conference was that soooo good. I can't say there was a talk that stuck out the most.  I had some specific questions I wanted answered.  While watching and listening to the apostles and other Church leaders, I listened for answers.  I have heard different people say that if you have prepared questions for Conference you'll get an answer.  Well I proved God therewith and he answered my questions and helped resolve many of my conflicts! I was blown away.  Conference help me to understand "How I must finish my mission." "What I need to do when I go home." "How I apply what I learned on my mission back home."  I really felt like the talks were tailored to just me.  So I have things to improve upon and better habits to gain.  

I'm loving it out here- just killing it and having fun!!! Don't want to come home but I know I have to lol!!!!!!!!! Love you alll bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

Elder Cahoon the Baboon