The FIVE-year-old

This week has been a lot of bit legendary! On P-day last week we put a gentleman on date who has been taking the lessons for A LONG TIME! He’s had trouble with Coffee, and smoking cigars. 

But he’s finally clean. And he is set to be baptized on the 4th of next month. We are super excited. We also put a a boy on baptism right after thanksgiving! He’s 14 and a total stud. 

He actually reminds me a lot of my little brother.....like. A LOT. So it’s been weird and cool working and teaching him. 

We also had Friday the 13th in October!!!!! The day I’ve been waiting for! I was so excited. And to celebrate. Our ZL’s decided to break into our apartment while we were gone and steal all of our lightbulbs. Yay! 😡 

And then to top off the celebration we accidentally flooded our kitchen! What an amazing day! 

Lol! It was actually pretty funny! And I can’t believe the transfer is almost over. I feel like I just got here. But apparently It’s almost done. 

You guys. We had a dinner appointment with a legendary family. We first show up, I introduce myself and go through that whole process, and then this little 5 year old boy asks me if i want to play checkers with him. Now, you have to understand. I was expecting to play a casual game of checkers, and them let him win. But when we got all set up, and he played his first move, I knew he knew what was up. This little boy straight wrecked me in checkers. I mean just obliterated me. 

Then his dad (who is one of those smarty people) proceeded to tell me how this 5 year old son of his LETS his dad win in chess. This kid is so good. He LETS his dad win. What the heck? Who is this kid? It gets better. 

I start just kinda strumming a song on the ukulele. And this boy jumps up and grabs this mini cello. Listens for a bit, and starts playing with me. 

I lost it. I couldn’t even handle it. 

Here is the frosting on the cake. After dinner and desert. We do our dinner message, and his mom asks this boy. “Evan can go finish up the dishes really quick?” 

“Yes mother.” 

Gets up and does the dishes. 

This kid is 5!!!!!

I couldn’t even handle it anymore. This kid was nuts. It was super cool. 

I’ll try and get a picture with him. Because he’s super little. And doesn’t even look 5. 

And I’ll send it next week. 

I know that our Heavenly Father has given each one of us talents and abilities and also weaknesses and struggles. And I know that as we develop our talents and share them with others it will help those overcome their struggles in life. One of my favorites parts of being a missionary is seeing people overcome their problems and turn to help others with theirs. 

It’s so incredible to see. 

I love you all and have a fabulous week. 

-Elder Cody Poppleton 

Back in Anchorage!

This week has been pretty crazy!!
Sunday night we slept on the chapel benches to check it off our bucket
list of things to do when you live in a church. Then we took off on
the ferry early Monday to Whittier. It was about a 7-8 hour boat ride,
then drove up to Anchorage.
Saying goodbye to Cordova was pretty hard. The people there are so
amazing, and they have helped me learn and grow so much! I am so
grateful for the opportunity I had to serve there.
It was amazing, and it was a super beautiful drive, especially in the
fall. We have been staying with the Klatt Elders here in Anchorage all
week and will be there until Wednesday. It's been super fun serving
with them.
Friday night we got our transfer calls......IM STAYING IN ANCHORAGE!!!!!
I got called to serve in the O'Malley ward, and Elder Moala is going
to be my companion. He just finished getting trained, so I'm super
pumped to serve with someone who still has that greenie fire.

I know that the Lord is directing this work, and I'm excited to serve
under his direction in Anchorage again. It's gonna be legit.,2 legit to quit.

I love you all

-Elder Cody Poppleton

The Accident!

So this week we were able to have a pretty interesting experience.
We were on our way in for the night. And we were driving down the road
that the church is on, which is a little ways out of town, and were
about half way down the road, and there were a couple of trucks in the
road with their hazards on. So as we got closer one of the trucks
moved so we could get by.
I rolled down my window to see what was up, and there was a white
pickup truck that had gone of the road and into the ditch, and hit a
tree. When I looked in the cab, there was blood EVERYWHERE. there was
two guys standing on the road and their faces where super white and
kind of in shock at what they were seeing. I asked if they had called
the cops and they hadn't. So I told one of them to call the ambulance.
Then I flipped my hazards on and got out of the truck.
I walked over to the truck, and asked the man in the cab of the truck
if he was ok, arms he turned and looked at me, and his nose looked
more like a blob of silly putty than it did a nose.
He said he was face,  but that his face hurt.
So I just started talking to him for a little while, and he reeked of
alcohol, and had a few empty pill bottles in the cab.
While I was talking to him, the cops showed up and he said "oh no!!!"
And began to say very colorful things.
The cops took him away in the ambulance and that was that.
So it was an interesting experience to say the least.

The people of Cordova are amazing. I love them so much.
I had a lady tell me today the Book of Mormon came from the pits of hell.
So I was able to share my testimony with her of the divinity of the
Book of Mormon.
She didn't want one but that's ok.

The work of the Lord will not be frustrated and will not be stopped.
And I'm so glad I can participate in progressing the work here in
Cordova.

Miracles

Miracles are brought by faith, and miracles happen everyday here in Cordova.
One of the biggest miracles I've seen here were the baptism of
Greithly, Yagnnesis and Ashantee.
They are three Dominican girls that are good friends with some of our
members children.
And so with prayer, some revelation, and a sleep over to get them to
come to church, with an invitation to be baptized started an
incredible adventure, not only for the girls but for us as
missionaries as well.
It was incredible to see that as they were taught the lessons they
were so willing to change. They were so excited. The mom was also
super excited which was a miracle as well.

The lord has provided a way for his children to do as he commands.
Whatever it may be.
I am so grateful that I can assist the lord in doing his work, and
bring his children unto the savior, so that they too can receive the
blessings that come with these ordinances.

I love you all, and I hope you have a legendary week
-Elder Poppleton

Called to Serve

These last few weeks have been super fun! The weather has been nice and the work has been good. The community is really nice, and friendly. This week ends transfers and begins a new one. I get to serve another six weeks here in Cordova with Elder Smith.

There are 12 missionaries going home on Tuesday, and seven coming on Wednesday. We also get a new Mission President on the first of July. So its really exciting because there are going to be a lot of changes in the mission. 

In my studies this week week, I decided to focus more in the Doctrine and Covenants. 

and in the 4th section it says that those who have desires to serve God are called to the work and that really hit home for me. It's not just missionaries, or church leaders. It is everyone who has a desire to serve the Lord that is called to His work. 

As missionaries we are promised that there are people prepared to receive the gospel that we need to find.  Well, that promise isn't just for the missionaries. it is for everyone who is called to the work.  There are people everywhere who are ready to come unto Christ. 

Member Missionary work is so important. It is vital. 

I'm excited to see what happens here in Cordova over these next few weeks. Fishing season is in full force this time of year, so everyone is gone a lot on the water, but that won't stop the work from progressing. 

Stay Swell,

Elder Cody Poppleton

Cordova in June

Nyob Zoo!!!
These last few weeks have been super crazy!!
The last few days, the Salvation Army has been selling all of their
stuff because the store is closing down. We have friends with the
pastor there, and so he asked for our assistance in helping move all
of the heavy furniture and such, and putting it into people's cars.
It's interesting to see how regular human beings, can turn into
ferocious predators in a matter of seconds when they find out things
are like 90% off. 😂
When we finished, the pastor and his wife took us out to get some
pizza, and we had an amazing "conversation on religion" (they had no
idea I was teaching them the lessons)
Well long story short, they are now going to read the Book of Mormon!! #awesome
It was an incredible experience.
We also were able to have a zone conference this last week, and we had
a special guest presiding at this meeting. It was Elder Russel M.
Nelson. President of the quorum of the twelve apostles.
It was cool to hear from him and his wife as well as Elder Gong and
his wife. We actually got to hear from the security guard too. That
was awesome!
Being a missionary in the bush of Alaska...you kind of get forgotten.
So receiving a package from my mom this week made my whole mission pretty much!
I was so excited. Helps me know I'm not totally forgotten. 😁

The People of Cordova are AMAZING!!! Even if they literally have no
desire to learn or talk about religion. They still want to talk to you
and be your friend.
Total 180-degree from anchorage. In anchorage everyone pretty much hates you.
But here people like the missionaries for the most part and they talk
to us, and we get to know them, and do service for them. Its amazing!
I love the people of Cordova with all of my heart, and I pretty much
never want to leave.

President Nelson in this last General conference said something along
these lines.
Disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be
different from the rest of the world.

I LOVE THAT!!!
I know that as we become truly converted to the gospel of Jesus
Christ, we will not be afraid to Stand out, speak up, or be different.
And that all starts with the Book of Mormon.
So if you aren't reading every day. Please do so.
The prophet has asked us to do that as well. And whatever excuse you
may possibly have to not read it everyday is invalid. Because there is
no excuse.
If you have time to check Facebook, you have time to read.
If you have time to eat, you can listen to it while you do so.
If you're too tired, suck it up. And read.
Its so important. When Christ asked Peter "do you love me?"
He is also asking you that question. And if your answer is yes. Then
keep the commandments.
Because is says "if you love me, keep my commandments." And we are
commanded to read the Book of Mormon every day.
And I know that as you do so, your testimony of the savior and the
prophet Joseph Smith will increase. And that the lord will bless you.

Anyways, ✌️

-Elder Poppleton

First Week in Cordova, AK

So I have been Transferred to Cordova Alaska. My new companion is Elder Smith. and I freakin love it here. 

There is a small branch here, and the members are amazing. 

but I think my favorite part about Cordova, is how beautiful it is. 

Everywhere is just breath taking. I cant even handle it. 

One of my first days, we went around so I can kind of get an idea of what area I will be serving in, and we watched as this gigantic dog, ran across the road. well, as we got closer to it we soon realized that it wasn't a dog. It was a wolf. a huge wolf. It was beautiful. it was white with a kind of goldish tint along its back. 

There are bald eagles EVERYWHERE! it is so amazing. I think the only downside to Cordova is the fact that it rains....every day...all day. But i will gladly take the rain, for the beauty of Cordova.

Another fun part of Cordova, is the fact that we get to live in the church building. Our beds and dressers and stuff are in one of the classrooms. We use the kitchen and the Bathrooms, and my favorite part is that we get to shower in the baptismal font! IT IS AWESOME!

When I got here, there was literally no work...we had a lot of potential investigators, but that was about it. So we went to work. We set some goals, and hit the streets. 

We went boat trackting, and ran into one of the few potential investigators that we have. 

His name is Seth, and he wears these awesome rose tinted glasses. 

We had an amazing discussion about Isaac and Abraham, and the sacrifice, that Abraham was willing to make. 

His excuse to not coming to church this last Sunday was because he liked to go play pool, and socialize on Saturday late into the night. 

I then decided to ask him, what was he willing to sacrifice to our Heavenly Father. and he replied that he was willing to give his life if he was asked. 

I then pulled the representative of Jesus Christ card, and told him that God asks him to come to church on Sundays. and that meant sacrificing a night of fun, to make it to 9am church the next day. 

He thought for a moment, and agreed to coming to church. 

haha unfortunately he never showed up, and he texted us later and apologized. 

I learned a lot from that lesson though, and it really got me thinking. 

What am I willing to sacrifice for my Heavenly Father? 

as I contemplated this, I have realized how much my testimony of the Savior has increased. 

I challenge all of you to ask yourself the same question. 

what are you willing to sacrifice? 

find it, and do it. even if it is just putting down the phone for like 10 minutes to read your scriptures. that is a huge sacrifice to some of you ;) but you can do it.

I know that as we sacrifice things, we will get something better in return! 

--

 

Elder Cody Poppleton

Homeless, Homeless, like the Christ child was....

This week has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs.
But the most eventful day by far was Saturday. We started out the day
with absolutely no motivation to get out and work. So what did we do?
We got out and worked! We had a good lesson with a member of ours
named Brian, and after that we had an open day, so we went to go visit
a recent convert that lives in Mountain View (the ghetto of anchorage)
and on our way over we saw a homeless native man who was sitting on
the side of an abandoned building all by himself. Elder Hunter wanted
to go talk to him, so we pulled over and got out of the car. Right
from the get go, he starts bad mouthing us, and giving us crap. So we
start asking him question, and he pulls out this little plastic pocket
size box. He opens it up, and its full of paper, and weed.
And rolls one right in front us. This guy didn't give two craps. It
was so funny. He lit up and continued to swear and tell us how awful
we were, and I couldn't help but smile.
So we continued on our way, and our recent convert wasn't home, so we
decided to go street contacting downtown.
We started walking and the first couple we walk by, stopped and said
"no way! Y'all are looking for me!" We obviously has a puzzled look on
his face, and so he explained that he was a convert from Fairbanks,
and he was anchorage to have a risky surgery. He had been very nervous
and stressed out, so we walked with him back to his hotel room and we
gave him a blessing.
Its pretty cool how the lord puts us in the paths of those who are in need.
It truly is a testimony to me that God loves all of his children, and
he answers our prayers.
We then continued to walk downtown and we ended up walking down this
alley way that was conceded in murals, so we took pictures in front of
one, and an older gentleman called out and said "I'm glad you guys
enjoy my murals."
I knew from that moment I was about to have another interesting experience.
We started asking about how all of this came to be. And this man who
was named Ziggy had spent 20+ years painting this alley way.
He noticed we were missionaries and told us how he was about to start
his own church.
Because he believes in spiritual things and following the spirit
wherever it guides.
For all of 2 seconds. I thought he was elect.
He then said
"I'm starting a cannabis church."
He then continued to tell us how it was a very spiritual experience
and how he discovered, that we as humans are indoctrinated and brain
washed. And how we created god as an idol, and figure of hope. But in
reality the souls of creatures were like a totem pole. And how people
are on the bottom. The dogs and birds control us.
Ziggy would give 1/2 of a second to let us speak.
He got himself all worked up, and before we knew it, he was screaming
and cussing and right in our face.
So we smiled and listened for what seemed like eternity but was really
about 35 minutes.
And then he stormed off and walked into a side door of an old building.
It was a very interesting experience.
My companion and I looked at each other, and just laughed.
For sole reason we found that whole situation humorous.
We went on our way, with our chins held high, and a skip in our step.
We had a successful day that day.

Here is what I learned.
Without Charity, we are nothing.
If we don't have that perfect love of Christ within us. We literally
are nothing.
I can't serve the people of Alaska without it.
The spirit will leave me, and I will have no success.

I've learned that people don't know care about how much you know,
until they know how much you care.
If you have the genuine charity towards them, they will see it.

Fear is the strongest emotion, and greatest tool that Satan uses against us.
But the opposite of fear, and even stronger than fear, is love.
Light will always conquer the dark, and love with always conquer fear.
Christ is our perfect example of how we need to love.

As we come to not only know about Christ, but to know Christ
personally, we will develop that love. As we feast upon the words of
Christ, and trust in him and his Atonement.
With love we can cast out all fear, therefore leaving Satan powerless.

I love the people of Alaska,

-Elder Poppleton

Baptism Day

Crazy crazy week this week!
First it was Elder Hunter's birthday this week, so that was fun
celebrating, and then we went on exchanges with our Zone leaders.
We went to the apartment so we could change into service clothes, and
I thought we were going to clean up yards or something like that
because the snow is finally starting to disappear.
But no, we ended up bucking hay for the rest of the day.
It was AWESOME!!! It was a sunny day, and I was dressed in blue
jeans, and got to be a farm boy for a day. It was great. It was for a
horse therapy center, and the lady that ran the place was a very
active catholic, and it was great, talking to her, and getting to know
her.

Saturday was probably supposed to be a super stressful day, but I was
pretty chillax as we were getting everything ready for the baptism.
And as the hours went by we ended up running into a bunch of Samoan
members. Some of them I'm pretty sure know how to say only two words
in English "Elders. Eat" hahaha its great. (I'm pretty sure they know
more than that though. So it's ok)
The time, and Joe, went under the water and came back out.....three times....
It was quite the experience seeing a big guy fit in a little font.
The spirit was so strong, and it was amazing.

Sunday came and I about had a stress induced brain aneurism. Elder
Hunter and I were setting up the sacrament, just kind of waiting for
Joe to show up.
His girlfriend showed up.....his buddy Lico showed up....some of his
cousins showed up...but Joe didn't show up.
I about lost it.
We passed the sacrament, and I thought it was over, but in comes the
man of the hour.
And he was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints.

Continuing on...

So there has been some interesting and exciting changes this last week.
First off, I get to spend the next 5 weeks now in the YSA ward.
Secondly, our ward has totally changed. They dissolved one of the
Samoan wards and split them up and put them into the other two samoan
wards. Then, the stake president of that stake kicked out all of the
YSA that was going to the family wards and put them into our wards.
We also moved buildings this week, so with that stress of moving
building our ward also doubled in size in a week. And most of them are
samoan and its AWESOME!!!
We also got a new bishopric counselor and he is samoan and his name is
too long to say but the translation turns into Bird of Paradise. So he
is Brother Bird of Paradise to me.

We also had an eventful tracting day as well. The sisters in another
ward asked us to tract a street for them, and we ran into Pastor of
the
Nazarene church......

Hello we are missionaries for the LDS church.

Hi, I'm pastor so and so (i forgot his name)

Talk about fear. I had run into these guys a few times before, and all
of these guys want to do is bash.
He began talking about how he has been a pastor for over 30
years...crikey....this guy probably knows the Bible better than any
missionary ever.
I had so much fear,  i started sweating. It was bad.
Elder Hunter being the stud he his just starts to testify of the truth.
Then the story of Alma and Amulek went through my mind.
And I knew that I come in and seal the deal. Sooo i took and deep
breath, and bore my testimony to him. hahaha it was a very cool
experience to see how the spirit worked through that man.
Unfortunately it ended with a door in our face because his heart was
too hard. But that's ok.
At this point i was feeling kind of discouraged.....but a few doors
later elder Hunter tells me that this next door is mine...not really
feeling very enthused to continue tracting I put on my cheesy smile,
and knocked on the door. A very nice lady named Mutali answered the
door. Before I even said Hello, the spirit hit me so strong. I knew
that she was ready to accept the gospel. we had our introductions and
she started to tell us how she had been in a pretty bad car accident
earlier that day. She expressed her love for her 7 year daughter as
well, and we asked her if she would like to learn about the restored
gospel. When she said yes, my mind was blown. So we gave her
information to the sisters and that's the last ive heard so far. So I
will get some updates on Mutali.

Joes baptism is also on the 22nd and he is getting so pumped. He was
also pretty excited to have some of his samoan friends join the ward.
Yesterday was also my 5 month mark....its crazy how fast the time
goes. I feel like i left last week.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has changed my life. Especially as i have
seen the power it has to change the life's of everyone who come to
know of its truth.
President Thomas S. Monson only spoke for about 5 minutes. If that.
And he spoke about the Book of Mormon.
He encouraged us to read it everyday. The Book of Mormon contains the
answers to every question we could possibly ask. And I know this to be
true because i have put it to the test.
If you have any doubts or ever have doubts, I encourage you to get on
your knees and ask our Heavenly Father if it's true. And if your heart
is soft, and have faith (faith being an action word) you will receive
a witness.

I love Alaska, and am pumped to see what the next year and half brings.

Love you all,

-Elder Poppleton

My District 

Moose, well Meese actually!

Search, Ponder, and Pray

Hey, so this week has been totally crazy!!
P-day was typical. We got all of our errands and stuff done and went
and tried to lose as much Alaskan weight as we can playing basketball.
Missionary ball is way fun.
Elder Hunter and I remembered that we made a goal to knock a certain
amount of doors this transfer. And we have hardly done half of them.
And the transfer is almost over, so we have been busting our butts
knocking on doors.
We got so caught up on visiting with investigators and struggling
members. Which is also good.
This Transfer has flown by. Elder Hunter is a stud missionary, and I
hope that I can serve another transfer with him here in the North
Anchorage YSA. I LOVE the YSA. Haha they are some of my best friends.
One of our members here who is in the military is taking of to ranger
school on Tuesday and its been cool developing a relationship with him
over these last 4 months or so.
I had the opportunity to serve in the hmong branch for a day. And that
was so much fun. I got to learn a little bit of language. (Like, i
know how to say, hello, how are you?)
The hmong people are so cool. Elder Lor and I had some fun and we made
a sweet album cover photo in front of the Anchorage temple. I love
that kid.
There are all kinds of hidden treasures here in Alaska. Heck. Alaska
in itself is a hidden treasure.
What a beautiful place our father in heaven has created for us.

I also got a call this week from some Elders serving in a different
ward telling me how Elder Hunter and I needed to come to a dinner
appointment with them. Confused I asked them why. And they told me
that the members we were going to be eating with were the aunt and
uncle to one of friends....they said "I think their last name is
Macdonald" well at that moment I totally freaked out in excitement.
Because Justin Macdonald has been one of my best friends since i was
like 8. So I get to eat dinner with his Uncle and Aunt this Friday and
I am so excited!
It was just in the knick of time too....because transfer calls are
also this Friday. And there is chance I might be getting transferred
to a new area. It is super stressful because of all of the
possibilities. There's like a 90% chance I am leaving and a 10% chance
i am going to stay for another 6 weeks.
I also had a very sad experience this week.
Out Bishop told us we needed to go visit a less active member and so
on our way to see him later that week, we looked at his record and saw
that he was endowed and that he had also served a mission. We knocked
on his door and his friend answered the door, saw us, and turned to
the member we were looking for and just started laughing.
The member walked up and started talking to us about he is now an
atheist. Because there was a lack of scientific evidence of a God.
My heart has never been so broken.
And this is because he went to the internet instead of the scriptures.
I have such a strong testimony and knowledge of scripture study.
As I study the scriptures my love for savior grows. I understanding of
the teaching of Christ expands exponentially.
Blessing come from scripture study.
I had a question. And it was how could I improve my teaching.
I turned to the stories of Ammon. And Ammon was master teacher.  I
love how he uses service. Well that day we had an opportunity to serve
and it was a gateway. It allowed a friendship and trust to grow and we
taught.
One of my favorite quotes that is as cliche as it comes
"If you want to talk to God..pray. And if you want God to talk to
you...study the scriptures"
That couldn't be any more simple. And it couldn't be more true.
I can promise anyone who reads this, as a representative of Jesus
Christ, as you study and ponder the scriptures, any question you have
can be answered through the scripture.

I love you all
-Elder Poppleton

The Iguana

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN LEGENDARY!!!

Elder Hunter and I have been busting our tails. I had to have a Red
Bull so I could have enough energy to stay awake during our lessons.
And now....I'm trying to break that habit. I had one every day from
Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday I didn't have one, and I almost
died. I was so tired. I now understand why it is so hard for some of
our investigators not to drink coffee. We got Joe Taufaeteau back on
date!
He is going to be baptized on April 8th. Although transfers are the
Wednesday before. So if I get transferred i won't get to be there. But
that is ok. I have loved getting to know Joe and seeing how he has
come closer to our savior has been an incredible experience.

I allowed Elder Hunter to cut my hair on Sunday morning, and he didn't
do half bad. And later that evening were with one of our recent
converts, who we just helped move, and he fed us pizza and we played
his favorite card game with him....all the while his iguana named
Carlos was on my head.

-Elder Poppleton

The Iditarod!

This last week has been bumpin!
We got an investigator on date for baptism! And I'm super excited for that.
So we are going to work with him for the next few weeks, to help get
him more prepared, and ready to enter the waters!
This week we did some service at the beans cafe with the chugach
foothills sisters, and that was super fun, feeding all of those people
lunch and seeing how grateful they were.
We also got to help out with the Iditarod!!!
We stood in an intersection for about 4 hours and froze our butts off
and shoveled snow into the intersection so the dog sleds could go
through. And it was sooo much fun.
We got so close to the sleds that we gave most of the mushers high
fives. It was legendary.
Elder Hunter and I get along splendidly, and we push each other.
Sometimes to work harder, and sometimes into the snowbank I love that
guy.
We also had Zone Conference, and that was AMAZING!! The spirit was so
strong as trainings were given and as we had a testimony meeting.

In Galatians 5:22-23 it lists some of the characteristics of the Holy Ghost.
We often think of the Holy Ghost as the comforter and the teacher. And
that's true, it is. I rely on that everyday. But the words long
suffering stood out to me today as I read those verses. My initial
thought, was "wow, the Holy Ghost helps us endure our trials. That's
so cool."
And the Holy Ghost does too that as well.
But as I pondered on that phrase, I realized that it is saying that
the Holy Ghost itself is long suffering.
The spirit has no problems with patience.
Have you ever fought the spirit on something? Because I have. And for
some reason the spirit always wins. Why? Because he is long suffering.
He can endure. He also can't die, which means he can always out wait
you. And I love that.
So when you feel the Holy Ghost prompt you to do something, why not do it?
I know that sometimes it may seem weird, uncomfortable, and can even
be awkward. And I can speak from experience that sometimes it will be.
But I just own It.
It is only as awkward as you make it.
I can testify that as we obey the promptings of the spirit, we will be
blessed, we will see miracles take place, and we will happier.

I love you all,

-Elder Poppleton

It looks like they get to check out some pretty cool places on there "Preparation Day"! 

A picture of Elder Poppleton just wouldn't be the same without a flex of some sort!

Companion #2

So these last few week have been crazy busy, and I have had quite a
few cool experiences.
Elder Brock went home, and is now home with his family in ohio. Its
crazy to think that he is home already.
And now I have my new companion. Elder Hunter. He is from Pleasant
Grove, Utah. And he likes to lift weights (which means he cool)
Haha we got along like two peas in a pod. I was kinda worried about it
at first because I didn't know much about him. So I kind of pre judged
him a little. And I feel badly, but the atonement is real, and I can
repent.
Elder Hunter and I have set some sweet goals for this transfer, and
I'm super excited for this transfer. Its going to be legendary.
Also, I have been studying out of the Preach My Gospel a lot during my studies.
And may I give some advice to those preparing to serve, or those
planning on serving some day. READ THE PMG! Oh my gosh! Its so
amazing. And I love it so much. I too was told to do this, and for the
most part I ignored it. Because I didn't know how to study out of
something that wasn't the standard works. So I just didn't really read
it on my own.
If you just open it up and start to look at it and study it and learn
from it. It. Will. Change. Everything.
Anyways. So I'm no longer the designated driver (the church is true)
and so Elder Hunter was driving on an over pass and a wonderful
daughter of our Heavenly Father pulled out in front of us, and hit
us/we hit her. And did quite a number on our car.
The spirit however warned me to stay calm before any of this occurred,
and moments before the collision I verbally said *this is gonna suck*
and boom we collided. We are all ok. And no one was injured.
So now we have a temporary vehicle whilst our vehicle coordinator
assigns us a new one. #firstworldproblems
But, during all of this I didn't freak out like i normally would have,
and same with Elder Hunter, because of the spirit.
The spirit couldn't have been there if we were say listening to loud
music, or doing things we shouldn't have. But because we were
listening we were able to hear it.
The spirit is a still small voice, and if we aren't paying attention
we won't hear it.

I can testify of the importance of the spirit in our lives. Always
remain worthy of it. Always be in environments where it can dwell. And
constantly be seeking its companionship. Because it will guide us,
protect us, comfort us, and above all else, testify of the truth.

#emailme (cody.poppleton@myldsmail.net)
Love you all,

Elder Poppleton

 A member gave him a leopard skull!

Bibbity Bobbity....BACON!

So that family you saw that I was with!
They are way cool, and they gave us bacon! Bacon in Alaska is different, it's HUGE!!! I'll show you...

-Elder Poppleton

Received this picture yesterday from Monty Bird (husband of Ethan's cousin) telling me he was in the house of one of his good friends who lives in Alaska.  This is the picture Cody is referring to in the above comment!  It sure does a mom's heart good to see him with good people and smiling!

It's His Love!

My Toe!

Sorry about not putting anything up last week, we were crazy busy!

But this last week has been insane. Both in good and bad ways.
Awhile ago we were at a dinner appointment, and this family had a
gigantic massage chair in front of their dinner table...well, we had
to move the massage chair before we could eat. Well lucky for me it
was on wheels, and on a hard wood floor right?...wrong.
I went to move it, and without my acknowledgement my companion was
behind the chair and pushed it. Aaannnddd boom. This sucker lands
right on my toe.
No big deal. It hurt but we were having orange chicken and rice, so it
was worth it to suck it up.
Well, the next day we go on exchanges. So I was with Elder Frey,
serving in the Hmong branch for a day. Well, that next morning, my toe
was so swollen I couldn't fit it in my shoe. And it also happened to
be green. Not black or purple, but bright green.
So we go to Elder Moss (the mission doctor)
He said I had to go to the hospital because it might be broken.
So we go to the hospital. We get x ray, and go through that whole
process. We FINALLY see the doctor. And her eyes go huge. She said
~you have so much blood pressure built up in your toe, that its about
to explode~ so she drills 5-6 holes in my toe to release blood
pressure and we are good. I was on crutches for awhile, but all is
well now, my toenail is definitely falling off...but it wont happen
for a few more days.

Just this last Thursday was eventful. We were on our way to a dinner
appointment, (I don't know why these things happen at dinner
appointments) and we were trying to find the house, and we were on the
right street, we just didn't know what house it was.
So we pull over, and start looking on our iPads. And Elder Brock is on
the phone with the member we are eating with.
Well In the rear view mirror i see a man behind our car, looking at
our license plate, and talking on the phone.
The spirit tells me to get out and ask the man for directions.
Well, me being a stubborn male didn't think I needed directions so i
ignored it.
Again, the spirit said, get out. And ask for directions. Begrudgingly
I step out of the car.
Next thing I now, this man has his gun out and has it pointed right at
my chest.
~Well gee! Thanks a lot spirit, look what you've gotten me into. ~
I asked him if he could help us find a house we are looking for.
He spoke into the phone, and said hold on I gotta go. He took a closer
look at me, gun still up, and asked ~are you Mormon?~
Full of gratitude proclaimed that i was, and all of his tension left,
he holstered his gun, and proceeded to tell us about the shooting that
had happened the previous night, and was just being cautious.
He befriended the man, and he helped us find the house. It was marvelous.

I want to testify of the importance of the spirit.
Although it may be difficult to recognize its prompting, its always
there. Always.
And it will never. EVER. Lead you astray,(although it may temporarily
appear that way)
I pray that you will do whatever it takes, to have the constant
companionship of the Holy Ghost.

I love you all,

-Elder Poppleton

Apparently this is what they like to do on their P-Day!

 Cody and the Comps!

His awesome Aunt Megan sent him a "Hangry Kit" and boy did he LOVE that!

The Power of The Spirit!

So normally I would just write about my previous week...but to be
honest...I have no idea what has happened this week, and what has
happened prior, because everything is going by so fast its all
starting to blend together.
Also, I cant remember what I have and haven't told all of you. So if I
repeat anything, y'all can just skip over it.
Anyways, this ward is AWESOME!!!!! There is a lot of military here in
Anchorage, and a lot of the YSA are military, and it's awesome. So My
companion and I have to go on base a lot to go see them.
We are getting really close to these people, and knowing that
eventually I'm going to have to leave makes me kind of sad, but that's
ok. Elder Brock goes home before I'm going to leave this area, so he
has more to worry about than I do.
The sun actually stays up for more than 15 seconds now, so that's a
blessing. Our days get 6 minutes longer every day. Its super rad!
There were several times this week, where we were in a lesson or in a
meeting and the spirit was like Yo, Elder Poppleton, and then
continued to tell me to do something that is incredibly awkward and
strange. But I'm the master of awkward these days....and miracles
happen.
We were with a borderline less active this week, and the spirit was
like Yo, Elder Poppleton....and I just said ok. And you'll never guess
what I did.....yep....I related the gospel to muscles....again.
And it was super awkward because what I was saying didn't make any
sense....at least to me...but he LOVED it. And it made perfect sense
to him. And my mind was blown.
It really taught me that missionaries aren't the teachers. The spirit is.
The things the spirit does blows my mind.
Without the spirit I literally cant do a single thing as a missionary,
or as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I can testify of the power of the spirit. It can teach us, guide us,
comfort us, and protect us.
Without the spirit we are more vulnerable to temptations of the adversary.
Satan will tell us 100 truths just to sneak in one lie.
And that's scary. So be aware of the spirit, throughout the entire day.

That's my two cents.

I love you all,


-Elder Poppleton

Elder Frey being himself.