Christmas Call!

Elder Callor and his mission were allowed to call using Verizon, so it was easier to get a hold of his family and inexpensive since we all have Verizon.
We each talked to Nick for a few minutes, and it was wonderful to hear his voice. Of course, Nick is always such a happy guy. He sounded peaceful, happy, and enthusiastic. He loves his new area, Rapid City and enjoys working with his companions. He is in a threesome. Apparently his apartment is full with him, his companions, and two other elders.
One story Elder Callor shared:
For Christmas his companions and a few other missionaries decided to go Christmas caroling to their investigators and members in their area. They baked and BAKED cookies, and other treats, about 30 dozen with their one oven. They tested them first on the mission president's wife, Sister Cannon and she was suprised they had baked them because they were so good. She thought maybe the sisters had helped them. hahah. Good job elders!
On the 23rd they caroled, then on Christmas Eve more missionaries joined them, including the President and Sister Cannon (his mission president and his wife). They each took their cars and drove in a long caravan to each investigator's house they had decided to visit.
One investigator who is getting baptized soon wasn't home, so a member who was with the elders suggested they not waste the visit and sing to the neighbor. When the missionaries first knocked on his door, he hestitantly and rudely opened the door. After a few Christmas songs, he seemed to lighten up, then as they were all leaving he seemed even more happy and grateful they had sung to him.
After the elders drove away, apparently the older man had ran into his house, grabbed a $50 bill and stopped President Cannon's car to give him the money. He asked if they were the Mormons, Pres. Cannon said yes, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then asked if they were the Mormon Choir from Utah and offered to donate the $50 to them. President Cannon talked to him for awhile and explained nicely how they couldn't accept the donation, but thanked him.
Nick said that was one of many other great things that happened to the mission this Christmas. He wished they would've caroled to more houses of people they didn't know and invited the spirit into their homes like they did to this one.
We're so glad we got to talk to Nick and proud of all he's doing in South Dakota.

Transfered!

Elder Callor has let us know that he is moving! He just got word that he is going to be transfered to Rapid City, South Dakota! I think that it would be hard to start in a new area just a few weeks before the holidays. Elder Callor is excited to go teach in this new area though! He will be leaving North Dakota on Wednesday of next week. He keeps begging for mail! (Guess I should get on top of that, because I have been bad). So don't forget to send him lots of Christmas Cards and stuff! Good Luck in South Dakota Elder Callor!

Halloween Picture

Elder Nick looks great! Hasn't changed a bit. This photo was taken on Halloween 08 and the other Elder is Elder Nielson. Elder Callor talks about doing volunteer work, working with the single adults in the area and being excited about the member involvement in Minot.

Little Update

Elder Callor is doing well. The weather is cooling off but not too bad. It isn't quite to the -20 that the residents say Minot gets down to. He says that "everyone keeps telling us that Minot will only get colder. That this was the tip of an iceberg." But for now they are comfortable wearing long sleeves, "it is holding out at just slightly cold enough to warrant wearing a thin sweater."

Poor Elder has a slight cold and is congested but can't take anything for it because everything has Pseudoepherdrine or Phenylephrine in it and we know what they do to him. He is allergic!

They are working hard on the 21-day challenge and starting fresh searching for those who want to know more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Oh yeah, and in Minot they can't get rid of the Wii's. I guess everyone else has too much free time on their hands. Elder Callor said that the stores are fully stocked with the Wii.

Headed to Minot, ND

My flight to Minot. The Plane was very small!

Ride from the airport to Minot. I'm finally here!!!

At the MTC

Nick met lots of friends at the MTC and when he gets a chance, he'll add the names to the following pictures and point out which one was his companion.

Looks like he's having fun too!

Get Set, Ready, Let's GO or not.

Elder Callor is doing well. Let me begin with this. It is a good thing that Nick hates tomatoes. His companion, E. McFarland has been sick, a "sinus congestion bug" that has been spreading throughout the mission, so they thought. They were put on "house arrest" until McFarland got better, so he didn't spread it to others. Well, come to find out he was trying to eat healthy and bought tons of tomatoes. End results, "salmonella poisoning". He waited for over a week to tell anyone that he was sick. Crazy elder. He didn't know about the "tomato-salmonella scare" when he bought and ate all of the tomatoes. Poor guy. Again, thankfully Elder Callor isn't a fan of tomatoes.

They have been working away with service helping others like Sister Shepard as well as teaching the gospel. Elder Callor has also found someone who may have him beat on preparedness and wisdom (so he says). A young man named Stephen. He is a Nuke Tech on base and leaves the air force to begin working on his mission papers. He has been able to go teaching with the Elders Callor and McFarland and has been a great asset.

You know Nick there is more than just one of you in the world. It will be okay. Wink, wink!