Elder Spencer Cooper

Write to him at:

Elder Spencer Cooper

Georgia Atlanta North Mission

1150 Cole Dr. SW

Lilburn, GA 30047









Monday, December 31, 2012

Great Christmas Week Dec. 31, 2012

This week was pretty amazing. Christmas was a blast! Got a whole bunch of awesome presents thanks to all those who sent me something, especially my family and the Palmers. We went over to a member's house named the Shoham's. Their house is so awesome. They decorated the heck out of it. Like seriously so much Christmas decorations. Talking to my family was so great. So much fun to get to talk to them. The food there was unbelievable too. The cranberry sauce was unbelievable. Ate waaaaaay too much. And then we played foosball and some different games and it was great. That night we went to James house. He had some concerns about his baptism and wanted to make sure he was alright. It was one of the most spiritual moments of my mission to see how willing he was to change his life and really commit to follow Christ.

We had his baptism two days ago.  It was a little sad because his wife didn't come because they had gotten in an argument the night before. But everything else was fantastic. The spirit was so strong and I was so happy for him. We had to have two people in the water since he is pretty heavy but they got him down and up just fine.

Now we are preparing for the Rodger's baptism this coming Saturday. We're meeting with them the next two nights and I have no doubts they are ready. So yeah the work has been going great. We also had a great lesson with Tim last night. It was our second lesson with him and I think he's starting to recognize this to be true.

The weather has been cold. Besides today is nice but last week was pretty cold. But a member gave me a scarf and beanie for Christmas so I'll be good. Maybe.

Check out these pictures they're cool.

Love

Elder Cooper

Monday, December 24, 2012

Great week, December 24, 2012

This week was pretty great. The Christmas Party was awesome. I performed a song I wrote with a guy and we formed a little band. It was a rap about a Dear John letter and it turned out real funny and good. I also played "I hope they call me on a mission" as a jazz piece. Then I wrote an arrangement of The First Noel and had another Elder sing it. That was really good. The other acts were really good too and we had a good meal. It was lots of fun. Other than that we had a couple new investigators this week one of which came to church on Sunday so that was really cool. James is getting baptized on Saturday! Super excited for that. We had a couple good meetings with some less actives. Elder Packer and I went caroling one night too which was good but really cold. Yeah the heat left. It's pretty flippin' cold. Like when we were riding our bikes on Saturday night we were freezing. Humidity makes the hot hotter and the cold colder. The Christmas program went well and the spirit was really strong. I'm real excited for Christmas tomorrow and to the family on Skype. Hope everyone's Christmas is merry and thanks for all those who sent cards, letters, or packages. I love you all and I'm loving the missionary work.

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, December 17, 2012

Slow Week Dec. 17, 2012

This week was a rather slow one. We weren't able to teach as much as we have been. My companion is just going through some medical things and it has been a bit of a challenge. But we've been getting along pretty good. Other than that, the Rodgers came to church and that went really well. We also had a good ward Christmas party that I got to play at so that was fun. Everyone has been getting sick! It's crazy. Also a member gave us a lock picking set. Yeah it's pretty flipping cool I picked our dead bolt this morning made me feel like a crazy master thief. Anyways... we got to read the Book of Mormon with a member's grandchildren. That went pretty well. Our missionary Christmas party is this Wednesday. I'm playing two musical numbers. One is a song I wrote with some other missionaries it's a rap about a missionary Christmas. Pretty cool gonna be awesome. But I can't wait to call home on Christmas! Should be calling between 11 or 12 I think (my time). Which should be 9 or 10 your time, I think. Anyways... not much more to say. Hope you're doing well and your Christmas season goes awesome.

Elder Cooper

Monday, December 10, 2012

Good Week Dec. 10, 2012

This week was good, very up and down, but good. Christmas season is definitely here but you wouldn't know it by the weather. It has been really warm. Well, not AZ warm but warm for december.

We got some new investigators this week. Max and Pabell are freshman in highschool and they're really cool. We had a great lesson with them and they asked a lot of awesome questions. We also met this guy named Mario. Sounds hispanic but he's black. Super cool guy shared a brief message of Joseph Smith with him. We also had dinner with the Rodgers. They're so awesome and prepared. Really looking forward to their baptism. James is progressing like crazy. He is seriously like the golden investigator. We went to teach him tithing, well I didn't because we were on exchanges and I was home sick, but my companion said they went in and started explaining it and he said, "Oh yeah I already have it worked into my budget." He has progressed so much from when he didn't think prayer was important to where he is receiving personal revelation through his prayers. He will be baptized, along with the Rodgers, on Dec. 29th.

As mentioned above I was sick part of the week. Woke up Friday at like 1 in the morning and kept throwing up in my mouth. I held it in like a champ but I was up for like 2 hours just doing that. So we stayed in the next day. But I feel fine now so I have no idea what it was.

Sydney had her interview on Thursday night. It turns out the zone leaders had to do it because of some complications. But it was so cool. Elder Ball, our ZL, knew her aunt in another area. When he was there her aunt asked them to pray for her everyday so they did. But she gave him Sydney's maiden name so he didn't know it was her till the interview. We would have never found that out if he hadn't done the interview so it was really cool. Her baptism was yesterday and it went really well.

Hope everyone's having a great Christmas time!

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, December 3, 2012

Great Week December 3, 2012

This week was pretty awesome. We taught some great lessons and our investigators are progressing so well. Transfers came and went and I'll be staying in Woodstock for another 6 weeks which is great so I can participate in the baptisms.

James is getting really prepared. He has been reading the Book of Mormon like crazy and asks awesome questions. Some other missionaries were having a baptism at our building and we invited him. Both James and his wife Rebekah came. She has started listening to the lessons too and we're excited for her to get going. He came to church and we had a really cool lesson about eternal families.

Sydney is progressing well also. Her baptism is next Sunday so we're trying to get everything ready for that. We were worried at first she might just be getting baptized because her husband is a member but recently she's been progressing really well and I think she's ready.

We met with the Rodgers again last night. Had a great lesson with them. This time Dawn's husband Joel was there. He recently went through some difficult stuff with his health and I think it has really opened his eyes and heart to the gospel. He committed to reading from the Book of Mormon and praying about it. Also Dawn quit her job so she won't have to work Sunday. So awesome and we're really excited for her and the kids to be baptized.

Other than that... the weather has been amazing here. Like low 70s. And we've just been having a good time. Cool to hear about your choir mom wish I could of heard it. Hope work and everything is going good for you all back home!

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, November 26, 2012

Good week Nov. 26, 2012

This week was good. Thanksgiving was awesome! We went and played football with our ward and another ward in the morning and that was way fun. Then we went to a member's house and ate an awesome dinner. Our investigator James committed to baptism this week! We had such a powerful lesson with him. It was really cool he said that the Book of Mormon was "strengthening his spirit." We actually have 5 investigators scheduled for baptism in December so that's really exciting too. That's so exciting about Xander or Zander whatever Calvin's cousin coming to our mission. Totally remember him; super cool guy. Also way cool to hear about Cameron getting his call to Peru congrats! And Lindsey being baptized! That is waaay exciting! Thanks so much for the package, Palmers! and yes mom I got the card thanks! Hope everyone's thanksgiving was great and your holiday season starts awesome! And no dad I haven't made a bean salad yet but I'll be sure to do that this week... or never. Haha.

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, November 19, 2012

OK Week November 19, 2012

This week has been alright. Elder Packer and I have both been feeling under the weather. I have a real sore throat and Elder Packer has had a headache. But we had some good lessons. Had a couple of lessons with James where we just discussed what he had been reading. He is a real deep thinker and understands really well. He was able to come to church which was really great. I think he felt uncomfortable cause he didn't dress up and was in a wheel chair but everyone was real friendly and I think he really enjoyed it. Also taught Sydney a couple times. She is progressing really well and was also at church. We also contacted some people who are really interested in meeting with us again. We're planning on going to a member's house for thanksgiving named the Schwiegers. They are really cool so that will be fun. I attached a pic of me and my comp. Ummm... other than that not a whole lot happened. We had to take it easy since we were sick so nothing much more happened. Hope everyone's Thanksgiving goes well!

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, November 12, 2012

Long Week Nov. 12, 2012

Hey everyone,

This week was really long... just... I don't know... it just dragged. It was really good though. We had zone conference and there were some really good talks there. The coolest part was when Pres. Wolfert talked about the new missionaries and how many new missionaries there're going to be. He said our mission was going to receive 80 - 100 new missionaries within the next few months. That's pretty crazy.

We got to meet with that new family the Rodgers last Monday night. They are so awesome and elect. Dawn (the mom) Emma (9 yr old) and Noah (12 yr old) all committed to baptism. The lesson was so powerful too. Emma asked awesome questions and they all are participating and understanding so well. Dawn's mom was in town too and sat in on the lesson. She agreed to have missionaries come to her home in Tennessee.

James is progressing so well! He has been refusing to come to church so we backed off on asking him. But we were reading the BoM with him last night. When we were about to leave he said, "So where is your church at?" and said "I don't have a suit but I'll be there!" So that was way cool.

We had a real good experience this week, too. I was having just a rough day and not much was happening. Our plans for night had fallen through and we had nothing to do. So we knelt down and prayed that we would be able to do something productive. About 30 min later we got a phone call and received a referral for a guy who was in a different ward he thought. Turns out he barely lives in our boundary and his wife wants to be baptized. We went over there and taught her that night.

Weather has been pretty great and food has been awesome. Hope all is well at home and I love you all and pray for you guys. Peace!

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, November 5, 2012

Awesome Week, Nov. 5, 2012

This week was great!

We taught this lady named Latonya and her son Rasheed. They committed to be baptized on Dec. 8th. Rasheed came to church and I think he really enjoyed it. Latonya should be there too next week. We also made good progress with James who is just reading the Book of Mormon like a beast! I've never seen someone understand it that well so quickly. We weren't able to teach the Rodgers but we have another appointment with them tonight.

The weather has been gorgeous here. Not too cold and not too hot, just divine. So it's been really good to just walk and bike around.

Halloween was uneventful. No trick or treaters or anything so it was just another day really except we had to be in by 6

Last night I had the best meal of my mission so far. Teryaki chicken with pineapple on top and pepper jack cheese melted over it all. Sounds weird but it was amazing.

Sounds like everything back home is going well. Crazy that elections are tomorrow. Can't wait to see what happens.

Well I love you all and I love this work!

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, October 29, 2012

Good Week October 29, 2012

This week was pretty great!

We have gotten a few new investigators this week. One guy is named Johnny and he is awesome. He is very unsure about religion but is very very interested in it. Like he says there has to be one truth out there so now we just need to let the spirit testify that this church has it. So were excited about him. We're also teaching a new family of 4 tonight. Some other missionaries were teaching them but they're in our area so we're going to teach them now so I'm really excited for them too.

We did some awesome service this week. There is a nursing house right next to our apartment that we helped out for their Fall Festival. It was a lot of fun and it was such a great opportunity to  get out and serve some others who really need help.

The weather was nice until about Friday. Then it just snapped cold. Actually I don't think it's really too bad besides the wind when we ride bikes other than that I think it's pretty nice. My companion is like freezing to death though. I'm like, "How did you survive in Utah?" But yeah so it's getting chilly.

Other than that everything is going good. The Ward here is awesome and were getting fed like every night. Hope all is well back home and thanks for those who have been writing.  It's been great to hear about how you guys are all doing. I love this work and my Savior.

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, October 22, 2012

Good Week October 22, 2012

This week was pretty good. Good stuff and bad stuff happened but overall it was good. Elder Packer is working really hard to become better and is a great student. I am really enjoying teaching him. We've been doing quite a bit of finding this week. We found one new investigator named James who I am really excited about. We knocked on his door and he invited us right in. He asks awesome questions and I feel like he is really searching for this gospel specifically. Like every single concern he had we addressed during the first lesson. It was great and it sounds like his wife is going to be interested too. So that was awesome... but our other investigators have been avoiding us which has been frustrating.

Oh that day we found James we were just biking along in this trailer park and we hear this sound behind us... I looked around and there's this huge Rottweiler chasing us. It was like right behind Elder Packer and we were like, "Oh holy cow!" 
           
Yesterday these members fed us Monte Cristo sandwiches. They were AMAZING. Like seriously delicious.

We also had a really good Sunday. The people who spoke in church talked about conversion and it was super good. Then the Stake President stood up and talked about conversion too and the importance of going to the temple. So powerful and the spirit was really really strong. I haven't been asked to speak yet but I think they'll ask soon.
            
But everything is going well. We're working hard and enjoying being here. Great to hear about what's going on back home. I love you guys, and I love this gospel.

Elder Cooper         
 Reply Forward

Monday, October 15, 2012

October 15, 2012

Hey Everyone,
This was a pretty good week. I got my new companion fresh from the MTC. He's a good guy his name is Elder Packer. He wants to be really obedient and really diligent so it's cool. And we get along real well. I enjoy being a trainer too. It's stressful but I'm learning a lot and I feel like I'm being led by the spirit to teach what I need to. We've been doing a lot more contacting lately which is good but still having trouble with it. We still do less active work and that's going well. The less actives are usually really fun to teach. I don't know not only does it bring people back to the gospel but it also opens doors for new investigators sometimes. We're hoping to get a couple new investigators from less active referrals. The hard thing is getting in with our investigators right now. We have 3 investigators; one is really elect and ready but works like ALL the time so we can't get a hold of her, one isn't progressing much, and one doesn't show for lessons. So it's frustrating but we keep trying and keep working. The weather has been really nice right now. And the members are feeding us every night and taking us out to work with us so it's awesome. But I kind of know Caleb Reheis but not really.  Hope all is well.  Love this gospel. My testimony of the Atonement has really grown lately and I really love this work.
Love,
Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, October 8, 2012

Awesome Week, October 7, 2012

This week was crazy...

First off I found out I'm training next transfer!! That's super crazy cause I just finished being trained myself. But I guess President Wolfert thinks I'm ready, or the Lord does. I'm excited though I think it will be a great learning opportunity and really help me progress as a missionary.

General conference this week was so good. Like I think it's just because I'm on the mission but it was so much more powerful than ever before. Especially Priesthood Session that just blew me away. I think my favorite talks were President Eyring's one on spiritual gifts and President Uchtdorf's on happiness. More than anything conference really strengthened my testimony of a living prophet and that he really recieves revelation for the whole church.

Other than that this week has been pretty good. My trainer Elder Wight is leaving. He's a good guy and I enjoyed serving with him.

Great to hear from you all back home and that all is going good in AZ.

God Bless,

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, October 1, 2012

Oct. 1, 2012 Great Week

Had a really great week. Our Ward mission leader has been working hard and the work has been steadily progressing now. We had a split on Thursday night and I went out with Brother Hubbell (our ward mission leader) to teach a less active guy. The spirit was really strong and we had an awesome lesson about faith, hope, and the Atonement. While we taught that Elder Wight went to a new investigators home and taught her for the first time. He said the lesson was went super smooth and she is really prepared to hear the Gospel. Her name is Latonya. I guess she commited to baptism and said her children would be at every lesson from now on. So we're really excited about that.
The weather has cooled off and it's been really nice the last couple of weeks. Yesterday it started raining and hasn't stopped yet. I hit my 3 month mark 3 days ago! It's weird in some ways it has flown by but in others it's been slow. I think it was just slow for like the first month and then it sped up. Transfers are next week though. We predict that Elder Wight will be leaving and I'll train in Woodstock but we'll see ya never really know.
Everything is going well though. Good to hear about the Cardinals that's pretty awesome they're doing so well. Also good to hear grandma is doing better hope she continues to do well and I'll keep her in my prayers.
As for Christmas?........... hm...... well I definitely want some pumpkin cranberry muffins. But maybe a couple CDs or an electric razor or something. I want to get the Hugo soundtrack and the Spirited Away soundtrack. but whatever don't worry about it.
Love you guys and I love this work. I know I'm out here to bring people closer to Christ and I know this gospel is true.

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, September 24, 2012

Good Week September 24, 2012

Hey everyone,

This week has been really good. We taught a lot of lessons and had a lot of help from the members which is always good. We got a new ward missionary who is really good and super cool. He's a huge nerd like me so we get along real well. And because of the support, we haven't ridden bikes all that much. But it's starting to get really nice out. The weather definitely cools down quicker out here than in AZ. But we finally had an investigator come to church! Her name is Cheri and she's a little crazy but I've really grown to enjoy teaching her and helping her find the gospel cause she really needs it. We did a church tour with her the night before which went really well and then she and her daughter came to church the next day. I think she really enjoyed it and I can tell her faith is starting to really grow. We've been eating really well lately too recently. Our ward is really awesome and I really enjoy serving here. Elder Wight and I are getting along really well right now, too. I bet he'll get transferred in the next couple weeks though. Which is probably good he's been here a while and I think it would be good for me to serve with someone else. But anyways we did a lot of less active work this week too. Our new Ward mission Leader is really on the ball about getting us appointments and fulfilling his calling so it's really good. But I love this work and this gospel and I know it's true.

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, September 17, 2012

September 17, 2012

Hey everyone,

This week has been another strange one. We were only able to meet with one of our investigators because everyone else was flaking out on us. But we were able to do a lot of work with less actives and meet with some former investigators and convince them to take the lessons again so that's good. We also are going to start teaching this guy Jerry. His wife is a member in our ward and we went and had dinner with them on Thursday. She is Jamaican and made amazing food. But we talked to Jerry while we were there and hopefully we'll be able to get back in there and teach him too. But we're really trying to find new investigators right now. The ones we have aren't really keeping commitments so we need to find some more people who are ready to learn. Other than that we're just working hard and having a good time. Hope all is home and it was great to hear about Ryan coming home.

Love,

Elder Cooper

Monday, September 10, 2012

Weird Week Sept. 10, 2012

Hey everyone,

This week was very up and down. On one hand every single appointment we had with our investigators fell through. But we ran into a lot of people we didn't expect. We met with some great less actives and a lot of them seem really ready to come back to church. The best part of the week was definitely the Ward Party though. We had a get together with the ward and any member from the last 30 years. It was a lot of fun. They had Elder Wight and I come early to help set up and then they also had us use the grill and cook the hot dogs. The best part though was there was an investigator who came who we weren't expecting. His name is Chris and we hadn't seen him for a couple weeks. But he was like, "Aw man I've missed you guys, I've been reading the Book of Mormon and wanted to see you guys again." So we're way excited about that.

Last week our dinner calender was empty so we had to beg for food. We're really close with the Relief Society President though and she hammered down so our schedule is like super full.   But we have to cook for ourselves every once in a while. We bought these boxes of meat from this guy for super cheap though so we've been having steak, chicken and shrimp. Other than that we eat a lot of eggs and grits.

Hope all is going well at home. So crazy Ryan gets back on Thursday. Give him a good welcome home for me!

-Elder Cooper-

Monday, September 3, 2012

Crazy Week Sept 3, 2012

Hey everyone,

This week flew by, but at the same time so much happened it feels like last week was forever ago. I don't know but we've been having off and on rain the last week but nothing too major. We haven't actually used our bikes much at all this week either. Partly because my companion messed his knee and ankle up and biking is rough for him and because it's more dangerous on wet roads and we're not supposed ride in the rain I guess. Anyways it seems like this week we'll have a day that's busy and really good and then a day where there is just nothing. So it's kind of weird but I'm enjoying it. One of the coolest things happened on Friday though. We met with this guy Kevin a couple weeks back and he just doesn't really believe in God but he believes something out there but doesn't want to exercise faith to pray or read. Anyways when we left him last time he said he needed a job. So when we left we prayed that he would get a job and told him if he got one it would be God telling him he was there and mindful of him. Anyways we didn't see Kevin for a good couple weeks and then we met with him on Friday. He was like, "You know, about 7 minutes after you guys left I got a phone call telling me I'd gotten this job." It was super cool and I know our prayer was answered. Unfortunately he thinks it's just coincidence haha. But we had a great lesson with him and I hope he will recognize Heavenly Father's influence in his life. Other than that we met with a couple other investigators and just worked hard on finding new ones.

- Elder Spencer R. Cooper -

Monday, August 27, 2012

August 27, 2012

Hey everyone,

This week has been pretty good but a little slow. Found out I'm staying in Woodstock for another transfer which is god cause I really like it here. The pictures are just kind of to show how it generally looks in the neighborhoods. I'm trying to get a picture of the First Baptist of Woodstock church. It's HUGE. But We picked up a couple new investigators and I'm hopeful for them. Cheri is a recovering drug addict and agrees with almost everything we are teaching her. I really think she wants this we just need to get her to church. We met these two kids yesterday named Tajay and Tylor who are pretty cool. We're teaching them tonight and I'm excited about that cause they seemed pretty interested. They were wearing these awesome shirts that said like Worship Jesus Christ in the Coca Cola lettering. But anyways not much else going on... Hope all is well in AZ and hope to keep hearin' from you guys!

Elder Spencer Cooper

Monday, August 20, 2012

Awesome Week, Aug. 20, 2012

Hey,
This week was pretty awesome but kind of strange too. We had zone conference on Monday and a member of the quorum of the seventy came. His name was Elder Giddins and he came unexpectedly. He gave an awesome talk though. The entire conference was great though and really motivated us to try harder. The day after was actually probably one of the best days of my mission so far just because we worked hard and had some good success. On Friday we did exchanges. One of the zone leaders came down and spent the day with me in Woodstock while my companion went to a different area for the day. We worked super hard cause Elder Richardson is a workaholic and it was good. It definitely made me appreciate how cool Elder Wight is though. Anyways nothing to crazy has happened. We picked up an investigator named Kim who is super prepared and I am really excited about. The weather has been cooling down and there's been off and on thunder storms all week. It's still hot walking around but way better than AZ right now it sounds like. I'll try to take some pics this week too!

Anyways hope all is going well at home!

Elder Cooper

Monday, August 13, 2012

August 13, 2012

Hey everyone!

We had a baptism this week for Charles! It was so great because his parents were pretty against him being baptized but they came and stayed for sacrament meeting and I know they felt the spirit. It was great and he's super solid in the gospel.

Other than that we have just been working hard teaching and finding. It's been a little slow but not too bad and there are definitely some people who I'm excited to teach. One guy is named Kevin. Ha he has the strangest perspective on religion I've ever seen. He believes there is some higher power but doesn't know why God would put him through so much suffering. What's strange is like he can see how happy we are and he's like "I want that for me!" but is totally unwilling to do anything about it. He doesn't want to pray because he has zero faith that it will work and he just wants a sign from God. He's hilarious though and I hope we can help him find his faith.

So every Monday on P day we come to the stake center where I can play piano and basketball and my comp can just play ball. It's super fun and we get to see all the other missionaries.

Nothing too much more to say... I attached a couple pics one of my companion and one of a crazy spider we found.

Love

Elder Cooper 

Monday, August 6, 2012

August 6, 2012

Hey everybody!!!!
So I finally got some pictures for you all (not y'all I'm trying to stay classy). They're all MTC pictures and just a bunch of goofy friends I made. The guy who is doing something with his toe was my companion Elder Gunnerson. Also I found out you guys are allowed to send me emails I just can't email you back so send me an email at spencer.cooper@myldsmail.net and make sure to include your address so I can write you back.
This week was pretty good. A lot of appointments fell through again. Also Laura kind of dropped us which was really sad. I know this is what she needs in her life but I think she's scared to make any sort of change right now. Hopefully down the road she'll be ready. But we have a baptism this coming week for Charles. He's been taking the discussions for like a year and just waiting to turn 18 since his parents are against him being baptized. He's super strong in the Gospel though and has a solid testimony. He plays guitar pretty well and we had a chance to jam for a bit which was fun. I've actually been able to play piano quite a bit out here. Every P-day we come to the stake center and play basketball and I usually get a good 3 hours or so of playing. But this week has been really good as far as me bonding with the members more. The members of the Woodstock ward are amazing! They are so committed to helping us with our work and feeding us and all that.
Also I don't know if I mentioned this before but Georgia, or at least Woodstock, is a forest. Like there are just trees and greenery and squirrels everywhere. Seriously I see like 10 squirrels a day.
But anyways I'll start taking more pictures of Georgia and sending them the next couple weeks. I know this gospel is true and I love the work I am doing. It's amazing what a little faith and praying can do for someone and how it can change they're lives. Hope all is well in AZ!

Elder Cooper

Monday, July 30, 2012

July 30, 2012 Note from a member in Woodstock

Just want you to know that I had lunch with your missionaries yesterday and we had a good time. They helped me make a home video that I used to teach a lesson in the combined RS/Priesthood class for our fifth Sunday lesson. They were the actors.

Elder Wight is working hard and is training Elder Cooper very well. Elder Cooper is dynamite himself and has committed someone to baptism his first week out! They are both doing well and it has been a pleasure as the high priest group leader to work with them several times a week.
Bro. Brian Wortham

2nd Week in Woodstock July 30, 2012

Hey everybody,
First off wanted to make sure you all got my address cause I don't remeber if I gave it out or not but anyways it's:
Elder Spencer Cooper
1150 Cole Dr. SW
Liburn, GA 30047

Also I want to write you guys so send me your address  and I'll write you.
But this week was pretty good. I don't know I feel like we've been working really hard but the numbers we get aren't really showing it. But I know my testimony has been continually growing as well as my love for the people of Georgia. The members here are so awesome and we've still been fed pretty much every night. The problem is that our ward is pretty small so we have trouble getting people to go with us to lessons. Oh and yeah my mission president and his wife are really cool. In fact the night we got there the hem on my pants came undone and she fixed it. And then she made Nutella french toast which is like the greatest thing. Ever.
The heat is still lame. Like you're just wet all the time. And my companion is trying to get me to develop a southern accent. I was like "nah man I got too much class." Plus I don't want my grammar to go completely out the window.
We were supposed to have 4 investigators at church yesterday and only one came so that was dissapointing. But the people were teaching are progressing and really want that change in their lives. It's so awesome to see when someone finally recognizes the happiness this gospel can bring them.
Hope all is going well in the desert and send me your addresses so I can write ya!

Love,
Elder S.R. Cooper

Monday, July 23, 2012

First Week in Georgia July 24, 2012

Hey everyone!

So this is my first week in Georgia. When I first got here they had us go talk to people on this subway train called MARTA. It was a good experience but a nerve racking one. I found out I will be in Woodstock for my first 12 weeks at least. Woodstock is super awesome. It's a really nice are and most everyone is super nice and wants to talk about religion which is cool.

I learned some things about Georgia right when I got here too. First, Georgia does not have the best peaches. I don't know where that came from but the best peaches are from South Carolina and they are amazing. Second, it's really really green. Like there are just trees everywhere and it's just a gorgeous place to be. Also like I said earlier, most people like to talk about religion. It's cool to see so many people passionate about it whatever their beliefs are.

My companion is named Elder Wight. He's been out for about 8 months now and he's pretty awesome. We get along well and he's definitely teaching me what I need to know. We've been doing a lot of teaching. Like I can't believe how busy we are with all the less actives and investigators it's crazy. We are in a biking area so I'm trying to get used to being constantly covered in sweat. The humidity is weird like it doesn't feel that hot but you are always sweating and it's kinda hard to breathe.

Anyways the ward here is amazing. Like everyone is super nice and wants to feed us. ANd they all have sweet accents which is cool. Seriously like I know it's hard to believe but there is a good chance I'm gonna come back a big fat guy. Ha ha really they feed us so good down here. And the members are really willing to come teach with us and drive us around so that's awesome.

Yesterday we taught a new investigator named Laura and her daughter Mary Ann. We we're starting to teach when Laura's father comes in and starts talking all this anti mormon stuff. I was like great they're not going to feel the spirit at all. But he calmed down and left and we started to teach her about the restoration. It was so spiritually powerful and Laura is so sincere. She listened to everything we said and when I asked her to commit to baptism she said yes. She also prayed for us and then said she felt "really warm and peaceful" It was so great and I'm really excited to see how much her life will improve from this.

Anyways I love you all and hope all's going well in AZ. Please remember if you haven't written me I can't write you because I don't have your address. So please send some mail so I can start writing you guys individually.

Love,

Elder Cooper

Monday, July 16, 2012

July 16, 2012 LAST DAY in MTC

Today's my last day here! I can't believe how quick these three weeks have gone by. I'm definitely excited to leave but I still feel like there is a lot for me to learn. But yeah everything's been going good and I've been having a great time. Gained like 8 pounds so that's good. Yesterday we had this concert violinist, Jenny Oaks Baker (Pres. Oaks daughter) come play for us. It was really awesome and she was crazy good. Made me feel a bit homesick just cause I started worrying about piano and how my abilities will be after my mission. But she talked about trusting in the Lord in all things and I know this is  where I am supposed to be and the Lord will bless me for it. Anyways not much more to talk about besides that. I'm starting to realize why Ryan would send such short emails... I mean like a lot happens but there's no real way to describe everything in a way that makes sense. I don't know but just a reminder if you send a dearelder.com to me please put your address so I can write you back. Love to get your mail it's definitely weird to be so cut off from the outside world right now. But I really am happier here then I've ever been before and I can just feel the spirit like all the time.
Take care,
Elder Cooper

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

MTC 2nd week, July 10, 2012

Hi everybody!
Ok two things I wanna clarify first of all. 1.) If you want to contact me do not respond to this email cause i wont get it. Send me a message on dearelder.com or send me a hand written message. 2.) I wont be able to attatch any pictures until I actually get to Georgia.
Anyways this week has been really good. 4th of July was super awesome here. We had a program about patriotism and these two missionaries played fiddles and there was a video thing. I dunno it was cool. Then we got to go out and watch the BYU fireworks which were crazy awesome. My companion and roomies are super awesome. Elder Gunnerson (my comp) and I have been getting a lot better at teaching together and he is becoming more commited to the work. Last night we built a pretty killin' fort in our room. My other roomies are Elder Hamer and Harding and were all like best buds. The sister missionaries in my district are pretty cool too I guess. Oh yeah I was also made Zone Leader like a week ago so it's been fun getting to know all the new elders and all the cool people in my zone. My branch president is really awesome too he brings the spirit to everything he does but he's also just a goofy guy. Oh my teacher who was in Ryan's MTC zone was a sister that's why she is home already and her name is Sister Smith. I guess she was sick like the whole time she was here though. We had a member of the seventy speak to us a week ago named Yoshihito Kukuchi. It was seriouly one the most powerful talks I've ever heard. Really motivated me to follow the commandments and rules with exact obedience. Another awesome thing here is this tree that smells like cream soda. Like it sounds weird but it seriously smells just like cream soda and nobody knows why. I was bummed to hear Steve Nash is going to the Lakers. I mean the Lakers are pretty lame. But Idk I guess it makes sense and I'm just happy we got Goran Dragic back. GORAN! Oh and yes mom the key on my dresser is to the Meiers. Since I've been here I've seen Aaron Blake, Jordan Taylor, Jonathan Ricks, and Cayden Tattersal. Jordan told me to say hi to Ryan for him and asked how he was doing. Cayden seemed to be doing alright I think he just needs time to get used to the schedule change and the language. Seriously, I'm so glad i'm speaking english. I mean the MTC is cool but I really can't wait to get to Georgia. Been hearing some crazy stories about the South so I'm just stoked to get down there and take in the people and culture. I've only played piano for Sunday meetings but I'm planning on playing more today and auditioning with a couple sister missionaries for a special musical number.
I've really come to know that this is where I'm supposed to be and I honestly am just having a blast here. Hope all is going well for each of you at home. Give Sam some cereal for me... not that he deserves it that little mutt. Hope all my AMC homies are still being bombastic. Keep selling stubs cards!... haha jk stubs are lame. Oh and mom I'm not sure about those emails that worked it sounds like averie's (averieclare) worked but idk about berenice's. so um ya. Love you all. Bye bye!
Elder Cooper

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

July 3, 2012 Great First Week

Hey everyone,
This was the first week of the MTC. And it was totally awesome. I honestly haven't been home sick at all and have just been having a great time. When I arrived in Utah I rode with Sister Sandiego and her relatives to the MTC. But they were so nice and took us to red lobster before so that was super awesome. My companions name is Elder Gunnerson and he's a great guy. We have a bit of trouble teaching together and he doesn't focus great but we get along awesome. Its honestly like I'm in a quadpanionship though. The two other elders in our room our super cool too and we honestly spend like all our time together. The food is pretty good here so that's cool too. I really like all the people in our district and I can just feel the spirit all the time. I feel like I've learned more in this last week than in the last couple years. Also, a weird thing: one of my teachers was in my brother Ryan's district in the MTC. I keep running into people who know people from Gilbert or are from there themselves. It's definitly a small world... after all. ha anyways the part I've really enjoyed is teaching these investigators and watching them progress and figuring out how to teach with the spirit. Well if you wanna send me a letter my address is MTC Mailbox #113 GA-ATLN 0717 2005 N. 900 E. Provo, Utah 84604-1793. The best way is definitly a site called dearelder.com where you type a letter and they print it and give it to me the same day. I'm only going to be here for two more weeks so I'll give you the new address when I'm in Georgia. But if you wanna handwrite that's fine too. But just want to let every know I'm doing great and I love this work and this Gospel.
Love,
Elder Cooper

Entering the MTC

On July 27, we drove Spencer to the Phoenix airport.  After a tearful goodbye he flew to SLC, UT and entered the MTC.  Two days later we received a short handwritten note that said he had arrived and had enjoyed a great first day.  He promised to write more details on his P-Day, which will be on Turesdays in the MTC.  He closed his letter with, "I love you and I love the gospel."