Memorial Day

I hope everyone enjoyed their week and Memorial Day weekend. It was a sweet day here in Hershey. Don't worry, the "sweet" jokes will just keep coming:) Sorry I couldn't email you yesterday, our library was closed. We went and sat at the new Chipotle and watched the parade march down Chocolate Avenue, though. It was quite delightful... We enjoyed some Kisses and lollipops. Last week Elder D left for Altoona and I received Elder as my new companion. He is from around Seattle, WA. He attended one year at BYU and is planning on returning after he finishes his last year of his mission. He and I have gotten along really well. His great sense of humor keeps us alive daily. The picture (below) shows just the surface of his humor. The sitting on of that couch in the bed of that truck was and continues to be consented with our neighbor who we are actually teaching. That couch is where class and comfort meet at a perfect balance and convenience...

Yesterday a member took us grocery shopping at Sam's Club and basically filled our refrigerator and freezer to the max! I know that members pay attention to how we as missionaries act and stay obedient. I know that it was because of our character and example that God blessed us with the charity from those members. I've learned so much about obedience as I have fallen in disobedience and risen in obedience. I know that blessings are not only poured out to me and my investigators but also to my family because of my obedience to the laws of the gospel. I am so grateful that God gives us the opportunities to be obedient so we can learn and He can bless us.

The Secession of Britain from Hershey

So as you might have picked up from the title of this email, Elder D is leaving Hershey:( His English swag has been requested elsewhere... Sad day. I'm excited and a little nervous to see who I get next. Third area, sixth companion and only 10 months into my mission. I guess it's bound to get interesting at some point or another. I will definitely miss having my own Mr. Bean walking with me around this sweet town.

We had a great last week of the transfer though. Our investigator came to church yesterday with his two-year old daughter, we volunteered at the Hershey Food Bank, we didn't get poured on so that was a plus. We did run into some interesting things this last week though. They are represented in the two pictures below. The first being a little Dutch boy figurine stuck in a tree... As I gazed upon this unusual tree ornament, I thought of how sometimes we try so hard to be someone or something we just simply aren't. Sometimes we try to take too big of steps in life and end up in unfortunate or challenging situations. Just like this little Dutch figurine, we can find ourselves stuck somewhere we don't belong. He belongs either on a shelf in the home or on the front porch. That is what he was designed to do. Unfortunately, he is in a large, old tree. However, if someone who sees the big picture of his purpose as a figurine, they could take him down and place him where he belongs.

I would also like to talk about the next picture, that being a very saddened dog sitting in the driver seat of a parked car... Now you're probably wondering, how did he just get all of that out of a figurine in a tree and what is he going to say about this poor dog? Well, just as the figurine, this dog is obviously in the wrong seat. Dogs don't drive cars. As I looked into his eyes, I saw a dog that had such a big desire to just race his owner's car down Cherry Drive and feel the wind blow his big ears around like luscious locks. His slanted head and saddened eyes gave the impression of confusion and a sense of out of place. Like this dog, we too try to "run faster than [we] have strength" (Mosiah 4:27) and be someone we're not.

So what does any of this have to do with the gospel? It's simple. Live the gospel and you will be exactly who your Heavenly Father wants you to be and you will never take a step that is too big for you. He will guide your every step and you will never be someone you're not supposed to be. Now to be clear, I'm not saying you will never be faced with trials and challenges, you will. But with the gospel, those challenges will help you grow and learn. I have seen it in my life and I know that you can and will see it in yours. So don't be a little figurine stuck in a tree or a dog trying to drive a car. Be the son or daughter of God that you are. Be you. Be everything your Father wants you to be and live His gospel.

Love,
Elder Trotman

Mother's Day Letter

I just wanted to talk about my own mother. I know I'm a day late seeing how Mother's Day was yesterday but you'll just have to forgive me. In Alma 56 (in the Book of Mormon) we learn about the Stripling Warriors and how they fought for the freedom of their nation on behalf of their fathers. These were not skilled MMA fighters or professional gladiators of any sorts. They were just young men that "...had been taught by there mothers, that if they did no doubt, God would deliver them." (Alma 56:47) They were sure of the power of God and repeated, "We do not doubt our mothers knew it."(v.48) I know that it was through diligence from their mothers that "...their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word..."(Alma 5:7) and because of their mothers they had the confidence to do whatever it took.

I am very grateful for my mom in her diligence in being a great example of unconditional love and support. I am grateful that she showed patience in putting up with my rebellious years and prideful character at home. She is my best friend, the one understands me, laughs with me and loves me. Thank you, Mom! I pray that we may all take the time to be more fettered to the love of our mothers and to this gospel.


Here is my birthday pic and surprise from Elder D.

Bread and Elk

What a beautiful day it is here in Hershey! Low 60's with a light breeze.

I would just like to quickly share a couple experiences I had this past week. Yesterday during Sacrament meeting, Brother C stood up and shared his testimony of this gospel. He shared a very sorrowful story about a woman in her later moments of life. He is on a rotation at Hershey Med that includes dealing with patients that are close to death and prescribing them the proper medicine so that the pain is eased for them. This particular woman was lying in bed one night and cried to God that all she wanted was a slice of homemade bread. Early that next afternoon, a lady who had only met her once, stopped by and dropped of a loaf of her homemade bread. She did not know this dying woman's current struggles or state of mind. She really had no idea why she came to her home this particular afternoon, but God did. The woman broke down in tears once she placed this bread on the counter because she knew that her Father in Heaven had answered her prayer. He wants and desires the things that will make us happy. For this woman it was just bread. For God, it was her happiness.

The next experience I would like to share is for the entertainment of my dad back home. Ever since I was little we have enjoyed each other's company in hunting. For our family, hunting is a way to put food on the table and learn more about the beautiful creations of God here on Earth for us. One animal we hunt every year is elk. In fact, where we live, we have elk right next to our home that basically run through our backyard. All we have to do is open a window and we can hear their deep herding calls. Now here in Hershey, all I have to do is walk to the Zoo America and take a picture of the elk behind bars as if viewing incarcerated criminals. Dad, this picture is just for you:) I hope you notice the tourists behind the gate pointing in awe at these never-before-seen creatures. If there is one word I would use to describe this picture, it would be... pitiful.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and continues to thank our God for the simple blessings of life.

Love,
Elder Trotman

Helping Hands

This weekend was one of the best on my mission thus far! Saturday morning we helped in Kiss Hershey Back, a community service day started by a few LDS Hershey Med Students a few years ago. We got to wear the churches Helping Hands Jerseys and go pick up trash on Milton Hershey School property. It was awesome to go out into the community and work with some great individuals in cleaning up this beautiful land! I know that our examples world-wide inspire others to come together and change the world.

That night we attended a baptism for the Hermanas (Spanish-speaking Sisters) in our district. It was the baptism of N, a Puerto Rican. As I've gotten to know him and help teach him during BOM Classes, I have come to a greater understanding and testimony of the simplicity of this gospel. During his baptism, I witnessed the character of Christ as N was cleansed of his past sins, through the atonement and his faith in the passionate Prince of Peace. I know that it is only by following our Savior's example of baptism that we may enter into a covenant gate that will bring us salvation and closer to eternal joy. He is our Redeemer and His arms are a fortress for the weak. His heart is a home for the oppressed. His love is everlasting and unconditional.

Love,
Elder Trotman

Only in PA!

Only in PA...

... do you find a toilet in your neighbor's front yard:

... do you find a full size fake cow and a port-a-potty within feet of each other in your neighbor's yard:

... does your neighbor park their suburban in their front yard on a hill:

April General Conference

This has been a humbling and hopeful weekend. As I give my thoughts and touch on some of the messages from General Conference, I pray that you may focus on the feelings you felt as you listened to our leaders bring "tidings of great joy."

Our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson started it all off perfectly, "Listen and learn." Elder Holland assured us that it is worth it, I mean, it is The Lord's work after all... He also gave great counsel on defending our faith even when no one around us lives it. It reminded me of an email a dear friend of mine sent me as she went off to school, "It can be kind of hard though because a lot of the kids that I am living with are Mormon but don't really follow all the commandments or are just struggling to stay on the straight and narrow. It makes it difficult to stand up for myself and my standards sometimes, but I also see it as a great missionary opportunity just to serve as an example for them and hopefully let them know that they can still fix their life." She has been an outstanding example of what Elder Holland, and ultimately The Lord, is asking us to do.

He was then followed by Elder Rasband who simply backed Elder Holland up with stating, "The Lord depends on you." I know that He truly does but I also know that He is right next to us to lift us when we fall short.
Linda S. Reeves then declared a mind easing message that, "through His Atoning sacrifice we may be cleansed and freed from Satan's soul torturing bondage." Not only did she declare a divine promise, but she even told us how to stay away from the adversaries’ grasp, "with daily family scripture study and prayer, accompanied with weekly Family Home Evening, may we find direction and relief in a world of chaos."

Saturday afternoon, Elder Hales reminded us that it is our obligation to uphold the covenants we make with our Heavenly Father. Through those covenants we will find everlasting joy and exaltation. Claudio D. Zivic then gave a wonderful message on aging in spiritual wisdom, "As aging brings wrinkles and physical incapability, let it also bring a more well-spiritually tuned soul full of joy and wisdom."

On a beautiful Sabbath morning, Elder Uchtdorf exhorted us to "put aside the cup of bitterness and lift the goblet of gratitude." Following, Elder Ballard told us to "not just invite others to learn of Christ, but take them by the hand and walk with them." Elder Bednar taught us again how to "be empowered agents and impact our environment." That afternoon, Elder Packer gave an empowering and soul touching testimony of his witness of the living Christ. Stating, "Personal confirmation of the gospel's truths and divine validity of this gospel comes as we sincerely ask our Father in Heaven. It is through Him, that we may find a greater understanding of the simple divine truths." Lawrence E. Corbridge supported Elder Packer's testimony in saying, "The truth will always be opposed, but it is still the truth."

I know that through deep, sincere prayer and diligent scripture study we will be given a greater and powerful testimony of His gospel. I know The Book of Mormon is indeed the word of God and is here, simply, for our guidance and happiness. Read it. Study it. Ponder it. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

If you want to read or watch any of the talks from the April 2014 General Conference, please go to www.lds.org.