Cleveland, Ohio

I remember back in my high school years, of the personality I had.  I was cocky, arrogant at times, still friendly with those I came in contact with, but yet didn't seem to care about being the caring guy.  I always worried about what others thought about who I was or how I acted.  I tried way to hard to get people to like me.  When I tried to fit myself into certain groups, I would sometimes change who I was, and that too, failed abruptly.  My attitude honestly became worse towards others and myself after high school and I was not the person that my parents had raised me to be nor, as I would find out in later time, who I really wanted to be.  Then came my 2 year mission to Cleveland Ohio.  I left to Cleveland, from the MTC in Provo, to try and do something the Lord had in my life plan from the very start.  I'm not going to get religious on this blog post.  But I will say that I was converted by the Lord to the person who He wanted me to be.  I left September 22, 2005 and returned September 9, 2007.  There are many things I miss about that area. 
- I miss the fall.  My, how gorgeous it is in the fall, because the area is filled with trees everywhere and though there are no mountains, the landscape is absolutely amazing! 
- I miss CiCis Pizza!  A pizza buffet that had EVERY kind of Pizza!  But the best was there cinnamon rolls.  Not joking when I say that I think I gained 14 pounds in that area thanks to that buffet!  
- I miss the walks at night.  The winter walks sucked, no lying there.  But the ones in the fall and spring were incredible and some of my most favorite.  We'd sometimes bike ride too, and they were just pleasant as could be.  Those were the times where my comp and I would talk and get to know each other and go into a deep life discussion.  It was warm so you weren't into big of a hurry to get inside.  I miss a couple of the areas.  The 2 that I miss most are, East Cleveland, and an place called Hills & Dales, which is located next door to Massilon and near Canton.  

     East Cleveland will always hold a place in my heart.  I LOVED the people, and not just because they were black.  Some of them were the nicest I could have imagined.  They were fun to be around, loved God (even when they were high on whatever it was they were doing), the youth there were hilarious even when they were making fun of us (which to this day I think they taunting my white companion, because I know how they all roll, so we never had issues) The fact that there was a rap song blowing out of every car you drove by, and all of them with the same freaking song.  The bus system was way fun to use.  Some of those people would be going crazy screaming and yelling weird stuff every time they saw the "Jesus People" get on.  

        Canton was "Football country" unlike anywhere else I've ever been.  Massilon vs Canton High School attracted more people than a Jackson County High School Prom.  These people were in love with football and I loved that I was in the area during the fall season.  The area is so dang unbelievably beautiful it is unreal!!!!!!!!  I could live there forever and never have a complaint.  I'll suck it up through a winter to enjoy a spring, summer, and fall, with the fall bringing on the pigskin fall traditions.  As I am sure you know, the football hall of fame is there as well so it was a genuine blessing from the Lord to me that I was able to visit a place that honors the game that I cherish.  The people were also very warm to us.  I did not have any "success" in regards of baptisms, actually that area was my worst production area, because they didn't want anything to do with the LDS church, but at the same time I made some wonderful friends.  There was Richard Owen, who I became very close and as did other missionaries gain a close friendship to him as well, had a powerful influence on me to smile and enjoy life.  He was constantly fighting an emotional, physical, and spiritual battle everyday of his life but you could never see it if you didn't know what was going on in his life.  His sense of humor, willingness to care, and love of life always overshadowed the hardship and adversity he took on which ever way it came and I tell you what, it came at a pace that some people would have balled up and sat in a corner and surrendered to the devil himself.  Richard was a great example to me.  Richard passed away in 2008, and to this very day, there are moments where I can fill his spirit.  The person or in this case, family that had a huge impact on me was the Thomas Family.  A mom who's personality was identical to my mom that made me feel right at home, courageously raising two daughters, who are as outgoing as....well lets just say there is never a dull moment in their home.  The daughters, Hannah and Sarah, all grown now up bring forth eventful moments into the home with there cooky ideas, and stories.  I remember when I met the mother, Suzan.  I honestly thought she hated me like Cleveland hates Lebron.  Not kidding at this moment either, it wasn't until Easter of 2006 while at Richard Owens house, that her and I actually had a humanized conversation about....Hannah.  In saying that, the conversation got a tad weird for me, since I hated the girl (or any girl age 17 or younger) with all of my heart.  That's what missions do to you.  Because of the standards you are expected to hold and should hold, you begin to see how totally insane teenage girls are.  I saw it in Hannah the moment I met her.  Anyway, Suzan and I became very close friends.  I remember when she was being taught by the sister missionaries, she called me one night because she had a question about a topic.  To the best of my memory I answered the question, but then she asked about me.  It was something to the effect of why I was given such an outgoing personality, but yet so willing to hide it.  I opened up unexpectedly and we've never lost touch of each other since that moment.  I visited the Thomas Family, during spring break of 2010.  Canton was still gorgeous as ever, Suzan was still the mom of the year in my books, Hannah had became less psycho, which made it easier for me to approach her and Sarah who I don't ever remember meeting during my time there in 2006, was one of the funniest gals I've met.  Her life could be a comedy book and just the introduction would make you change your pants twice.  I love the experience I gained within just 2 short years and I'm grateful for the Lord being so persistent in getting me to go on a mission so He could change me into a better person.  I'm grateful for the people I met at every door step, or through other various ways.  I'm grateful for the friends I made in those 2 years, and I'm most grateful for memories I've created in those 2 years!!