Personal Stories Catalog-- Eli Hainsworth

1. Chinese Camp Love Triangle Suspense Action!
[Dramatic revelation story, Hearts getting crushed story]
A dramatic tale involving teenage boys and girls too scared to admit their love. Could their romances end their friendships?

I tell this one to entertain.

2. Getting lost in China.
[9-year-old panic story, relationship-defining story]
A young boy flies to China for the first time, only to find separated from his parents in Tianmen Square, the largest public square in the world.

I tell this one to explain my cautious nature in public and when I want to rip into my mom.

3.  Running for all the offices.
[Defiance story]
In a school where school spirit has been dead for years, each student government position has only one candidate. In a fit of righteous anger, one hero from the debate classroom will challenge them all.

I tell this one because I like thinking I changed the school's mentality.

4. Almost getting arrested in the MTC.
[Story of fear, humorous story]
Five Elders create a triple bunk bed, gaining the attention of an Australian Security agent who doesn't take attitude. Their lecture takes an unexpected turn!

I tell this one because the fear we felt at the time was very real, and it transfers well in retelling.

5. Using a 9-year-old as a ski ramp.
[Painful, embarrassing story]
The most dangerous things on the mountain are other skiiers. In a story that explores the depths of human relationship and treachery, an unsuspecting boy becomes a blizzard of trouble!

I tell this story because I don't like this kid and he makes a good scapegoat.

6. Surprise baptism story.
[Pretty spiritual story, gushing about a Branch I like story, mission story]
Brother Jung was sure he wasn't ready for baptism. Nothing the missionaries did seemed to make a difference. Nothing, that is, except a trip to the ice cream store during work hours.

I tell this story because it highlights how little power I had in my hands.

7. The Hobo's Bladder
[story of powerlessness, story of leadership]
Despite his recent appointment as a District leader, a young Elder comes face to face with his own powerlessness as he confronts a drunk Korean with a poor idea of boundaries and laws.

I also tell this story because it highlights how little power I have, but in the negative direction.

8. Elder Hainsworth and the Very Definitely Not a Double Date.
[Mission Story, I-was-totally-breaking-the-rules-in-retrospect story, Love story (not mine don't worry), awkward story]
When the tiny town of Kimje, South Korea leaves his companion in despair, a junior companion realizes that it will take something beyond his own power to quell his pessimistic tendencies. A visit from the sister missionaries develops into a full-blown romance, but between whom?

I usually told this story because it was something a lot of missionaries in our mission knew about, but didn't know the details. Since I could provide my perspective, it gave the story a lot of retell value.

9. The time I unleashed a hurricane of pick-up lines.
[Shameless flirting story,  Fun story, no moral or point story]
When Lara left to spend three weeks studying Korean, she had no idea that she was about to be hit by a wall of puns. With lots of ham and even more cheese, one man unleashes every pick-up line he has ever thought of.

I like telling this story because it was a time I threw caution to the wind and had a really fun time, and giving a verbal replay brings back that joy.

10. The best swimmer at camp.
[Coming of age story, enduring to the end story]
Although the young scout was determined to receive his swimming merit badge this year, he had not counted on the immensity of the task before him. With his whole heart, he resolves to complete the merit badge, although in his peripheral vision, he sees those around him abandoning the challenge.

I like to use this story as an example of being both foolhardy and persistent. It has a lot of motivation value for myself and others.