May 2, 2016

HELLO we are partying and working hard here in Lafayette. When we first got into the area I checked our miles we are allotted for our car and found that the return trip alone to get back to our apartment made us go over are monthly allotment. Keep in mind that we dont get more miles till the end of the month. So I had to call our Zone leaders and explain what had happened and ya got it all sorted out. But that being said it forced us to walk everywhere which is difficult because the areas we tract or knock doors mostly are within 5 to 8 miles away.

Buttttttttt thats part of the work so its all good, its been cold and wet here. That does add a different pace to everything which is fun to do. 

Week one with Elder Ryan in Lafayette and we are already pumped for the next 5 weeks of working here in Lafayette. Sometime I feel like that just because people are friends it does not mean they will work well together. However luckily enough I and elder ryan I feel are being and will continue to be a great team, we are both very excited.

Lafayette has changed greatly, as I was trained here I did not believe I would ever get a chance to return to this area. However I have seen a few things that are perhaps reasons why I am meant to be here.

A recent convert by the name of Franklin while progressing to the temple has been having trouble attending church for the full three hours. He says that it is because he has work and other things to do, however unfortunate for him is that I taught Franklin and prepared him for baptism and I know what his schedule is really like and his quirks he gets into. We have already begun to start working with him on that requirement and continuing to progress to the temple.

The other involves a family who before I left were very active in the church and while dealing with some problems were making strides to overcome their challenges. Well I learned that they are slipping into inactivity. The good news is is that I got to know this great family very closely before I left, including some of their issues they are going through.

So in short I have seen evidences suggesting why I might be back, and I look forward to finding more of what the Lord has prepared I and Elder Ryan to do and accomplish during our time here.

That has been what has been going on for the week. Lots of exciting things are coming along.

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/his-grace/finding-your-purpose-in-life-does-faith-matter?cid=HP_FR_29-4-2016_dMC_fMLIB_xLIDyI-1_

April 25, 2016

Well what a uneventful week until now. We stayed busy but we have had several problems with getting our investigators back on tract and just trying to keep things together.

About two weeks ago I had the opportunity to get a interview with our mission president (Cleveland) where he told me a few things about the future of my mission and one of those things was that I would leave Columbus. Well that was a given due to six months of service in Columbus. But then this last Saturday the most unexpected thing happened, the thing that was least likely to happen in terms of area and companions.

First off my new area is Lafayette which should sound familiar because that is where I first began my mission in Indiana. So I am returning to my first home. There is some very awesome reasons why this is great. Firstly I know the area, secondly I know the members, and thirdly it is a fun area to be in. Now lets move onto something a little more amazing.

I will be serving with Elder Ryan. Elder Ryan was my companion in the MTC and has been one of my closest friends in the mission. Since we first came out to Indiana we have tried to convince President to let us work together and so it has come to be.

To say to the least I am excited, and more enthusiastic about this transfer than any other.

It also means I will have the chance to visit some of my converts, and perhaps even visit some of the less actives in Logansport as that is also in our area.

So many amazing things are happening. And I apologize for how short this email will be but I have to take care of a few more things before I leave.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-04-1000-lifes-drama?category=mormon-messages-2016&lang=eng&cid=HP_TU_19-4-2016_dPFD_fMRMN_xLIDyL2-3_

The Hardins

April 18, 2016

Wow what a week. We had several appointments fall through but we had plenty of service.

Tuesday we mowed lawns for about 2 to 3 hours and that was difficult but fun. It was nice just to do grunt work.

Thursday we helped with junking. Thats where we cleaned up scraps of metal and stuff so that it can get recycled. We have a older member couple who do it all the time and we go regularly to help, that one is very fun and its nice to do something different.

Friday we helped move boxes, and other miscellaneous items around.

Saturday we helped build a fire pit, and then celebrated with about 3 birthday parties that day.

So in terms of service we were very busy, unfortunately in terms of teaching that has been on a bit of a downer. Most of our solid appointments fell through.

But that happens and it just means got to keep working on. However my time in Columbus is done. 6 months or so of working here and it is coming to an end. So I leave not this tuesday but the next and this saturday I will learn where exactly I will go.

To say to the least I am sad to leave Columbus but at the same time am content to move on. However that also means I have to get the area ready for the two new spanish elders who will be coming in to work here. Ugh lots to do and never enough time to do it.

So I have been studying Elder Stevenson talk concerning Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/where-are-the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng

I hope that as we continue into the future we can continue to study the words of the prophets and leaders and apply there teachings

More Pictures April 11, 2016

Some Military Pictures April 11, 2016

April 11, 2016

Entounces tuvimos una semana ocupado pero tambien difficiles.

Well the week was busy but we found ourselfs occupied with a lot of different activities such as service.

One of the service opportunities involved was mowing lawns for a older hoosier couple members who have been under the weather. Their names are Todd and Laurette. Their story is very special as they have been members only for about a year and a half. Todd was online one day and happen to chance upon a video from the church which led to website where it kept bringing a pop up for if you want a bible. Well he clicked it and the missionaries were on there way. They had been searching for the church for years and had been praying for.

As of late we have had the opportunity to knock various streets and talk  with a number of people but have not had quite as much success as we have had before.

I suppose its best to say its been a long week, lots of work but nothing of much report to say.

As for our main investigators:

David and Angela have been going through a lot of sickness and health issues and have been canceling our appointments which is frustring and worrisome if their desire is no longer there.

Kathy has been going through some personal problems and we have not been able to meet with her very recently but are going to try to get back into contact this week.

As for Ann she only meets with us when she is with David and Angela so we have to work with them to get that through.

But we all are doing great. Surviving and persevering. As of right now I will probably be leaving columbus but that wont be for another 2 or so weeks so I will report back on when I have more news on that.

But I have been studying the recent conference talks. Specifically Elder Wadells talk which I have enjoyed more now that I have had to study.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/a-pattern-for-peace?lang=eng

Well I love you guys and miss you so much. Everything is going well and I hope your all enjoying life.