Monday 12/24/2012 – Sunday 12/30/2012

Monday was a good day. It was P-day and we did the usual, but it was also Christmas Eve. We drove around for a long time looking for a barber, but apparently they all closed early. After our P-day crap was done, we went to the Shannon's for dinner. It was awesome!! We had enchiladas that were freaking good and I was running around with their daughters having a great time. They also gave us biscuits and gravy to eat on Christmas morning.

Tuesday was Christmas!!! We woke up and opened our gifts and I was blessed we could say haha! Thanks to everyone that sent me stuff! I loved my D12 Shirt from my Momma and the package from my Dad was awesome too. I also got a great Christmas tie and fruit snacks from the Kerr's and some stuff from a few ward members back home. Thanks everyone! We went to the Martin's for breakfast and so that we could talk to our families which was so great! I had a great call home and I think everyone else did as well! I was so happy to get to talk to my Mother, Zachary and Todd (Todd is family in my book). Then we also got food from the Lolly's that day and then we went to the Beyer's for Christmas dinner and had quail and back strap which is a type of venison. Then we headed home and I called my Dad and talked to him for a while which was awesome. It was great to be able to bear my testimony to my family and just chat with them about all the experiences that I am having out here. I love all of you back home thanks for your support!

Wednesday we had weekly planning because there was a tornado watch. Then we just went out and tried to contact anyone that we could find. We were trying to go see some referrals, but none of them were home. Then we had dinner at the Beyer's again because they are awesome and we spent way too long there. It is so hard to end conversations with them, so we felt really bad. Not the best day, but we will just push through. I did get my Mom's package and Todd's package today though. They were sweet! Todd sent me a Gotham Rogues shirt and my Mom sent a ton of awesome stuff and delicious fudge.

Thursday was Zone training that was supposed to be Wednesday, but was moved because of the tornado watch. Our baptism goal for next year will be 450! Gotta go out and work hard! Then we went and contacted and met some cool people. We met two guys both named Tom that were way nice and seem like they could accept the gospel some day. We also went to a less active family's home, the Tucker's, and read some of the Book of Mormon with them. They are planning on coming to church too! She asked for a blessing, but we had to go to dinner so we told her we would come back so we didn't have to rush the blessing. So we headed to the Willis' and ate and then headed back and gave her that blessing. At dinner we also found out the Willis' neighbor seems like a promising person to become an investigator.

Friday we went and talked to DJ. He is a young man that wants to go on a mission, but he is less active so we went there and talked to him about heading back and he seems like he wants to go! He will be awesome! Then we contacted all day and found a lady named Amanda and she seems like she is pretty interested! We had lunch with the Geiger's and had some amazing white chili that had chicken in it. For our dinner appointment we went to the Casey's and had chicken and fruit and it was good as well! Then we went home so Elder Lovell could pack up for the trade-off! Elder Wright from Tally 1 is coming to our area for the day!

Saturday was the day of the trade-off with Elder Wright. It was way fun and we worked really hard to try to find people, but we just didn't have any luck. We did see the Stansel's and had a good visit with them. They are reading the Book of Mormon regularly so that is great! We also saw Dwight Webb who is a recent convert, but he had gone off the path and is going to create his own church. Met Robert Guris as well who is also a less active and he was really nice and we had a good little talk with him. Had an awesome dinner with the Clawson's and then headed to the Radabaugh's to fill out the baptismal record for Betty's baptism to finally make that official.

Sunday was a good day. We got to teach a little five minute lesson to the Primary about the first vision. The Primary is the bomb! Just a normal good Sunday. We did have the combined fifth Sunday class and Bishop Matkin talked about a few different talks which was good. We met two people while tracting that were open to us coming back, so we set up appointments for next week and we will see how those go. We also talked to a really nice lady named Sister Baird. Unfortunately, her husband is against the church so she can't make it to services, but she is so faithful and her home teacher brings her the sacrament once a month. She reads and prays and studies the scriptures as well! She is so awesome!!

Have a great week everyone!!

Monday 12/17/2012 – Sunday 12/23/2012

Monday we went to Dan's house to eat some lunch with him. He made some spaghetti and redeemed himself because before I came out he made some really horrible spaghetti. I am glad that I didn't ever have any of it. We emailed and the TCC Elders borrowed our car and we got stuck at the church for a couple hours waiting for them to get back with our car. Then we had to go to dinner with the Paget's which was good. Then we went shopping right after dinner because we couldn't when we were supposed to do it. I got the Josh Groban Christmas CD! Man it is good! MoTab is in one of the songs which is fantastic!

Tuesday we went to District Meeting which was way fun. Then we went and contacted/tracted. Met a lady that seems like she is promising. Then we went to Walters and played some chess with him and that was good. We try to help him out a bit. Then we went and had dinner with the Bishop family and it was great! They always make way good food! Then we had Family Home Evening with the Looney's. We mainly just answered some questions that Amy had from when she was reading the Book of Mormon.

Wednesday I went to Tally 1 because the Zone Leaders had a meeting and their trainee, Elder McPhearson, needed someone in Tally 1 with him. So we went and we contacted some people. We went and saw a less active/part member family and talked to them a bit about the restoration. They have a son that wants to go on a mission so we are teaching him. We also read with a recent convert that is 9 to help her understand the Book of Mormon a bit. Had dinner with the Delp family which was interesting. Good food! We then went back with our comp's.

Thursday Dan came by with some Krispy Kreme doughnuts because he wanted to give us a Christmas gift so that was it. Had weekly planning and then gave Sister O'Dell, who is from another ward, a blessing. She is in the hospital in our area so that is why we did the blessing and not the Elders from her ward. We also went to Tabatha's and she basically asked us about all the topics we wanted to talk about anyway so that was way cool. Had dinner with Brother Gorby and played some chess.

Friday the world didn't end. What a surprise.......HAHA! Today we did a lot of contacting. Met a lady named Annie and we are going to teach her. Then I accidentally shut the trunk on Elder Olsen's middle and ring fingers. He ended up screaming like a girl haha. He was wearing a glove so there was a bit of padding luckily. He was on the opposite side of the car so I didn't know his hand was there. Then we had dinner with the Looney's and Amy. That was way fun. They gave us "I'm a Mormon" shirts that are awesome. They also gave us a book called "Mormons: An open book". When we got home we pulled names out of a can and mine was pulled out and I won the book!

Saturday we taught a guy named Elmore that we met after I shut the trunk on Elder Olsen's hand. He was quiet, but warmed up to us and seems promising. He committed to baptism also. Then we went to Keith's sister’s baptism and Elder Olsen spoke on the Holy Ghost and did a very good job. We went to see some people and found a guy named Dave as well and he seems like he is way prepared! Then I ate too much at the Nibley's. Great day!!

Sunday was good. We heard some awesome music in sacrament by a few people, including Brother Gorby! Then we taught Annie who we call Sister Gardner now. She can't see very well so we read with her. Then we went and taught Tabatha. We ended up watching a movie called "Joy to the World" with her and she really liked it. We also found out that she got in contact with her husband and he wants the decision to be a family one. So she is still trying to figure everything out. After that, we went and tracted around a referral and found a new investigator. It is awesome when people get placed in your path! To finish the night, we ate dinner at the Longfellow's, which was good but I ate too much meat. This week was awesome!!

Monday 12/10/2012 – Sunday 12/16/2012

Monday was the busiest P-Day. We had to clean two flippin' apartments because we had to move last week so we barely got everything done that needed to get done. We then went shopping and emailed our people. Then we went to dinner with the Oaks family. They got us Chick-fil-a which was pretty good. Then we came home and started putting our testimonies in the front of some copies of the Book of Mormon.

Tuesday I got my ear problem resolved so everything should be good from now on. We also taught Amy the last lesson until she becomes a member. She is still as awesome as ever! That is all that happened that is worth mentioning haha.

Wednesday we went to Dan's for breakfast and he made us some French toast which was pretty good! He is such a great guy. We also had a lesson with him and Elder Lovell bore his testimony to Dan and it was so amazing!! Dan felt the Spirit so strong as did all the rest of us. You could have cut that Spirit it was so thick!! I almost wanted to so I could keep it forever! Then later that day Elder Olsen had to do a baptismal interview and the girl was kinda messin' around and not taking it too serious so he couldn't pass her on in. So she is going to do it again in a couple days when she understands the magnitude more.

Thursday we had a bug guy come and spray our place to get rid of some more roaches. Then we went to the half mission conference and it was way good! We listened to missionaries bear their testimonies for a bit then had some talent from missionaries. We also ate and watched a couple more groups of missionaries do talent and then watched the movie "Brave" from Disney. Then after President Jensen called a few of us up and I was one of them. He told us that some people donated stuff for less fortunate missionaries and that we in a sense qualified, I guess is how I would put it. So I got some stuff, but I haven't opened any of it yet. I am so thankful for all the people that donated to that cause. It made me think of my Mother and how much she would appreciate it and it made me feel good. I do know that there is a sweater and two ties in it though. That was really cool to receive! Amy also passed her baptismal interview and we got that all squared away. I will also get to baptize her which is so exciting! I couldn't believe she wanted me to do it!

Friday we got our weekly planning out of the way. Then we finally got to do a full day of missionary stuff after such a chaotic week and a half. Did some tracting and mainly just planted seeds. Elder Olsen re-interviewed that girl and she was awesome and passed. Had the Ward Christmas Party which was fun! Joked around a bit with Elder Mower, one of the couple missionaries.

Saturday we went to the Martin's to help with Christmas lights and to help his friend move. Then we went to Marsha and Ben's again to help them put the same door back in because it didn't work out too well the first time. Then we had Amy's Baptism!!!! It was awesome!! So spiritual. When I baptized her, I somehow bumped her head on the stair or the bottom of the font. I'm an idiot haha.... but she said it didn't hurt so I was glad. The spirit was awesome and then Amy bought us food at TGI Friday's. It was so flippin' good and I am so happy for Amy!

Sunday we had PEC and Ward Council and Church. Amy was confirmed by Bishop Matkin. I felt the spirit pretty strong during that. Then we taught the lesson in Gospel Principles and I felt like I couldn't talk. It was even on the Spirit world which is one of my favorite topics. After church, we did a little mini lesson with Jonathan because his wife, Lauren, and baby were asleep. They are hard to teach because they are always going out of town. Then we went and gave Amy's daughter Jamie a blessing and at first she wasn't too happy about that. She got scared when I started to anoint her, then they got her to fall asleep so we were able to bless her. Then we had dinner at the Hodge/Berkley home. That is Keith's family and we had good food! Then when we got home we for some reason were closing our eyes and using Elder Lovell's cane to try and find the tree in our yard. We both were able to do it pretty well. Okay it was sad, we were awful! Fun day!

Monday 12/3/2012 – Sunday 12/9/2012

Monday we found out Elder Olsen and I would be staying in Tally 4th Ward and we would be getting Elder Lovell and be in a trio. He was in my MTC District. Should be fun! We cleaned a bit, went to see Zach who didn't answer, and got stuck in traffic trying to email. So it took a while to go there so we ended up emailing for a bit, but then we had to leave to go home and take some pictures with the rest of the compound. Then we went back and emailed. Went to the Looney's to have a great dinner and an awesome lesson as well. Then we also had a Butterfinger cake. Holy Sugar!!

Tuesday we had District Meeting which was pretty good. Then since it was the last of the transfer we went to Moe's and had some lunch with the district. Then we tried to go see a lady named Dazia and she wasn't home. Then we did a lot of sifting through investigators and trying to see people and see if they are true seekers.

Wednesday was transfers so we didn't do very much. We did move because we need more room for Elder Lovell. We are still on the compound just in a different one. We did get to teach Dan for the first time and I think we got somewhere with him. He is still asking for evidence though. Then went home to build a bed and then to move in some more. Then Elder Lovell arrived so we had some dinner at the Jones home.

Thursday was chaos. First I had to go to the doc for my ear and found out I have to go to a specialist because the normal doc couldn't tell what was wrong. Our appointments all fell through as well. Just cleaned up all day.

Friday we weekly planned and had to pause to go see Patrick and we dropped him unless he calls us. Got some Krispy Kreme! Helped Brother Martin for 2 seconds then went home and finished our weekly planning. Then we wrote down our testimonies so that we can put them in the front of Book of Mormon's and wrap them. Then we are going to wrap them up and hand them out. Then we went to teach Amy about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Law of Chastity. Amy is awesome and is getting baptized the 15th of December!!!

Saturday we didn't put on a shirt and tie all day!! It was so weird! First we helped a lady that isn't a member move into our ward boundaries. Then we went to Marsha and Ben's again. We helped them with their path a bit more and Ben put in some French doors. We also invited them to go to the Handles Messiah tomorrow.

Sunday was good! The Christmas program was today and it was awesome! This ward has a lot of talent! Today we mainly went around and just set up appointments with people that we have been teaching because it is more effective to see them then to call. We did teach Tabatha and her father a bit. He is one confused guy. He knows the Book of Mormon is true but he just doesn't understand what that means. Then we came home and I did a funny... I used the restroom... I got up and was adjusting the rug... Then everything fell out of my shirt pocket... Went in the toilet... I hadn't flushed... So I pocket vomited in the toilet. Then as we were going to bed we kept hearing some weird noises. It was way strange.

Great week and I love you all back home!

Monday 11/26/2012 – Sunday 12/2/2012

Monday was almost the perfect P-Day. We got everything that we had to do done.  After the usual cleaning and shopping and what not, we went and taught Tabatha with our member friend Keith and committed her to read and pray daily. We also got her to pray with us there and she doesn't like to do that kind of stuff. That was also her first time doing that. She will also write her husband to get permission to be baptized.

Tuesday we had District Meeting. It was pretty good, President and Sister Jensen came to give us tickets to Handles Messiah that we are suppose to give out to less actives and non-members. We also went to Walter's home, the guy with cerebral palsy, to help him out and so I could lose at chess. I suck at that game, but it is fun to compete. In the evening, we went to Brother Flannery's home with Brother Casey to hopefully teach him more and to get him active.

Wednesday we went to the Ronald McDonald House because the Spanish Elder's couldn't do it today so we did. Then when we came home, our landlord, Dan, was here so we chatted with him and he is finally going to allow us to teach him actual lessons. Then we did a lot of sifting through people to see who are going to be solid investigators. Then we had a lesson with a guy named Lewis. He gets confused easily, but he said if he finds our message to be true he will get baptized.

Thursday was weekly planning and it always seems to last forever. Elder Faulkner also narrated our companionship inventory. Then we went to go see a less active named Birdie Thompson who wasn't home, but there was another less active lady there that we talked with. Then we had dinner and then headed to teach Whitney after that and that fell through. Then we headed to the Looney's to teach Amy. Taught her about the plan of salvation and she really loved it and was excited to have that knowledge and she bore testimony. We gave her a blessing and then left and she gave us her E-cig and her coffee and coffee pot. Then we smashed the pot.

Friday was chaos.  We had to go to a couple people before our studies. Then we went home and studied. Then we went to Birdie Thompson's and chatted with her. We were going to help her with her yard work, but she didn't want any help. Then we tracted around her place all day. We had dinner at the Lawson's and Brother Lawson gave us each a tie! Then we went to the Looney's for Family Home Evening.

Saturday was way successful! We went to the Tally 1 Sister's baptism of Diane. That was really good even though we didn't get any of our investigators to it. Then we taught Bahiru that came to church last week. We told him God would bless him if he reads and prays daily, but we think he misunderstood us and thinks that if he does those things that our church will help him pay his bills if he can't afford it. Then we went to a lesson that fell through so we ended up going to Rosalyn Davis' place. She gave us a little Christmas tree. We found out Paris, her daughter, wants to take the lessons and also picked up one of her neighbors as a gator. Then we went to the Morgan's, the less actives that we haven't taught for a couple weeks. Talked with them about the Plan of Salvation. Then ate at Bishop and Sister Matkin's and talked to the Bishop about a lot of good stuff. Then we went to see Zach and set up an appointment with him. Then we picked up Keith and went to Tabatha's. She wasn't there so we wrote a note and hopefully she will still be coming to church. Then we got stuck in traffic for an hour so we planned in the car and just went home.

Sunday was a good day! We got 9 people at church by our efforts! The Stake President spoke in Sacrament about how to bear testimonies haha. After church we had a great dinner with the Geiger's. Then we went around trying to contact people. We ended up getting an investigator. Then we came home to study, but that didn't happen. We did go to the 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional which was way good! I love this gospel!

Monday 11/19/2012 - Sunday 11/25/2012

Monday is of course P-day so we did the usual of cleaning, shopping and emailing. We also helped an older lady finish packing up her stuff to move. She is the mother of a lady in our ward and was really nice. I also got a haircut so I could only write one letter. We also went to the Looney's for Family Home Evening and Amy told us she wants to be baptized! We also watched Elder Olsen's video that he made in high school. It is done pretty well. Then we were running to the car because we needed to get home on time. While we were running my right leg was eaten by a hole and I just biffed it! We laughed so hard!!

Tuesday we had Zone Training and that was way good to be at. The ZL's were way good and so was Elder Faulkner. I even took notes of Elder Faulkner because he was that good! He is going home after this transfer. Went and talked to TJ Davis about receiving the priesthood. We have to get him to church so he can receive that.

Wednesday we went and helped the Ronald McDonald House with a bunch of stuff. Then we went contacting all day. Walked a bit while our car was getting an oil change and we had no luck. Went to Sonny's BBQ and had all you can eat pulled pork and also sliced pork! It was so good!!! That night the Spanish Elders ran in and told us that the family they have been teaching for a long time finally committed to baptism!

Thursday was Thanksgiving!!! Elder Olsen forgot his tag and didn't have it on all day so we called him Brother Olsen haha. We went to the Presidents for a little bit and ate there and then we headed to the O'Conners for some more food! There were a few families from the ward over at their house. We ate and also made gingerbread man ornaments. Then we went to the Looney's and ended up just talking about random crap and unfortunately didn't talk about as much gospel stuff as we would have liked. Missed my Mom's yams though...nothing can beat those! Funny thing happened at the end of the night. Elder Olsen found his name tag in his pocket. He had it all day.

Friday is first of all my cousin Shannon's Birthday so Happy Birthday!!! We had a busy day. Started with Marsha Turner, we helped her finish a path in her yard and she told us an awesome story about the experience she had with her father when he passed away. She opened up to us a lot so hopefully we can get her to listen to our message eventually. After that we headed to Woodville to contact some people. We met a lot of people and had a weird moment by accidentally asking for a guy that was dead. Later we realized we asked for the wrong guy and that the other guy isn't dead.

Saturday was my birthday!! 20 years old! I don't know where the time goes. For some reason we put a bunch of candy in the toilet and they sang happy birthday and then I made a wish and flushed the toilet. Florida beat Florida State which is sad for most in this town. We taught Amy about tithing and committed her to live it and committed her to December 15th to get baptized! When we were home the Spanish Elders ran into our place and gave me Laker pajama pants and that was Sweet!!

Sunday is always great! Had meetings and church as always! Met a guy that the Sisters met named Bahiro and we will be teaching him. He is from Ethiopia and has a catholic background. Awesome guy! Also got a new investigator named Felicia. She seems like she could be a great member! Great Week!

Monday 11/12/2012 – Sunday 11/18/2012

Monday was a busy P-day. We washed our cars…by hand, had some pizza at Stevi B's, emailed, shopped, cleaned and then had dinner. The highlight of the day was going to the Looney's and taught Amy about the gospel!!! She has been reading and praying all on her own! We taught her how to recognize the spirit and about the word of wisdom. She committed to live the word of wisdom. Then we played a card game called BS and that was way fun.

Tuesday we tried to see Zach and he said it wasn't a good time. Later we went to Rosalin Davis' to talk to her about her son getting the priesthood. They are less active so we have to get them to church first. We ended up tracting a lot today and getting appointments canceled on us. My ears are still plugged so we used these "ear candles" and it helped but not completely.

Wednesday we tried to see Ramon and we are pretty sure he gave us the wrong address so we tracted a lot. Went to see a referral, Alisha, and she wasn't home so we tracted and found a girl named Takeisha. She is doing a project for school about religion so we taught her a bit and she wanted to come to church to see what it is all about. She jokingly said that she might just get converted haha. So we are going to see what that turns in to. We also did more ear candles and I fell asleep praying.

Thursday I had my first Zone Conference! It was really good and I learned a ton from it and took a lot of notes. It went from 8:15 to about 4:30ish. We found out that by October of next year we will have 100 Sisters. Right now we have 12. When that ended we went and got 69ers with the other Elders that we drove to Zone Conference. Then we went to Tabatha's for a lesson with Keith and she wasn't home so we took Keith home and then went to dinner with Brother Gorby. He is Rod that I baptized a while back. I played chess on his iPad and I actually won a game! Then we went to the Looney's to teach Amy again and it was kind of a weird lesson because the spirit just didn't feel like it was there.

Friday we had to do our weekly planning. After that we went to our appointment with Beth and she wasn't home, but we did get to see Dewayne. So we stopped and talked to him and committed him to read and pray. We also committed him to go to church. Then we went to see Beverly and Walter, but they cancelled on us so we went to see Malcolm and Kai (Ky). They are a couple that Elder Olsen used to teach. They know we believe in Christ, but they think we have false prophets and all that. So we testified a lot.

Saturday we had two of our solid investigators, Dewayne's family and Whitney, cancel on us. It was still a good day though. We went to see some referrals and did some fruitless tracting. Then we went to the Stuckey's and talked to Brother Stuckey. Really cool guy and we got a referral from him. Then we had to jet to go get Keith and go to dinner and to an appointment. Our appointment fell through, but Tabatha did say she wanted to go to church Sunday. Took Keith home and headed to an appointment that fell through, but we did help a guy named Allen. We temporarily helped him fix his car. He was 50 miles from home, but after we helped him he called us cause he kept breaking down.

Sunday we found out Allen did make it home luckily. Then we went to church and Takeisha did come. She is very outspoken and she speaks her mind. She thought a lot of things we did were weird. We also found out from Sister Looney that Amy does want to get baptized!!! I am very happy for her. Then we ate and studied after church and meetings before heading to get Keith to go to Tabatha's. We found out that Tabatha knows the Book of Mormon is true she just has some complications.

Monday 11/5/2012 - Sunday 11/11/2012

Monday we shopped and then went to lunch with a brother from our ward named Johnathan Liedy. Nice guy; he has gone through some rough times but is doing better now. We ate at Moe's which is a bad version of Cafe Rio, but still pretty good. Then we cleaned and emailed and then went to dinner. Weird thing is that the Oaks brought us to Moe's as well. I am thankful for members, but that was a lot of Moe's. Then we went to do Family Home Evening with the Looney's again and they fed us some dessert or desert. I can't remember how to spell that.

Tuesday, Election Day, we had District Meeting and I needed it. Tuesday's can be hard for me because it is the day after emailing. After District Meeting we went to Walter's to play some chess which was pretty good, Elder Olsen lost. We just can't seem to beat him. We went to see a bunch of people which mostly fell through. Then we went to a less active family, the Hollingers. Their son met Barrack Obama, which is kinda cool, and now he is prepping for a mission. So we talked to him about how to prepare. Tabatha cancelled on us so we went and tracted and got 2 new investigators. Then we had an election party. It was fun, but then I was trying to go to bed on time but I struggled because my comp and a couple other Elder's were up talking. Then I found out Romney lost when I woke up at like 12 or something like that. I think. I didn't look at a clock.

Wednesday wasn't a good day when it comes to missionary work. Didn't find anyone to teach. We did throw the good ol' pig skin around with Dan for a bit and talked about some different stuff. Went and did service at the Ronald McDonald House. Then our appointment with Zach fell through. Tracted then we went to the Morgan’s for dinner and it wasn't ready so it took way too long! Then Elder Faulkner told us some funny stories to finish the night.

Thursday we threw our plans out the window. Dan came over at 9:30 to give us our robes that he bought because of the outside shower. Then a bug guy came at 10 to spray all of our apartments to get rid of the roaches in the Spanish Elder’s apartment and to prevent the other apartments from getting them. Then we planned until almost 5. Ended up tracting, then seeing Brother Feathers. He lives on the same street that we were tracting on so we stopped by because he is less active.

Friday we had to change to our old phone because the newer one was being weird. It wouldn't have taken long, but the first lady I talked to messed up and I had to call back and get it all fixed so it took almost 2 hours for something so simple. Then we put our members in the GPS. Went to Lake Ella talked to a preacher who tried to preach to us. Then we talked to a really nice old lady, but she wasn't interested. Then we spoke to a really drunk guy which was sad. Then we had an appointment with Tabatha so we got Keith and had a short appointment with her. Good lesson and then we headed back to get ready for our exchange. This time I stayed in our area and was with Elder Blanchard. He is really cool and he is also a Lakers fan.

Saturday exchange with Elder Blanchard. Elder Olsen went to the Tally 1 Area with Elder Wright. Elder Blanchard and I walked a lot which was good. We talked to a lot people. We tried to see a couple referrals and a few formers while we were on foot. We did a lot of street contacting. Went to see Dewayne and he was having a party. They had ribs so we both took one because they kept offering. Then we went to the Stansel's and Elder Blanchard started teaching even though I told him I was told it wasn't a good idea because it would get us in an argument. But it ended up going well and I think it helped. Then we got Keith and went to Shirley Anne's. Taught her about the prophets. She is a really crazy member that has a very different style of religion. Then traded back.

Sunday was Ruben's birthday!! Someone tell him I say Happy Birthday and to write me. Love that kid! Or if you're reading Ruben, I love ya man and Happy Birthday! We had to teach Gospel Principles Class today which went well for us not having any time to prep. We also taught a couple that we met a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away. Their names are Jonathan and Lauren. They have a lot of questions for us and we did our best to answer them. We definitely think they would be awesome members and I think it is just a matter of time with them. They just seem like they are golden people. Then we had dinner with the Looney's. They made us breakfast for dinner and it was great! Then we watched The District with them and taught their ex-daughter-in-law that lives with them. Her name is Amy and she has a little girl named Jamie. Jamie is the cutest little girl I have ever seen and she is way funny. Good day!

Monday 10/29/2012 - Sunday 11/4/2012

Monday we went shopping with Spanish because we are short on miles. Wrote letters for a bit and then headed to the Russell's home for dinner. After dinner, we went to the Looney's again for Family Home Evening and that is always fun. I can't wait to go again!

Tuesday was great, had District Meeting to start the day, which was awesome and president’s message was really strong. Then we went to Institute so I could get my pants hemmed by Sister Johnson. She is a senior couple sister. Talked to a guy that came by to fix the tile in our shower that was all funky lookin. Referred him to the Spanish Elders. Then we went and helped the Beyer's the rest of the night. They were helping Sister Beyer's Mom move so we helped out with that. Then they fed us venison chili which was freakin great! Also, the house that her Mom was moving in to had some strange locks at the top of the outside of each door. We decided it was probably for an elderly person or someone that was mentally ill so they wouldn't get hurt.

Wednesday was Halloween!!! We can't tract after 6:00 on Halloween and it was still a great day. We went to see a former and ended up finding a guy named Zach. We taught him the entire first lesson and he liked what we taught a lot!! He said he would read and pray about all the stuff that we talked to him about. He also committed to be baptized if he found the Book of Mormon to be true. Then we talked to a lady that kept asking us what it meant when the white politician says, "We are going to take back our country?" She was way nice though and gave us candy. Then we went to our landlord Dan's house for a Halloween party which was pretty cool. Dan made it hard to leave so we accidentally stayed longer then we were supposed to. Then we stayed up way too late and I wasn't really very happy about that, but Spanish just stayed in our apartment so we couldn't really do anything.  Oh yeah, also got awesome Halloween treats from my fabulous mom!

Thursday we were so tired!! Went to Dan's to eat lunch and he ordered all the 6 compound boys robes. Weekly planned a bit and then went and met with Rod to play some chess and just stay in touch with him. We both lost and I am horrid! Then we went to the Morgan's and talked about the Book of Mormon for a bit and then ended up watching a Joseph Smith movie. I don't know what it is called.

Friday we had to finish our weekly planning because we suck and didn't finish it. Sifted through some investigators so we went to see the new Beverly and her fiance', Walter. Good lesson until at the end Walter said he wouldn't pray to know because God would tell him if it was true. Got stood up at our next appointment so we decided to go to Stevi B's and a lady from the 1st Ward bought us dinner! It was way good! I like that place, all you can eat pizza!

Saturday was great but ended kinda weird. We went to Karsten Deans house and talked to him for a while then read the Book of Mormon with him. He is less active right now and he recently moved from San Antonio and we discovered him. Great guy and he is way Christlike. He also said he would go to dinner with us because the lady that is feeding us doesn't have another man living with her. On the way home, we talked to a black guy that thought LDS people were racist. Then we talked to a guy named Ty and have an appointment set up with him. Then we went and got the car from the FAMU Elders after we talked to some others. Then we went to get Karsten and head over to dinner with Sister Drake. We got to her house at five and called her and she told us to go to the apartment office to meet her so we did. The office was locked so we called her and told her we would wait outside. 15 minutes later she came out and told us she would go get her mail and then meet us at her apartment, so we started walking there. While we were going there, she told us there was a "short cut" so we were like okay and followed her to her mailbox. She wants to buy a car and guess what, there was a car for sale next to the mailbox, so we looked at it for like 15 minutes. Finally, we started walking to her house and she wanted to chill next to the pool for a bit. She said for 5 minutes and that turned into like 15. It was like 5:50 when we finally got to her apartment and she had us do a ton of chores. Then WE had to cook dinner! Dinner is supposed to only be about an hour. So God basically cooked the pasta because it never boiled, but cooked in like 10 minutes. Then she wanted a blessing and we told her we could and then we had to hurry out and she got mad and said no. Then she ended up rebuking Elder Olsen through prayer. Messed up! Then we took Karsten home, picked up Keith and headed to Shirley Anne's. Taught a little lesson and then took Keith to Sonic because he goes out with us a lot!

Sunday was fast and testimony meeting which I enjoyed. Tried to see the McDermid's and they didn't want us to visit them. They are a less active family. Then we did some fruitless tracting. Had dinner at the Shannon's and they also signed up to Thanksgiving and I am stoked because they are awesome!! Then we taught Bill with Brother Sizemore. It seemed to help a bit to have Brother Sizemore there, but Bill is a tough egg to crack.

Monday 10/22/2012 – Sunday 10/28/2012

Monday we went to Toya's and she wasn't there so we went to our usual P-Day routine of email, cleaning and shopping. Had family home evening with the Looney's. They are a really cool family and it is way fun to go over there. They have the cutest little granddaughter!

Tuesday we had District Meeting and I enjoyed it a lot! I really needed it. We ended up waiting a long time to give the TCC Elders a ride home which killed our day and set a terrible tone for the week. Then later that day FAMU Elders had to borrow our car and we ended up waiting on them also. We played chess with Walter for the first time in a while, ate at the O’Conner’s and they want us to do a family home evening with them one night, then went to Brother Flannery's with his home teacher Brother Casey. Flannery is a less active that we are trying to activate. He said he would come to church, but he didn't.

Wednesday we had to go take some Elders to the transfer spot and we picked up Elder Gordon and a greeny Elder Nelson. We ended up going tracting with them, so I got to take Elder Nelson the greeny and feel like the experienced one. It was pretty good. I actually think I did a decent job. Also, went to the Ronald McDonald House for hopefully the last time. It isn't effective for us to go there because we aren't seen by the public. We went to the chili cook off/trunk or treat as well which was fun. We talked to a lot of non-members. Great chili too!!

Thursday we ate at Piggy's BBQ with the Geiger's and it was just way too much meat, but it was good. Brought Keith with us to Halle's house to teach Whitney. It went well, we taught her about the restoration of the gospel. She said she thought what we were teaching was true and is going to pray about a baptismal date. Then we gave Keith and his siblings blessings of comfort to help them make a tough decision.

Friday went and gave Sister Walker in our ward a blessing because she has bronchitis and contacted and set up an appointment with a lady named Beverly. We went and saw Charlene and she said she read the Book of Mormon some so we asked her if she read about Brigham Young and she said yeah. So we asked what she thought and she said "loved it" hahaha she obviously didn't read. Then we met a lady named Judy and we set up an appointment and she believes in covenants! Taught Beth and her beliefs all line up with ours except for one critical aspect and that is she doesn't believe there is a God. Had dinner with the Clawson's and Rod came as well. The Clawson's are awesome, very Celestial family and we scared Rod after dinner. It was funny!

Saturday we went up to Georgia to help Ben out at his farm. He built his entire house himself. It isn't done yet, but when it is it will be sweet. Went and explored in a cotton field for a bit as well. It was a way fun time and we talked about missionaries and what not. Hopefully, we can plant a seed. He also got us lunch at Burger King which was nice of him, I was so hungry! We had to study the rest of the day because we didn't get to in the morning.

Sunday we tried to go to our appointment with Dewayne and brought Brother Tensmeyer, our ward mission leader. Dewayne and his wife weren't home, but we talked to his son Michael that we hadn't met yet and he has a friend on a mission right now. Really awesome family. The Stansel's are an inactive family that live nearby, so we went and visited them instead. Then we went to dinner at the Raudabaugh's and Brother Lawson also came with so we could plan Betty's baptism. She is their daughter that is 8. Lawson has been working with them to get them all reactivated so she can get baptized. Fun time at their house.

Monday, 10/15/2012 – Sunday, 10/21/2012

Monday we went to the car museum and it was so freakin awesome!! They have my dream car! A 1969 GTO Judge! It was so awesome and they had 3 Batmobile's and the Bat motorcycle from the 60's. They had non-car related stuff too like the world’s most expensive piano which was cool to see. Also, what was believed to be President Lincoln's horse drawn hearse.

Tuesday was district meeting and I had to give a little lesson and I thought it went pretty awful. Also, went and taught Sister Soto and we took Brother Tensmeyer and he talked most of the time while we just sat there. She is a less active Native American lady and she is really nice! Highlight of the day was teaching Whitney. She is friends with Halle Bush in our ward. The lesson seemed to go pretty well from what Halle told us so hopefully we can help her to discover the truth. Tracted and had my first door slammed in my face. I asked how the guy was doing and he yelled "no" then was kind enough to answer my question and say "good" while slamming the door. I also accidentally laughed during the prayer at dinner because their last name is Pope and when my companion said we are thankful to be at the Pope's for dinner I had the image of the catholic Pope pop in my mind and just started laughing.

Wednesday we taught Beverly for the last time before she heads to Mobile. Then we went to go contact formers and ended up finding 3 new investigators through that. We will see if they are solid. We also taught the Morgan’s and Sister Morgan was curious why men have the priesthood, so we read through the family proclamation and explained the different roles of the family.

Thursday I had a really sore back!! I could barely move so we didn't run. We had weekly planning today and it went pretty well, should have a good week. We gave Sister Geraldine Encalade a blessing also. She fell or something and broke her hip in three places. We found one of the formers that we were looking for living in a different place down the street. Set up an appointment with her and then a black guy called us over and was drunk. He started going off about the blacks not being able to be in our church and that isn't true. Blacks could always be in the church.

Friday everything fell through! We did get to teach Janean and she has a lot of questions and she broke down and started crying. We ended up just tracting most of the day. Then we went to a football game later that night because the Beyers’ said that it would be a good contacting activity. It really wasn't so we won't do that again.

Saturday we did a service project for an older couple. They are non-members and we helped them dig a path in their front yard. It should be cool when we are done and President gave us permission to go up to Georgia with them to help them up there. Hopefully, we can get a gospel conversation going with them. We also had dinner at Bishop and Sister Matkin’s house. It was way good and they are really good at being member missionaries. I was also called to speak in Sacrament at 10 so I guess I did that.

Sunday we had a focus meeting for some less actives. I also spoke as previously stated and I didn't feel like it was a very good talk by me, but everyone liked it. I guess it is the badge. I just had to talk about The Book of Mormon. Went to Dan's (our landlord) to see how he is doing and we talked about the Halloween party. We can't proselyte on Halloween so we are going to his place. After dinner we went home and tried to scream like girls. It is tough to do, but I can kinda do it.

One Month in the Mission Field

Monday, 10/8/12 – Sunday, 10/14/12

Weeks are going by faster and faster the longer I am out here. I am starting to get the hang of everything I have to do. I still don't feel comfortable teaching and all that stuff, but I can see the improvement in myself for sure!

Played basketball and wrote letters on P-day as always. I will just mention the highlights of the week. Monday we had dinner with the Shannon's and they invited their two friends that are non-members over to eat as well. We were able to teach them a little bit about what we believe and even got Brother Shannon to talk about his mission and why he loved it.

District meeting on Tuesday and it was really good and we are starting to get more comfortable with each other. Elder Olsen had to take his bike into a shop to get a tune up as well. Sister Bishop then ordered pizza for us for dinner and it was pretty good. A bit on the greasy side of life though. Also, taught a less active named Brother Flannery. We will probably end up doing the new member lessons with him to help him understand things a bit more.

Wednesday we went to the Ronald McDonald house to do service. This time we just changed some light bulbs, cleaned the parking lot and then sorted pop tabs as always. They also fed us. Met a less active after an appointment was canceled. Her name is Sister Soto, she has a few kids and she seems like she is active. Really nice lady and she loves the Church. Picked up Elder Olsen's bike and he says that they didn't even fix it so we will have to take that back in. We also talked to a less active, Brother Van Bean. He is a really really nice man. He just needs to become more comfortable with being in public. Once he gets over that he will be a great saint.

Thursday was my month date since I flew out here. Man, it is all going by so fast! Had our weekly planning today which was good! We should be able to have an awesome week this upcoming week! Went and learned more about the family history center so that we can tell people about it. Had meatball sandwiches with Brother Tensmeyer and boy were they good! Then we had to go on a split, so I went to teach Rod the first new member lesson while Elder Olsen went to teach the Morgan's. Went pretty good, but I didn't do much talking because Brother Tensmeyer thought he probably should because the new member lessons are more of the wards responsibility then they are ours.

Friday we had a lesson and lunch at Beverly's house. She got us Chic-Fil-A which was pretty good! We then went and biked to some formers and tracted while doing so. We ended up getting 2 new investigators through that. Went to see Miguel and Carlos, dropped Miguel, but we did talk to Carlos and his friend and his friend was very open. Talked to his neighbor and I forgot her name, but she was not really ready to hear our message. Also, went to get Elder Olsen's scripture bag that Brother Feathers finished up and I decided to have him make me one as well.

Saturday Paul bailed on us and we don't even know where his actual house is. Helped some people move and then went to contact some former investigators. Talked to a lady that thinks Jesus is black. That is a common occurrence down here. Her name was Dorothy and we did set up an appointment with her as well. Went to see if Dewayne was home and he was! Taught him and his family about the restoration of the gospel and the Book of Mormon. We committed them to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about it and to also pray about drinking and smoking. Also, had dinner with the Branch's and Halle the daughter is going to set us up to teach her friend that is like 19 about the gospel!

Sunday was great as always! My First Fast Sunday out here in the Field. Had PEC and Ward Council from 9 until about 11. We are getting the ward to help us more and more! Had dinner with the Lawson's and we were so excited because we love Brother Lawson. We always joke around with him and now that we got to talk to his wife more she is way awesome too! Had pot roast and that was delicious. GREAT WEEK!

A really great week!!!

Monday, October 1^st

Happy Birthday to my brother SEAN!! Today was a crazy day. We didn't have our car so we took the Spanish Elders car to go talk to President. We got back from talking with President and cleaned up the apartment, did laundry and went shopping. Then we came back to get ready to email and then play some basketball!! Prezy Jen and Sister Jensen came and watched us play for a while. Then we headed back to the apartment to write some letters. Then tried to contact a referral who wasn't even home... Came back and did some more letter writing cause there never seems to be enough time to write. Went to Keith's house for dinner with his family. They all have different last names so I don't know what to call them. He is finishing up his paperwork to go on his mission.

Tuesday, October 2^nd

No District meeting today. We still had our conference call with President Jensen. We have one every Tuesday with the President. Then we went to Brother Feathers to give him a blessing because he is going in for eye surgery. Then we went to Beverly's for lunch and then tried to teach her about the Word of Wisdom, but then she went off telling us a really long story. Then we went to the Looney's to make sure they had moved in okay. Sister Looney is way nice and we talked to her outside for a while. Then we headed home and called some formers. Then we had dinner at the Kelly's who are a new couple to the ward. We encouraged them to do missionary work and they seemed like they would. Then I packed up because we are doing an exchange tomorrow. I will be with Elder Wright tomorrow for my first exchange.

Wednesday, October 3^rd

Elder Wright is way cool, great missionary! I learned a lot about planning from him. How to plan an effective day was the best thing I learned from him. We first emailed Elder Littllefield's sister because they need a bit of cheering up. They are in the hospital and having a rough time. Then we went and taught Frankie and committed him to baptism. He is very spiritual and kinda crazy, but he is awesome. Then we taught the Daniels, the mom is a member and her son and her daughter are being taught. Then I traded back with Elder Olsen, had dinner with the Beyers and our appointment went way over. We need to fix that.

Thursday, October 4^th

Today we had District Training and it was awesome! Just what I needed. The Assistants, Zone Leaders and President and Sister Jensen all spoke. I love the Jensen's! They are so awesome!! We learned about remembering our purpose, setting good goals, medical stuff and testimonies. Sister Jensen also gave us Smores which were great! Then we had our weekly planning before heading to teach the Morgan's. The spirit was so strong while we read through the fist vision in the JSH. Then we participated in a blessing for Sister Morgan. She has been sick the past couple weeks.

Friday, October 5^th

Wow another week already gone! I am getting better at talking to people, but I don't explain enough of what I am talking about. I also need to keep the other person engaged in the conversation. We first went to see Teresa and she wasn't home, but we tried to talk to the Scottish guy again so we could tell him about our family history resources. We knew he was home but he ignored us. Then we decided to knock on a few doors because we felt like we needed to. Didn't get anyone, but when we were leaving a lady came out of her house waving at us so we talked to her and got her info to give to the sisters. We had a great day overall and got 2 potential investigators and 3 new investigators. Also talked to a lady that had a 65 mustang. We also taught Rod a bit about Prophets and about priesthood.

Saturday, October 6^th

Awesome General Conference! I can't believe the ages were changed! That’s about all we did today!

Sunday, October 7^th

Started the day off giving Beverly a blessing. She also gave us some awesome cake! Then we went to the church to go watch conference. Loved it!! Elder Holland was excellent!! So was Bednar! Wish I could write everything, but they really stood out to me. Then we visited Brother Feathers and he gave me a tie which was sweet! I had him sign the back of it for me.

First Baptism!

9-24-12 Monday

Awesome P-Day!!  We cleaned up a bit as always, did laundry also.  Then we emailed and I couldn't get to everyone on there, but I played basketball which was much needed.  I didn't get to write many letters, but I will write a couple tonight.  When we were shopping, a guy just walked up and started talking to us about our church and he seems like he could easily be a member.  We later found out that the Sisters or some Elders in a different area are going to be teaching him.  Then we taught Rod and moved his Baptism up to this weekend (September 29^th).  Then he chose me to baptize him....I don't know why, I only taught him a few times.

9-25-2012 Tuesday

Today we had Zone Training which I thought was cool.  We talked about different finding methods.  Very effective stuff that I am glad we talked about.  Then we came back to the apartment to prepare for Rod Gorby's baptism.  Then we tried to contact a lady name Teressa and she wasn't home, but we talked to her neighbor.  He was from Scotland and at first we thought he would be open to the gospel, but he told us he didn't want to talk about it.  That was after he had been talking about his religion for about 10 minutes.  Nice guy though.  Then we had dinner at POPEYES CHICKEN. Just to make my mother jealous.  Definitely better then KFC.  Then we went and taught Bill Blackburn.  I don't know if he understands the importance of asking God if what we are teaching is true.  We may have broken through, but I am not sure.  You never know with him.

9-26-12 Wednesday

We went to visit Beverly to start the day, which went too long, but she gave us pizza and we taught her granddaughter a bit. Then we went to a less active, Brother Feathers, and he makes sweet scripture cases so I might get one. Then we taught Deandre who we met tracting and he seems open.  We might be able to visit with him.  Then we went to contact Katheryn and she wasn't there, so we will drop her. Then we called Aubrey Bodesen and set up an appointment.  He is a referral from our Spanish Elders.

9-27-12 Thursday

Had to do weekly planning today.  It takes so long and I get so tired during it.  We also met with a less active named Coco or Courtney.  He seems like an awesome kid.  He is 18 and he says he wants to go on a mission in a year and I hope he does. Then we went to Sister Walker's for dinner.  It was delicious and I ate way too much.  After dinner, we went to meet with President Jensen and Rod so President could interview Rod for Baptism.  So he is all set now.  I have realized that days do go by slow and weeks go by so fast...doesn't make sense but it does!

9-28-12 Friday

Good day tracting, but kind of a bad day for me.  I don't feel confident at all about my gospel knowledge.  We drove out to a trailer park type place though and we talked to like 4 people that seemed very promising.  We had talked to 3 of those and were about to leave and Elder Olsen decided to go back and that is when we met the 4th one.  We even set up a return appointment.  Then we finished up the little talk we have to do this Sunday.  It should go well.  Then we went to the southern spread and talked to some members and a few people brought non-members, so we talked to a couple of them as well.  Good day other than me getting discouraged sometimes.  I just suck at realizing when I am being prompted.

9-29-12 Saturday

Today is Elder Olsen's birthday and Rod was baptized!!  I was lucky enough to get to baptize him.  That was so cool and a great step for him in his life.  Then we went to help a family, The Looney's, move into our ward. Then we went to the apartment to change and get our dress clothes on.  Then we went to dinner with the Martins. Brother Martin is in the bishopric and is really nice.  He is a big Florida State football fan.  After dinner, Beverly canceled on us so we found someone after we left her place that needed help pushing their car out of a ditch.  So we did that then went back to the Looney's cause they needed more help.  Then we came home and had birthday cake.

9-30-12 Sunday

Went to church and it was really good.  Everyone gave great talks and I could actually hear them speaking. After meetings, we went to try to see a guy we met named Willy and he didn't answer so we went to the dinner appointments neighborhood to tract a bit.  Only talked to one lady while tracting.  She was very active in her church and didn't want to hear it.  Then we had dinner with the Oaks and they seemed like they didn't want to do any member missionary work.  The dad seemed more willing than the rest.  After dinner, we tried to contact a referral and ended up tracting and talked to a black guy that couldn't get over the fact that the Lamanites were cursed with dark skin.  He reads way too much anti-Mormon stuff.

One Month

9-17-12 Monday

P-day!  Cleaned the apartment today then went and did email, then we went to Walmart to get our food and what not.  We then had to cancel our appointments because Elder Olsen got sick.  I ended up writing letters while he was sleeping.  Then we went to CVS Pharmacy to get my prescription nasal spray.  My ears are still plugged from flying here and that is what the doctor told me I needed so he prescribed it to me.  The spray is supposed to decongest me so that my ears will pop.

9-18-12 Tuesday

Slept in until like 7:30 because we both felt terrible, then we had district meeting which was good.  Learned a bit from it, I was really tired and my eyes hurt so I couldn't pay attention very well.  Went and played chess with Walter.  He has Cerebral Palsy, but he beat us both at chess.  Then went to the Paget's for dinner and they served us a "Greeny" meal.  The food was colored green because I'm a greeny.  Cool family and the food was pretty good!

9-19-12 Wednesday

I woke up freezing cold and my shirt was soaked!  I think I am almost over this sickness though.  We went to the Ronald McDonald House to do a bit of service for them.  Then they fed us so that was kinda nice.  Then we went to a baptism for Brother Gowan.  That was an awesome experience.  He was excommunicated, but he has turned his life around and that is so awesome!  Then we had a lesson with Beverly.  She committed to pray about Joseph Smith and about the BOM.  We also met her Granddaughter and gave her a BOM as well.  Beverly has read everything in the BOM except she has a bit left in Moroni.  Then we had dinner with the Lahtinen's.  They are awesome, they are great at doing missionary work with their friends.  We then went and taught the Morgan's again and I really enjoy going there.

9-20-12 Thursday

We had our weekly planning today and it kinda seemed lengthy today.  It's necessary though, but it just seemed so long today.  Went to try to see Judy and her son James and she said she had to do something and that we could come back another time.  I hope we can actually teach them.  They don't know what they're missing!  Then we had a delicious dinner with the Bishop.  They are awesome and they were both converts to the church! Tracted for a while and I think we may have started softening a few people's hearts.  Chatted with Brother Lawson because he forgot to tell us that our appointment was moved.  He is a really cool member we are helping.  He is teaching a little girl about the gospel because her family has been less active, but they are trying to turn over a new leaf and she wants to be baptized.

9-21-12 Friday

Studied about faith this morning, it's the Christlike attribute that I am trying to improve though they all are kind of intertwined in a way.  We went to try to contact some of our referrals and to go to our landlords house because yesterday was his birthday.  He wasn't home and neither were any of the referrals.  We helped Sister Christianson move and she gave us some food so that was good.  The King family cancelled on us and that is the second time since I've been here.  We then went and saw Miguel, he is Hispanic and he is on 2 or 3 basketball teams.  He reads and prays, but doesn't feel like he has got an answer.  He said he would keep trying though.  Then we had a lesson with Rod on Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End.  Then he played Elder Olsen at chess and Rod beat him while playing "blindfolded" style.  So Rod never looked at the board but Elder Olsen just played normal and got to look at the board.  Basically, Rod memorizes every move that they both make and I moved Rod's pieces for him.

9-22-12 Saturday

Well I have been out for a month.  I guess I am finally homesick.  I just started balling in the bathroom this morning and couldn't stop.  I miss everyone back home.  I miss my Mom and brothers a lot!  My dog and all my awesome friends as well.  It's tough not ever seeing anyone that you care about.  All of the things we planned pretty much fell through, but we were able to talk to a few people that might be willing eventually.  You never know until you actually try to go to the appointment that you scheduled though.  We talked to one guy while tracting who just thought organized religion was wrong and no matter what we said didn't matter.  I started to testify, got out about half a sentence and he cut me off.  I wish they'd all listen.  We also talked to a really nice lady, she said she wanted to look into it more before we teach her.  She said she would pray about it first because she never says no until god tells her not to do it.  Had dinner with the Nibley's.  Hugh Nibley is Brother Nibley's Grandfather which is pretty sweet.

9-23-12 Sunday

Our day was busy but good.  Started with PEC meeting and Ward Council.  We had to leave early from Ward Council so we could pick up Walter to bring him to church.  He is the guy with cerebral palsy and it takes a lot to get him to church.  Brother Schank from the ward brought his truck to put his electric chair in the back.  He is awesome for doing that, he will be blessed for it.  Church was great except the microphone in sacrament was way too quiet again so I only heard the last speaker because he spoke louder and had a deeper voice than the rest of the speakers.  Rod was able to come to church also which was great.  Then we had our coordination meeting after church.  Then we tried to see Willy who is a guy we found tracting one day and he wasn't home.  So we went to the Radabaugh's with Brother Lawson, which we were supposed to do on Thursday when Brother Lawson forgot to tell us he moved the appointment.  The Radbaugh's daughter pays better attention if the missionaries are there.  This was my first time though.  I will be honest, their house had a very odd smell to it.  After that, we headed over to the Casey's for dinner.  They are very nice and the food was good, but they were chaotic which made it hard to teach them.  It took longer then it should have to get out of there.  Then we went back to the apartment to do some of my training.  Yay! P-Day tomorrow!