Monday, 12/23/13 - Sunday, 12/29/13

Monday – Today was a great P-day! Did the usual email and shopping. Also went to Brother Golson’s and he taught us how to make bracelets out of 50/50 cord, also called parachute cord. They are really cool! Brother Golson is really cool as well. Then we went to Twin Hill Park and watched some guys play a really bad game of basketball. Wish we could have played but we aren’t supposed to play full court. Headed to the church to play. I rejammed my left ring finger. Had an awesome dinner with the Nelson’s. They are planning on moving to Utah. Probably Kaysville area. Then headed to the Nimmo’s to drop in on them and give them the Joy to the World DVD and taught them a bit. They are so cool! Dropped by the Okwu/Brown home because Sister Okwu asked us to. She gave us some little gifts. This ward is so awesome! So many members reaching out to us all the time! Brother Lawson that was in the Tally 4^th Ward walked in while we were finishing playing ball. It was so cool to see him.

Tuesday – Today we had District Meeting and cool thing was that the Ward Mission Leader for the 2^nd Ward brought a guy named Justin and we got to teach him during District Meeting. It was sweet! Then met Clark and set an appointment for tomorrow. Headed to the Thatcher’s for lunch which was really fun. It was so funny. Their son Isaiah told me I was ugly. Then when sharing the message we were on the couch jklm. I was in spot 1, spot 2 was empty, Lexi was in spot 3 and Elder Evans was in 4. I asked Isaiah if he wanted to sit next to Lexi and he was all sad and said, “No, I want to sit next to you.” I replied with, “I’m right here.” Then he said, “Oh” and sat down and started laughing. Also helped Donna today and made a ton of progress. Met her daughter Grace, who is really cool. Then went to the Parker’s house and got in their car with Bishop and Jimmy to pick up Teressa and Ariel. Had dinner with them and a ton of Bishop’s family. Read 3 Nephi 1 and Luke 2. The spirit was so strong! So much fun!

Wednesday – Christmas! Today was great! Ate breakfast at the Bailey’s with all the missionaries. Before that we opened our gifts. We were so blessed with so many gifts. The ward was really great and so were my family! We went to the Bissen’s and read Luke 2 with them. Not sure what to think about Andy and where he is at. Gave Josie a blessing as well. She was feeling sick. I feel bad when babies get sick. Headed to the Wadas’ to Skype after that and that was awesome! Talked to Mom, Sean, Zach and my mom also invited Todd and Aaron over. That was so fun to talk to all of them. Went to Teressa and Ariel’s after we ate with the Wadas! Such good food! Had a traditional Christmas dinner. Taught Teressa and Ariel a powerful lesson on scriptures, prayer and Sabbath day. Also saw Jamie and moved a slab of granite for her. Also saw Jacob Lawson and Zanna Lawson that were in the Tally 4^th Ward. Talked with them and got a picture. I miss them. Also called my dad which was really good. He has changed a lot. It’s good to see that in him. Merry Christmas!

Thursday – Today we ended up having a really long but good weekly planning session. We had to set a goal for the baptisms in the zone next year. We set the goal of 46 for the zone next year. That was an awesome experience to pray and feel the spirit confirm that. Tried to see the Higgins but that didn’t work so we went to see Brother Barbaree (less active). We walked up to his house and he was lurking around checking out our car and everything. He was in his truck and drove around his lawn and everything. Nice guy though. Ate with the Boyd’s at Azteca. It was pretty good. Then had coordination which went really well. Then we went to CVS so I could get some melatonin. Elder Steed who is the mission nurse told me to get it because I have been even more tired than usual lately. We also stopped by to see the Steele’s who are a potential gator. Didn’t work out unfortunately.

Friday – Today we started off going to see Alonzo but he wasn’t home. We ended up talking to Tiffany, his girlfriend. She is really nice and really talkative. Then went to see Amanda who fell through. Felt prompted to knock on her neighbor’s door and met Dorothy. She was nice but not interested so we planted a seed. Put a DVD on a Spanish lady’s porch and then went to see Mallory King. He was in a good mood today so we taught about pride and read a talk by President Benson called “Beware of Pride”. Shane White fell through and so did Michelle and so did Clark and Tristan. Ate lunch. Taught Teressa and Ariel with Sister Okwu. It went well! Lovin’ teaching them! Sister Okwu was awesome! Saw Austin for a brief moment and invited him to volleyball. Tried to see Chuck, didn’t work. Talked to a cool guy name Pat. He was really nice. Not really interested. Jamison boys fell through and the Rogers and Rico. Talked to a lady named Tiffany about family history. Then ate with the Anderson’s. It was pretty good. Taught a pretty good lesson. Then had volleyball an Austin was there which was great! Came home to plan and make calls.

Saturday – Today we had the usual breakfast with President Miller at Ryan’s. After that we took the Nelson’s and the Burbidge children and it went pretty well. Then we stayed there for the Clont’s daughter’s baptism which was good and interesting because we basically had a bit of dodge ball in the cultural hall with all the little kiddos. It was quite fun. Taught Alonzo which was really good because we hadn’t seen him for a while. He is going through some tough stuff. Had lunch and studies. Then went out and saw Angie and the Jamison boys. Ran from the car to different houses over and over in the rain. We got soaked but the process met the less active Marden’s. Then we taught Johnny with Brother Burbidge. Went pretty well and Brother Burbidge also took us to Chill, frozen yogurt place. During breakfast we got on the topic of homosexuals which led to President Miller telling us of a quote he heard. It was “Duck Dynasty” and he said, “a vagina is a lot more pleasing to look at than an anus.” It threw us off so bad.

Sunday – Today was such a great day at church. Brother and Sister Rowan both spoke and they were wonderful! I even took some notes! They are so awesome and I had forgot that Sister Rowan was a convert of about 4 years. We had Teressa there and another gator name Alonzo came as well. Ariel, Teressa’s daughter, is in Orlando going to Disney World. Johnny told us he would come to the other ward so we waited but he stood us up. Had lunch then taught Teressa at 2:30. Her and Sister Okwu were outside in Sister Okwu’s car just talking for 2 hours. It was awesome! Teressa had her water heater stop working so Brother & Sister Fisher stopped by and Brother Fisher fixed it. Brother Blum came with so we had a ton of members with her today. Taught the Jamison kids and Caitlin was there and we got to say Hi, and she is going through a lot. Walked home way fast to go eat at the Haines. They are so cool! Taught Andy and then Skyped his friend Brady. Andy seems to be pushing away baptism a lot. Just keeps doubting it. Our faith can’t dwindle! I love Andy!

Monday, 12/16/13 - Sunday, 12/22/13

Monday – P-day today! It wasn’t a very exciting P-day. We didn’t get to play basketball because stuff took too long. We did get to eat at the Thomas’ and shared a message with Sister Thomas. Unfortunately Brother Thomas wasn’t feeling well so he didn’t stay for the message. Then Brother Kriser came out with us to the Barbecho’s which fell through. But he came to see Mallory King with him. Mallory has always found something new to hold him back and this time it was not having a cemetery at every LDS chapel. He straight up just denies the enabling power of the Atonement as well. So sad! He is a less active member who is like 83 years old.

Tuesday – Today was our half mission conference and it was really fun! We had some messages by President Smith that were powerful. Then had people singing and playing different songs about Christ. We have some talented missionaries here in the FTM. Then had some lunch provided by the Stake. Sister McArthur from the Fox Run Ward was there so it was awesome to see her. The conference was actually in the Fox Run Chapel and that brought back some good memories. We also had a stocking exchange between all the missionaries. District Leaders were suppose to have a creative way to introduce their districts. Only 3 of them did something and 2 of them were from our zone and that was awesome! We helped clean up for a while after then headed back to eat with the Climer’s. That was fun. First time I have eaten with them. Went with Brother McKenzie after that to Johnny’s. That fell through so we ended up teaching Ben Barbecho about the Plan of Salvation a bit. That kind of confused him a bit but it was good. That finished the night.

Wednesday – Today we started off the day figuring out the exchanges for the transfer and when we would go on them. Got a call from the 2nd Ward Elders, they needed a ride home while their car was being worked on. Then we went to teach Jamie, but she pawned us off on Ben who was cleaning up the back yard a bit and throwing away the leaves. We were able to get him to come out to see Teressa and Ariel later. Went to see Tom Hughes who used to study with the missionaries. His ex-wife was LDS as well. He also had a quad set of scrips that I saw but he didn’t want us to come back. Then we went to see Austin which fell through. So we walked up to Brother White’s. In the process, ran into Caitlin who met the other Elders finally. She is going through a rough time right now. Taught Teressa and Ariel with Ben and it was perfect! Ben taught so well! Ate with the Bissen’s and Andy committed to talk to his brother. Food was awesome too! Had a little message with the Prazzo’s about Christ and the meaning of Christmas. Finished the night with coordination. Also talked a bit with Sister Edington, Brother Harter’s mom.

Thursday – Today we had to recreate the forms we use for weekly planning because our revised version sucked. Then had our lunch and weekly planning. We were actually able to finish our weekly planning in just one day this week. Then we went to the Woodring’s for a quick message. Robert has been having a hard time kicking the chew habit but he is trying to do it. Went to see Manny as well and he is planning on quitting his smoking which was great news! Read some of the Book of Mormon with him. He understands it so well. Hopefully it will get him to desire to change. Then we taught Bryan and Brother Wadas came out with us. He did a really good job too. He taught all about the restoration. The spirit was so strong! Bryan is very skeptical about our message though. He thinks that the Book of Mormon is just the Bible with different names. We read a verse from the Book of Mormon and he said that exact verse was in the Bible. It isn’t though because I checked. After that we went with Brother Wadas to give Brother Harter a blessing. That went great. Brother Wadas gave a powerful blessing. Then we met the assistants at our place for our exchange.

Friday – Today we had our exchange with the assistants. We blitzed our area as usual. I went with Elder McPhearson and Elder Evans went with Elder Wright. It was a really great day! Elder McPhearson and I were teaching all day. We found a new investigator named Shane and set up a time to see him in a week. Also taught Anna which was interesting. She was almost flirting with us or something. It was weird. She is a middle-aged woman and that has never happened with her. A lady also came out of the store near our apartment while we were walking by to give us one of the Bibles that we hand out. She found it at a yard sale. We also went to the Barbecho’s to see Jamie. Ben was leaving so we taught her outside for a while and raked the yard while teaching. Then we taught Ben when he got back. Ate and did the leadership exchange report. Elder Evans and I then went to drop off some cookies to a couple people. Brother McKenzie and his wife do it. We just ring the doorbell and run. Then Elder Evans and I ended up seeing Austin briefly before coming in.

Saturday – Today we had our meeting at Ryan’s with President Miller. Then we helped Brother Boyd move a couple logs. One was estimated at about 800 pounds and the other at about 600 pounds. It was pretty fun to do. Those logs had nothing on us. Then we stopped by the office at our apartments and picked up a ton of mail that has been sent to our old apartment. So it was a great mail day. Got packages from my dad then later some from my mom. I also got one from JC Penney that didn’t have a name so I don’t know who sent it. All day we had plan after plan fall through which was sad. We did get to go to Cracker Barrel to eat because we won a drawing for turning our miles in on time. Met a cool lady named Lesa, pronounced Lisa. She was really nice! She worked at Cracker Barrel and had been married to a member. She knew quite a bit. After that we went to Jamie’s to teach her even though she canceled. She is a hard one to figure out. Always cancels but says she wants to learn. Brother Boyd was there with us as well and we headed to Johnny’s with him ‘cause she said come back. Taught him a good lesson. Went back to Jamie’s and she blew us off again. She said tomorrow and that ended the night.  

Sunday – Today was good because we got Teressa and Ariel to church and Bryan also went to the 2^nd Ward. Then we had some less-actives there as well. Brother Haines came and the Steele’s and also Latrell Higgins came. Pretty great! Sacrament was interesting though. Kind of a boring one. The rest of church was good. We taught a member family named the Tatro’s with Brother Wanner. They hadn’t been able to come to church for awhile so we just wanted to check on them. That was good. They should be back soon. Then we ate with the Taylor’s and had some great bonding moments. Brother Taylor also told us a crazy story about a companion he had on his mission that went out and hired a prostitute! What an idiot! Then we went and made cookies at the Bissen’s and read Luke 2. Didn’t quite finish because we had to run to Teressa and Ariel’s. Taught them about the Plan of Salvation. Devon Brown came and it was powerful. A ton of members also gave us gifts for Christmas which was way cool!

Monday, 12/9/13 - Sunday, 12/15/13

Monday – Today was P-day and the day we find out about transfers for sure. President accidentally told us most of it the other day so we weren’t too surprised about it. We will both be staying. We are also getting a second set of Sisters to add to the Bailey’s, Sisters and us. Tons of missionaries here! Also played basketball with 2^nd Ward again which was really fun. I didn’t do as well but it was still a blast! Weird thing happened. We went to print out the transfer at our apartment clubhouse. The chick that cut my hair walked in to use the exercise room. I had to double take to figure out who she was. Ate a quick dinner after printing that out. Then headed over to teach Teressa and her daughter, Ariel. It was such a powerful lesson. The spirit was so strong! Had to teach out on the porch because we had no man but she was fine with that. Also had a lesson with the Anderson’s, the part-member family that recently moved in. Brian, the non-member, made a few sarcastic remarks during the lesson unfortunately, but we aren’t going to lose the faith! Elder Evans also pooped his pants today…ha ha!

Tuesday – Today we had our district activity which was good. The Bailey’s made breakfast as usual. Then we had District Meeting which was good. Got to take the District on a church tour which was good. Went home for a little companionship study and then headed to Jamie’s which fell through J. She rescheduled for tomorrow. So we handed out a Spanish BOM to a couple who we didn’t think spoke English. We thought a less active lived there but it was a non-member that fed Elder Winter and Elder Locken. We also figured out transfers and had a really good talk with Sister Tatro. She is a really awesome lady. Went to see a lady that lives next to Johnny and he was out working on something, so we stopped by to talk a bit. Stopped by to see the Thomas’ and teach Brother Thomas a bit. He might come to the Ward Christmas Party which would be awesome. They gave us some pie. Then ate at the Nimmo’s and got to discuss some of their reservations for not coming to church and I think that was really good.

Wednesday – Today our first plan was transfers so we all gathered at the Wendy’s and we ordered 41 #1 combos which is the usual. Then we helped the new Sisters take their bikes to their apartment and give them some phone numbers. Transfers was way smooth. We then were canceled on by Jamie so we went tracting with Elder Smith who is heading home and was with us for the time being. Met one really cook guy. Then we say Johnny later that day after the 2^nd transfer which was really small. Taught Angie as well which was good, but she is having some struggles especially with the pain from her 14 hernias. One is 15 cm around! Taught Caitlin as well. She is so prepared. We will have to hand her over to 2^nd Ward. Her mom has cancer and we had to leave because she had to run her to the hospital. Also go to teach the Prazzo’s which went really well. Got to know them really well. They’re really cool. Brother Prazzo was laughing so hard about lying to his wife about exercising his legs today. He struggles walking because he had a brain infection in the past. It was funny! Then we had coordination with our army of missionaries.

Thursday – Today we tried to weekly plan but a bunch of zone stuff got in the way but that is okay. We did get a little bit a weekly planning done. Went to teach a guy named Douglas but that fell through so we went to see Jamie with Brother Kriser. It went pretty well. Brother Kriser came in his police cruiser and he drove us like 100 feet in it. We were going to walk to Jamie’s but he came by and picked us up. So we got in the back which was interesting. Jamie was really confused too because he was in uniform so she was like, what the heck?  Also did some service for Ben and Jamie after our lesson. Had dinner with the Parker’s which is always fun. While eating we discussed ways to excite the ward. Taught the Woodring’s, first read with Devin and Daryl and then taught Robert and Maribel a lesson when they got home. Brother McKensie came to Johnny’s which fell through so we hopped in Brother McKensie’s car to see the Haines. Brother Haines wasn’t home but we did get to talk with Sister Haines and she really needed it. She is so cool. I decided I want to marry and islander from Fiji or Barbados or somewhere sweet! End of night!

Friday – Started off the day continuing our service with Donna. We never get as much done as we should because she doesn’t really plan anything out. But it was still pretty good and we got to talk a bit about Joseph Smith. Then we came home to try and finish our weekly planning. Still have more of it to do. Ate at the Cochran’s which was good. Had delicious Stromboli! After that we tried to see Johnny. That appointment fell through. So we went to see if Teressa and Ariel were home. They were so we shared a message with them. They have been prepared and are so ready for the gospel! They plan on church and on the Christmas party tomorrow. Then we went home to plan and make our calls to the zone. We didn’t have any more of the papers that we put all the names on each Friday so we had to make some really quick on the computer in our clubhouse. We were able to get that and all the names done somehow. It was an interesting night.

Saturday – Today we had our usual breakfast at Ryan’s with President Miller. Then we taught the Anderson’s. That actually went really well. Bryan has an interest in finding out if the church is true. We played with their dog who is named Tucker. Pretty sweet! He isn’t a beagle, he is some sort of mix. Then we went to find Alicia, formerly known as Alisha, Brian’s girlfriend. We found her and taught her a bit. We think she gave us a fake phone #. Then we ran into the Reynolds/Jamison kids and Caitlin. We also met their mom for the first time officially. They told us they’d see us at the Christmas party. We also hurried over to Johnny’s to remind him and he said he wants to come. Then he also told us something really funny. We were talking about the feeling one might have when meeting their spouse and Johnny said he never had that and then said sarcastically, “I had that when I met my mother-in-law.” It was so funny. After that we met Sister Okwu at Teressa and Ariel’s and she drove Ariel to the Christmas party. We got her, the Anderson’s, Jamison boys, Cailey, and Andy to it. It was really fun! That finished our night. Overall success of a party!

Sunday – Today was a great day! Had church and we had our Christmas program. We got sucked into singing in the choir and people said it sounded good. The program was pretty awesome. Andy came to church and so did the Anderson’s. Had a really good conversation with Andy after church. He is about to skyrocket! After church we taught Teressa and Ariel, read with them. Set a baptismal date which was exciting! They have a ton of faith! Teressa has such a sound understanding of the scriptures. Did our studies and what not then saw Austin and set up an appointment with him. Ate at the Cockrell’s which was delicious. They are really cool people. Then went to teach Andy. We had a really good lesson with him and he really seems sincere about baptism. I hope he really pushes for it! He is such an awesome guy and I really love him. I love all of the Bissen’s! Andy also told me I look a lot like his brother after Brother Burbidge was saying Andy and I look alike.

Monday, 12/2/13 - Sunday, 12/8/13

Monday – Today was a good P-day. Had some great emails from friends and family. Got some sweet sunglasses. Got a haircut by a girl that was really pretty and that was kind of strange. She was my age and I am pretty sure she was being flirtatious a bit. I stayed in great missionary mode though. I also had another confirmation from her that deep fried turkey is the way to go. Beat the 2^nd Ward Elders at basketball again. It is always a good time. Planned a bit for the Zone Conference call on Thursday. Then had dinner with Brother Burbidge and Landon because the rest of the family had places to go. Main thing I learned there was not to answer the phone on my honeymoon. Whatever it is can wait. Then took a detour to the Steele’s who want to come back to church. We are going to start studying with them to help them learn better and have more effective studies.

Tuesday – Today we had to go to Fort Walton to the 2^nd Ward District Meeting. Then had a great exchange with Elder Sorrell coming to Crestview with me and Elder Evans and Elder DeGroff stayed in Fort Walton. Came back to do service for the Lawrence’s and we ate MRE’s for lunch with Brother Lawrence. Cleaned up for them a bit as a thank you for all they did for us. Went home to do some training. Then we taught Brother Thomas and that was awesome! Sister Thomas bore some really strong testimony about the church. Ate a great bit of turkey pot pie at the Taylor’s. It was so good! I keep joking with Sister Taylor that when I get married that my wife has to learn how to cook from her. She said she’d teach her how to shop instead. Taught Johnny as well and he is doing well. I really feel he is going to start progressing! Then had a short lesson with Jamie. Her grandfather passed away but she seems to be doing okay. She said it hasn’t sunk in. Taught a bit about the spirit world. Elder Sorrell is a great new missionary. He is 24 and is a convert of 2 years and is dyslexic. Such a cool story!

Wednesday – Today we went to Fort Walton to trade back with the 2^nd Ward Elders. Then Elder Evans and I ate a quick lunch and then went to see Donna for some service and it was raining so hard for most of it. A guy named David was there and he knows a bit about our church. Seems kind of open to it. So we worked on Donna’s walkway. We have been prepping it for concrete. Hopefully we can get it all finished soon. Then we got changed and went on a split. Devin Brown and I went to see the Reynold’s Family which wasn’t as awesome as anticipated. It was good though. We got to introduce the Book of Mormon. Elder Evans went to Manny’s with Brother Wanner which they said was awesome. Had dinner and coordination with the Boyd’s and then we tried to see Ryan. Didn’t work so we prepped for our Zone Conference call.

Thursday – Today we had our Zone Conference call. It went really well. Talked about unity in our work and we really feel it will help. Also did some weekly planning but didn’t get to finish. Had to go out to see Austin and unfortunately he wasn’t home. We did get to see Josh and talk to him about a Family Home Evening. He wants to do one at his house some time. Then we met Brother Wanner at Manny’s for a lesson. Manny is so cool and I really feel like he is changing and opening up his heart to the restored gospel. Went over really quick to the Woodring’s which was fun. They are really funny. Wish they would get to church though. It has been a really long time. Had a good little lesson though and I think they will be back soon. Then went and had some pie with Johnny. He insisted so we had some and shared a message while eating some pie. Headed home after that to meet the assistants for our exchange with them.

Friday – Today we had our exchange with the assistants. Elder Wright went with me and Elder Rhoades went with Elder Evans. We did some good role plays before going out to teach. Then Elder Wright and I went out and had a very unexpected day. First headed to see Alonzo but while on the way Billy Ray called us over so we went in and shared a little message. He then proceeded to joke around a bit too physically. He punched Elder Wright in the shoulder and grabbed my collar and accidentally pinched my throat. Also met a guy named Clint who seemed really excited about our message. Alonzo wasn’t home. So we headed back and met a really nice lady named Mamie who lives right under us. Ran into JT who is Alonzo’s cousin and met Deacon Seal and John who were really nice. Came home to do the exchange report. Then we had an awesome dinner at the Wadas. They told us about how they want to stuff their dog when it dies. Really funny conversation! Then had volleyball and got to see the Nimmos there. Sam cracks me up! Plus he is way athletic. We plan to see them Tuesday.

Saturday – Today was kind of strange. We did a lot of our weekly planning that we didn’t finish. Then we got to see Austin briefly before going to the McKenzie’s to help them out with “doorbell ditching” some people and leaving behind cookies. Did it to a few members. Jamie Barbecho, Ben’s wife, called us asking if they were from us. It was good to do. It got people asking questions. Then we had dinner with the Miller’s. TJ brought two of his friends. Devon was one of them and while we were teaching he said he wanted to come to church. That was cool and I think he has a lot of potential. Then we saw Johnny briefly and taught him about how he is going to finally be able to get to church. He said he would try to. Hope he does. He always has an excuse. That’s about all that happened.

Sunday – Started off with Ward Council and told Brother Burbidge that his quote made our quote of the week. He told us when he got home from his mission and when he was dating that he “just kissed girls”. That made the quote of the week! Funny guy! Had church which was pretty good. I taught a very unprepared lesson. After church we went to see the Reynolds’ and met Caitlin their babysitter and taught her a bit and the kids, Austin, Ryan and Kaden. Played around with the kids a bit and invited them to the Christmas Devotional. Then taught Andy with Brother Taylor which went pretty well. Wasn’t as good as it could have been. Andy read the 1^st chapter in 1 Nephi and was telling me all about it. It was really cool! Also taught Jamie with Brother Taylor. Ben too! Gave Lilly a blessing and Jamie seems more sincere now, more than ever. Then the Taylor’s invited us to eat there which was awesome! We had some good quotes from them too. Brother Taylor said we need to just “talk to the ladies” when we get home. Sister Taylor then responded with “only the pretty ones”. Man it was funny! Went to the devotional! Caitlin and the boys were there! We took them on a tour as well. It was awesome. Then went to set up an appointment with Teressa.

Monday, 11/25/13 - Sunday, 12/1/13

Monday – Today was our P-day and we played basketball with the 2^nd Ward Elders. We won 2 out of the 3 games against them. Did our usual shopping and what not. Got some awesome birthday emails. I am very thankful for that. Ate dinner and then we planned for our zone training. That took up the remainder of our night. Got ready for our exchange tomorrow with the Destin Elders as well.

Tuesday – Today we headed to Niceville for our zone training which went pretty well. Could have gone better but we covered a lot of material. Unfortunately a couple missionaries didn’t really buy in to a couple ideas, but I guess not everyone will always agree. I am excited particularly to begin doing more church tours. After zone training we had an exchange with the Destin Elders. I went to Destin with Elder Miller and Elder Smith and Elder Evans went to Crestview. Such a weird exchange. Started off helping the Niceville Sisters move a bed to the Destin Sister’s apartment. Elder Mills was there with the transfer van. He is the senior missionary over cars and apartments. The reason why we helped was because Sister Rick will be going to Destin and Sister Doriswami is going back to the Temple Square Mission. Then Elder Mills gave us money so we ate at Firehouse with the Niceville Elders. They dropped us off and we studied and then had a dinner appointment. Delicious French toast and bacon. Then we basically did nothing. I kept trying to get something going but we ended up brain storming finding ideas. Weird day.

Wednesday – Today Elder Miller and I went to see a lady named Kelly Kelly. She left so we talked to her excommunicated husband about the anti she read. He still has a love for the church which is great. Interesting visit and exchange. Then my companion and Elder Smith picked us up and Elder Evans had got me Chick-fil-A for a late birthday gift. Awesome surprise! Headed back to our area. Got back late and went to do service for Donna. It was pretty cold but it was good. Went to contact a less-active that had moved. Then went to dinner at the Lawrence’s. That was awesome! They had a part member family that they are friends with over at their house. Then we went to coordination at the Boyd’s. It seems like kind of a waste of time cause we just talk about what is going on but it doesn’t seem like it is going anywhere after we discuss it. Then we went and taught Angie Davis about our Savior just to have a fun lesson with her. The headed home.

Thursday – Thanksgiving! Awesome day! Started off with a “turkey bowl” and we were able to get Austin there. He really seemed to have a good time. I jammed my finger on a dropped touchdown reception. It seemed like a good throw too. I don’t know what happened. I did have 3 touchdowns and about 5 receptions total. Dropped 2 touchdowns and also had like 1 rushing yard. Highlight was that I caught the game winning touchdown. Then right after I caught it Brother Burton tackled me. I held on though. It was just a light tackle because we were playing flag football. Ate at the Peterson’s and they had 2 non-member couples there and that was awesome! They didn’t want to learn more yet. The other couple left too quick before we shared our message, but the other wasn’t interested. Went to the Taylor’s for dessert and shared a message with them. Then we had to go home and start weekly planning. Then exchanged with the Crestview 2^nd Ward. Elder Evans went to Crestview 2^nd with Elder Elmer and I stayed in our areas with Elder Burnham.

Friday – Today was interesting for an exchange. Elder Burnham and I went to see Alonzo and that fell through unfortunately. So we went home so we could do Elder Burnham’s training and eat lunch. Then we had service with the Anderson’s who just moved in a few weeks ago. We built a fence with them. Weird thing is that the 2^nd Ward Elders were there so we really didn’t split up because we did service together. It was suppose to be a lot quicker than it was but it was pretty fun. We did have to go to Lowe’s with Brian Anderson and help him carry some supplies. Then we tried to see the Woodring’s but they weren’t home. So we knocked on a couple doors and then went to dinner at the Thatcher’s. Then we had volleyball right after dinner. The Blum’s were there so I got to meet Brother Blum’s sister who is also my 2^nd cousin. That was pretty fun and then we came home to make calls.

Saturday – Today we had our usual breakfast with President Miller at Ryan’s. Then we headed to the church for our studies because at 10:00 Olive had a baptism. So we also went to that for a girl named Jordan Linsy. Great service and great step for her. Then we went home for the rest of our studies and to finish our weekly planning. Then we went and stopped by to see Austin and invite him to church. Taught him a bit as well. He is a good kid. It is funny though that he gets distracted so easy. His mind wanders a lot. Also talked to Mike, a crazy guy, and found out Brian is in jail. Hopefully we can find Alisha. Taught Ben and he is way solid. Nothing to worry about there. Taught the Nimmo’s as well about church and they really want to come. Also read with them. Samantha also made delicious turkey and dumpling soup. Everything else fell through.

Sunday – Today was fast and testimony meeting. Good testimonies. Brother White’s might have been the best when he mentioned some Led Zeppelin lyrics in his. Then right before Priesthood he brought up Queen. Great guy! Had choir practice. Got drug into that again so I guess we are stuck. Went to teach Alonzo with Devon but he was gone so we taught his girlfriend, Tiffany. Wow! She can talk! Then we tried to see a couple others that fell through. Met an awesome bunch of kids where Joanna used to live and talked to their dad who we taught and he wants us to come back Wednesday. The kids also gave me a Pokemon card so that was awesome. Ate at the Lawrence’s for the last time before they move. Delicious as always. I will miss them and Emma. Taught Andy with Brother Wadas who related to Andy really well. I think he broke down a wall or two, maybe 3. Then taught Johnny with Brother Lawrence who was the bomb! He broke down one of Johnny’s concerns about Christ not being the son of God. It was sweet! Great day! Also ran in to Ryan Bielel and taught a quick message.