Monday, 2/17/14 - Sunday, 2/23/14

Monday – Michael Jordan turned 51 today and Larry the Cable Guy did too. It was a good day. We emailed at the Wyatt’s because of whatever holiday it was. Library was closed. Then we headed to Walmart to shop. We also stopped by Hibbett Sports because I was thinking about getting a Michael Jordan shirt or something. They had some sweet “Nike Elite” socks and “Jordan Elite” socks that I wanted but they were too much for me. We also played basketball which was hard. I wrapped my ankle up a ton but wasn’t very effective playing. We also had dinner with Brother Moore at Ryan’s again. Then we went to see Mark Hayes who gave us a pizza because we were too full. Taught him a good little lesson. Then we went to the Andersen’s to do some genealogy with them.  They also had sloppy joes for us to eat. We were still too stuffed. Ryan’s is a buffet so we were way full. That was our day!

Tuesday – Today we headed down to Fort Walton to go to both district meetings. I went to Elder Schwartz while Elder Evans went to Elder DeGroff’s. Elder Schwartz does a really good job teaching to his district’s needs. He is a powerful district leader. After District Meeting we got to go on an exchange with Fort Walton 1. I got to be with Elder Sorrell and Elder DeGroff went with Elder Evans to Crestview. We had a pretty good day in Fort Walton. We went and taught John Gorham, their recent convert. He is such an awesome guy! He is prepping for the Priesthood and for the Temple. We also walked over to do some service for a less active guy named Mike Pernos. He didn’t have the moving truck so we just taught a little lesson. Also saw a really cool guy named Ken and was going to teach him but unfortunately he wasn’t feeling up to it. Had some dinner and then we went to the Smith’s. They are such a cool family! I think they will get baptized someday! That was a fun exchange! I love Elder Sorrell.

Wednesday – Today we did some role plays with Elder’s Sorrell and DeGroff. That went well and then we ate at the 1^st Ward Elders. Elder Anderson and Elder Schwartz made us some food for lunch. Then we had our exchange with them. I stayed in Fort Walton with Elder Anderson and Elder Schwartz went to Crestview with Elder Evans. It was an interesting day that Elder Anderson and I had. We taught a guy named Wilton about the restoration of the gospel. He liked it but was hesitant about one true church. After that we talked to a guy about God and invited him to ask God if he was there. He just kinda laughed at us. Then headed to a less-active’s house named Alfred. He loves missionaries. We took a crazy picture together, Elder Anderson and I, for his wall. Then we went to the Wall’s and had an interesting visit with them. Didn’t get to teach anything really, Kaitlin was taking someone some food and she was talking about all these weird medical things she had read about. We also tried to contact a guy that worked at the mall. Had dinner at home. We then went to the church to talk to a couple people before heading to the Johnson’s to try to teach them. But unfortunately they weren’t in a lesson mood. They are the family we did the interviews for baptism. They are a really awesome family. “Mickey” is so fun and energetic.

Thursday – Today we did some role plays with Elder’s Anderson and Schwartz. That was interesting, but fun. Then we headed home to do some weekly planning. Didn’t get to finish and we ended up not finishing because we had to fly over to the Skylark’s. Theresa came with and bore some strong testimony to them. It was so cool to be a witness of that. Had a really quick dinner after that before heading over to see the Woodring’s with Brother Climer. That was awesome! They opened up a little bit more with him there. The Woodring’s really seem to like Brother Climer. Then we went to the church to meet the Anderson’s and do some family history. They are really loving it. Then we went to Johnny’s with Brother Ratcliff and taught him. Basically just talked about trust in the Lord the entire time.

Friday – Started the day off with some service at Robert Washington’s place. He is one of the Sister’s investigators. He is a good guy but is very talkative. It was so funny when he invited us in for a drink and said, “I bet you’ve never been in a black man’s house before.” It really cracked us up. After that we had lunch and then we had some weekly planning. Then we had a great lesson with Theresa and my awesome 2^nd cousin Brother Aaron Blum came with and taught very well. Then we briefly talked to Sister Parson’s at her door before heading to the Tatro’s house for dinner. That was a really good visit! Brother Tatro really wants to read more as a family. Then we headed to church to play some volleyball. I gimped around trying to play on my ankle. It was pretty fun actually.

Saturday – Today was a really good day! First thing was a church tour for the Skylark’s and Brother Cochran came to help out because he is the teacher for the 8 year olds and the Skylark’s have an 8 year old son. It was a great tour and hopefully they will come to church tomorrow. Then we headed home and did the rest of our weekly planning. Right after that we headed to see Chris and Christina Washington and taught them about the restoration and also about the spirit world a bit. It went pretty well. Chris can talk! Then we went to see the Barbecho’s and taught a lesson to Jamie and all the kids. We struck a chord with Alie, the Barbecho’s niece, because she started crying. It was sad! We were talking about the atonement and that it can lift us and I guess she is being bullied and she started crying but her cousins gave her hugs. Then we went to “Chill” a frozen yogurt place and Chris’ friend, Aaron, gave us free yogurt. Then we stopped by the Harter’s and they gave us cookies. That was our “dinner” and then we headed home.

Sunday – Today was a great day! We had our Ward Council Meeting and studies in the morning. Had a quick lunch and then went out to teach Tony about the Plan of Salvation. Him and his son then followed us to church and that was fun. We actually got to sit in Primary with his son Ryan which was fun. All of the lessons at church were really good too! That being said Primary seems to be the place to be. After church we went to the Ralphs’ who are the senior couple that replaced the Bailey’s. The Bailey’s also went home today so I gave them hugs and said bye. They are the best! Anyway we gave them a poster and info about the ward. Then we went to Johnny’s for dinner which took forever! Adam Leone was there. We taught him a while back and he seems really interested. Then taught an awesome lesson to Andy Bissen. They just got back from vacation in Vegas and Utah. Then went and taught Brother Wyatt and he feels that he received an answer that the church is true. So that was awesome! The end!

Monday, 2/10/14 - Sunday, 2/16/14

Monday – P-day! We balled it up with Elder Burnham and Elder Urquiaga at Twin Hills Park. We have been playing outside recently and it has been really fun. We won all three games. They were all close. We also had dinner over at the Thomas’ and the Bailey’s were there also. That was really fun! We got to teach about the Plan of Salvation after and Elder Bailey also invited Brother Thomas to be baptized which was so cool to see! After that we went to see the Nimmo’s and Samantha let us in so we figured Sam was home but he wasn’t so we tried to get out quick but Samantha had a lot to say because we hadn’t seen them for a while. They have been way busy with soccer recently. We also saw Johnny briefly which was interesting and we set up a time to go back and have some grub!

Tuesday – Today we spent a lot of the morning doing zone conference preparations. We actually got a lot done. It was sweet! Then we went to see Theresa and taught about eternal families and priesthood. Ariel wasn’t feeling well so we didn’t get to teach her. Brother Kriser was with us and he was a great help. Saw Chris Nichols and talked with his roommates Aaron and Ciara. Unfortunately it is not the most spiritual atmosphere for Chris. We did get to talk about scripture study though. Visited a referral very briefly name Mark Hayes. He didn’t have a moment for us with his wife sick. Went to see their son briefly but he wasn’t at his work so we looked around a bit. He works at a sweet pawn shop. Ate at the Harter’s. Played outside for a bit with the kids before dinner because Brother Harter was still on his way home. Then we headed down to see the Barbecho’s. Taught Ben a bit and then set a time to go have a Family Home Evening. Then we started our exchange with 2^nd Ward.

Wednesday – Today was our exchange with the Crestview 2^nd Ward Elders. Elder Urquiaga came to our ward with me and Elder Evans spent the day with Elder Burnham in the 2^nd Ward. Elder Urquiaga and I had a pretty interesting day. Went to do a church tour because Sister Comaniuk and Sister Barrick didn’t have a third lady to go on the tour so we had to go so it would be okay. We all showed Robert Washington around. It was really interesting and long! He wanted to sing a hymn so we all sang “How Great Thou Art”. We didn’t harmonize well at all. He kept mentioning my deep voice and how powerful it was. Such a good guy and such a funny experience. Had lunch after that. Then had an awesome highlight were we got to teach the two Grice boys and their cousin Aaron and friend Clay. Taught about the restoration. They all paid attention pretty well. The Grice boys are less active by the way. We also taught Randy Fluhrer. He is actually pretty solid which really surprised me. Had a really good dinner with the Ratcliff’s! They are a great family and the monkey bread was delicious. Sister Ratcliff gave us the recipe! Then had coordination and traded back.

Thursday – Today was good but not too much went on. We did some planning for zone conference and some weekly planning as well. Taught Michelle with Brother Moore there and it went pretty good. She really loved the Plan of Salvation. She really loved that kids don’t go to hell when they die. We also taught the Woodring’s a message and they are starting to get comfortable with us. Then we headed to Fort Walton to do some baptism interviews. Unfortunately we each had one that didn’t pass. But two of them did which was awesome! The rest of the family is just a matter of time. Also had dinner with a great member and then the Johnson’s that we interviewed fed us as well. Then went to the 2^nd Ward apartment so that we didn’t have to waste a ton of miles going back up to Crestview when we will just have to come back to Fort Walton.

Friday – Today was great! Stayed with Elder DeGroff and Elder Sorrell. Made some great French toast for us in the morning. Headed to the church to set up for our zone conference. President had Elder Sorrell share his conversion story and it was so powerful. I will share a bit. Elder Sorrell heard a voice that told him to “wait one more day” and not commit suicide. He met the missionaries the next day. He then heard another voice another time. President then talked about how those voices could have been his ancestors. He has been pushing family search to find with. Elder Evans, Elder Wright, Sister Comaniuk, Elder Schurtz and Sister Medlyn all bore strong testimonies at the end. I kissed Elder Wright…on the cheek! Had a last minute dinner with the Fisher’s and Brother Moore when we got back to Crestview. They took us to Ryan’s. Then we went to volleyball which was really fun! Even with the rolling of my ankle. It was pretty painful and it was kinda scary.

Saturday – Today we had our meeting with President Miler at Ryan’s. That went pretty good. Went home for our studies and then went to see Josh Vining and helped him out with his jeep a bit. He has a really old jeep and we were taking out the bolts that held the body on so he can get the body fixed and restore the jeep a bit. After getting home we did a bit of weekly planning. I was really tired and so was Elder Evans so that was a bit of a struggle. We headed over to Theresa and Ariel’s after that for a lesson. We kept getting way off topic though. It was really fun to spend some more time and to teach a bit. Then we had dinner with the Hansen’s which was fun. They have some really good stories. Then we went down to see Johnny and taught a really really good lesson! Johnny seems very sincere right now.

Sunday – Today we had a sweet MLC in Bonifay with Elder Munz, President Smith and all of the Stake Presidents. It was powerful and the Spirit was strong. It was cool to see how things work in the church and how much the spirit is involved in every decision. We drove there and back with President Miller which was nice. President Miller told us some good stories. Had Sacrament Meeting and lunch down in Bonifay as well after the MLC. We did get back to Crestview in time to attend Gospel Principles and Priesthood. After church we had a really short study and then went to see Danny Vinson and Louis Gomez for the first time in a long time. Iona, Danny’s girlfriend, was there. She is a member in the Fort Walton Beach 1^st Ward. We had some delicious steaks that Danny made and shared a really good message. Danny told us that he is planning on being baptized soon but isn’t completely sure when.

Monday, 2/3/14 - Sunday, 2/9/14

Monday – P-day! Today we did the usual P-day stuff. Played some basketball outside at Twn Hills Park. It was fun! I did role my left ankle twice and both times I was just planting. Had dinner at home. Sister Cockrell dropped off some delicious Mexican food. Headed to the church to do a church tour with the Peterson’s. They invited their friend who decided not to go but it was still a great tour! Then we headed home and actually got to eat because before we didn’t really have enough time to eat. Then we planned for zone training tomorrow.

Tuesday – Today we role played a bit in the morning to finish up our zone training preparation. After that we headed down to Niceville to have our zone training. I feel like it went pretty well except we had some technical difficulties with the slide show presentation President Smith asked us to show. After some of the missionaries went to Dairy Queen to eat so we went and it was pretty good. Fast food is all kind of the same though. Had an exchange today as well with Elder Rasmussen, the old MTC companion. That was fun! We got quite a bit done. Met a guy named Nathaniel and another guy Iran when we were trying to see Devonte. Devonte wasn’t home. Taught Theresa and Ariel about temples and we are going to do some family history Thursday. Ate at home before heading to see the Bissen’s and we read with Andy from Alma 34. Talked a lot about prayer. Tried to see Johnny who wasn’t awake so we talked to Stacey for a while. She is really cool.

Wednesday – Today I did the exchange report in the morning with Elder Rasmussen. Then we exchanged back pretty early so that Elder Evans and I could get to our appointments that we had set up. Unfortunately the first one fell through so we tried to go see a headquarters referral that we received yesterday but they weren’t home. Headed home to eat lunch and to study and make some lesson plans. Then we went out to see Tony but he called and cancelled so we saw Napier and unfortunately we had to drop him because he wasn’t keeping commitments or more, so told us he wouldn’t keep any more. Then taught Chris Nichols and we gave his roommate a Book of Mormon. Tried to see Brenda but she wasn’t feeling well. Tried to contact some potentials and some lady decided to be rude and it really ticked me off. Which that made the rest of my night kinda crappy. I overreacted a bit. Had a great dinner with the Boyd’s. Made mini pizzas and then had coordination which finished our night.

Thursday – Today I was even more sick then I have been so I decided to just get some extra rest. Well my body more so just forced me to fall asleep. Then today I realized that I am not trusting in the Lord enough with my missionary work. That was a good thing to realize. We also had weekly planning and got most of it done. Went to see a bunch of people with Brother Wanner but none of it worked out. Went to contact our headquarters referral and talked to their roommate Sam. He was a cool guy. Picked up some grub from the Wirt’s and then helped the Hartwell’s move for a little bit before heading to the church to do family history work with Theresa, Ariel and Brother Fisher. That was pretty awesome! Theresa found a couple people that very well could be her ancestors!

Friday – Today we finished up weekly planning then went to help the Hartwell’s move into the ward. They are so cool! Brother Hartwell hunts gator and he is going to make us some! I have never had gator and I have wanted it my whole mission. Went and ate at Hardee’s after that. That was decent. Then we drove to a hiding spot to change in the car which was weird. I forgot my belt and Elder Evans aid, “It would be worse if you forgot your tie.” That is when I realized I did forget my tie. We called the Taylor’s and they let me borrow one. Then our appointments fell through. We did see the Thomas’ which was pretty fun. Went to see Tony and Henry but they were busy so we rescheduled. Then saw Mallory King and started the 12 step program and he seemed to like it. Then we tried to see some less-actives but hat fell through so we finished with some dinner and then played some volleyball for our fellowship night.

Saturday – Today was exciting! We had our meeting with President Miller at Ryan’s. Then went to the Bailey’s to help Elder Bailey. He wanted us to be a part of fixing the car that Theresa just bought. That was fun, we put on a bumper on the rear because the car was previously in a wreck. Had our studies after that and then the rest of the day was interesting to say the least. We saw Brian Anderson and tried to just do family history but he started asking questions. His questions are all over the place and he never likes our answers but family history went well. One of his lines went way back. We also met some really, really cool people. Unfortunately we didn’t get appointments with any of them. Charity was one of them and we talked to her for a long time. Really cool lady and she took a copy of the Book of Mormon and asked tons of questions. Her friend Christ told us John the Baptist was the biggest MC ever. Shot some hoops with them on a kid’s basketball hoop. Also saw the Vining’s and did some family history with them unexpectedly. They were way interested. Then we saw Johnny. I used his bathroom and came out to discover Elder Evans and Johnny carving raw turkeys. That was random. Then we taught a lesson and I really feel Johnny is sincere.

Sunday – Today was a roller coaster. Had ward council where the Sisters tried to steal one of our gators which really kinda ticked me off. We work hard and love our gators but we ain’t backin down. It’s our gator! It is more so the Lord’s gator. Had studies and church and dinner. Then Brother Harter asked us to come over. So we went there to talked about some things. Hopefully that will get worked out. Then we had an awesome lesson with the Barbecho’s. It was so cool! Jamie sat in and the spirit was strong. She was even a bit emotional. We had a great prayer at the end with the whole family there. It was so cool! Then we went and taught Brother Wyatt which went really well. He is progressing really well. That finished our evening.

Monday, 1/27/14 - Sunday, 2/2/14

Monday – Today was P-day! Got some Pleasant Febreeze. Played some basketball with the 2^nd Ward Elders. Elder Urquiaga (Erk-ee-aga) is one strong guy! He just muscles his way into the lane. He is pretty good. Did the usual things. Went out that evening and met Ryan Kirkendoll (less active). He was really happy to see us. Really cool guy, convert of about 10ish years ago maybe. It was when he was like 18 or 19. Tried to see Johnny and a few others with Brother Cockrell and it didn’t work out. Brother Cockrell is awesome so we really want to teach with him.

Tuesday – Today we enjoyed a District Meeting with the Defuniak District for the 2^nd week in a row. Came home and called/texted a ton of people to try to get people out with us. Went out to see a few people before seeing Theresa and Ariel. The Bailey’s came out with us to see them and their testimonies are growing so much! I love them! Then Bishop picked us up to go eat dinner with them. It is always way fun going over there. They are such an awesome family! Then Bishop Parker took us to the Wyatt’s for a lesson to teach the Plan of Salvation. It went really well! Phone fell out of my pocket at the Wyatt’s so we had to go back and get it so we were way late home. There was also a crazy ice/rain storm that lasted all day! It was cold enough to snow but for some reason it didn’t. Bishop also told us when talking about the ladies, “talk to even the ugly ones because even the ugly ones have pretty friends”.

Wednesday – Today was supposed to be MLC but that got moved due to the extremely horrible weather yesterday. There was ice covering everything when we looked out in the morning. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. It looked like snow but it was ice everywhere. We spent most of our day weekly planning and did a very thorough session of weekly planning which was good. Then we went on a walk because we weren’t supposed to drive. Tried to see Robert Hill but he wasn’t home so we saw Brother Brandt who is almost 103 years old. He is such a cool guy and that was a good visit. Brother Boyd picked us up from there and we had dinner at his house. That was good! Had soft tacos and she was taught by a Hispanic how to make the tortillas. It was awesome. Then we had a little coordination with Brother Boyd and discovered that we are teaching some criminals. That was interesting. During weekly planning Elder Evans made me laugh so hard that I found myself on the floor.

Thursday – Today we had Zone Training prep first and also had interviews with President Smith. I always love seeing President and getting to talk with him. After that we went out and walked up to see Donna. It has been a while so we wanted to go and say hello. That was good. We talked to a really nice guy who knew Mike Wing in our ward. Then we went and taught Chris Nichols who is a recent convert of 2^nd Ward that just moved into our ward. He is a really good guy too. Met his friends that he is living with who are really nice. Then we went and saw the Woodring’s and that was really fun. They opened up a little bit with us. It was good to see them too. Dropped by and talked to Brother Spears for a bit. Then we headed off to the Harter’s for dinner. Sister Edington made some delicious soup. Then we went out with Brother Climer to see Ben. It has been a while since we have seen him because he was in North Carolina fixing his house so someone can rent it again. That finished our night.

Friday – First thing today we went to MLC down in Fort Walton which was good. It was fun to be with all the other missionaries and President and Sister Smith. Got back from that and went and taught Brian Anderson. He is all over the place and challenging to teach but a good guy. Came home and Sister Miller brought us a ton of delicious food for dinner. The assistants also came. So we ate with them and then Elder Wright and I taught Johnny about scriptures and church. I really hope he comes! Then taught Andy and we are going to start a 6 week experiment with him to help him know this message is true. I love this guy! Elder Evans also went and had an exciting day with Elder McPhearson. We also made our calls to everyone in the zone to find out who they taught.

Saturday – Today we continued our exchange with the assistants. Elder Wright and I first went to our meeting with President Miller at Ryan’s. Gave the manager a Book of Mormon and he said he was going to read it. He loves reading and said he would start on his break. Then we headed home for our studies and also did some role plays with the assistants. Then Elder Wright and I got to teach Theresa and Ariel which is always good. Elder Wright taught her once before and was able to see how far they have come and how much the spirit is in their lives now. Then we taught Napier about the Plan of Salvation and Elder Wright was money! Then we went to the church to watch a broadcast for the hastening of the work. L. Tom Perry spoke and he is so funny and so passionate about the gospel. It was so good! Then we went home to eat and study for zone training because both of our appointment fell through.

Sunday – Started the day trying to see Alonzo. He wasn’t home but his girlfriend asked for a ride to church. Then we headed to see Johnny who was showering so we went over to the Barbecho’s to remind them of church. Then we went to see Henry Frazier and met his brother Tony who is a really good guy. He told us we could come by later that day to teach him more. Went to see Napier to meet Brother Boyd there. Brother Boyd took him to church. He liked it but said it was too long. After church we taught Tony about the Plan of Salvation. The spirit really seemed to dictate the lesson which was awesome. Had dinner with the Taylor’s and that was good. It is always way fun to go there. That basically finished the night. We had to go home and plan for Zone Training.