Monday 8/19/2013 – Sunday 8/25/2013

Monday we played some "Goalie" again. Elder Winter and I each won 2 games. Pretty fun if I do say so myself. Had dinner with the Thomas'. Sister Thomas is a member and we are teaching Brother Thomas. Very yummy food! The senior couple, the Bailey's, were there. Also had a good lesson after. Taught Devin a lesson about the Word of Wisdom, prayer and being modest. Devin is so smart! Then at the end of the day we went through zone training.

Tuesday we had zone training and I felt like it went really well and that it was really fun. Elder Winter and I were able to teach well. We did go over time a bit, but oh well. Had some interesting role plays, but it made it fun, then had a trade off. I went to Niceville with Elder Egbert. Elder Hawker went to our area. Way good missionary! Taught a good lesson to a guy named Ron. He was very receptive to our message. His wife Wanda wanted us to get her before we prayed. She didn't listen in during the lesson because she wasn't feeling well but wanted to be there for the prayer. They can be so solid! Then ate with the Bassett's and they are really cool. Brother Bassett is from Delta and President Jensen was his stake president. We also met some people named Casey, Cody, Chase and Ashley. They had "spirits" in their homes so we left a blessing upon it and they said that we could come back.

Wednesday we continued our trade off and went and saw Brother Howell. He can tell some stories! Traded back and had lunch with the Bailey's and talked about the lesson we were going to teach with them. Taught Billy Ray, He went off with tons of randomness. Good guy though. Taught Marisol who is another one of our many gators. Highlight of the day was teaching the Howard family. They are way solid. Taught them with the Bailey's. The Mom is from England. Her husband is in the Army. They are a great family and would be perfect for the church.

Thursday was my "hump day". I have been out for so long! I am so old! So we weekly planned today and also planned a baptism for Sister Davis. She was taught by the 2nd Ward Sisters which was frustrating because she is in our ward and they did it without permission. Also gave a member a blessing. His name is Brother Brant, He is 102 years old! Looks way healthy for his age too. Ate at the Lawrence's. They are really cool. I love going there. Had a lesson with Andy and he seems like he is doing really well. He is going to definitely be baptized. His date did get moved to the 14th of September when I was in Niceville. They are going to Washington and will be gone for a bit. Their baby, Josie, is getting blessed up there. Stopped by and talked to Jamie for a quick minute and then got ready for our exchange with the Crestview 2nd Elders. I will be with Elder Chappell in their area and Elder Elmer is going to ours.

Friday while on the exchange we went and saw Dexter Marchman. On the way there, we met a Romanian Orthodox named Flourina. In the south! Taught Dexter. He was very closed off. Saw the Monty's who are members. Older couple and we taught Brother Monty about the Priesthood because he is scared to receive it for some reason. Saw Brother Lewis who is a less active who talks a ton! We didn't even get to talk. I almost fell asleep! I was so tired and his house had perfect conditions for sleep. Then we saw the Jackson's and that wasn't very effective at all. Just talked to them for a long time. Ate at the Newell's who took forever! Way long dinner appointment but they were really cool! Then we traded back.

Saturday we taught the Howard's again. We did feel that it could have gone better. Prepped for Sister Davis' baptism. The baptism went way good. Had a ton of members there. Ate at the Kirby's which went well. Good members. Had a great lesson with Johnny. The Kirby's son came with us. Then we found out some drama with the Sisters about the baptism. But I will leave it at that.

Sunday we had a good day at church but somewhat disappointing because no one came to church. The Howard's dropped us and "went back to their old church". Johnny was going to come at 1 to the other ward but he got held up. We went and taught a guy named Josh, him and his wife Amber are investigating. It was crazy because we saw Johnny when we were heading to see Josh and Amber. We also taught Sister Parson and she is really nice. We also found out that December is national "constipation awareness month". Her daughter discovered that while we were there and we had a good laugh at that. Ate at the Thatcher's and they made delicious enchiladas. Then we taught Ben about the Priesthood. Jamie didn't sit in unfortunately.

Monday, 8/12/13 - Sunday, 8/18/13

Monday was a pretty awesome P-day. We played a ton of games with the Crestview 2nd Ward Elders. That was sweet! Played one game where you could only take 2 steps and then you had to either shoot or pass. We played on a basketball court and you scored by making it into the basketball hoop. Played another game that was like goal ball but 1 on 1. Couldn't cross 1/2 court. Also just did the normal stuff that we do on P day. Then we ate dinner at the Peterson's house. They are awesome and have a ton of kids. While we were talking to them I went to tell them about my uncle Tracey and couldn't remember his name for the life of me! Then we went the Stake FHE. 3 guys were there so we really need some more people there or it will die off pretty quick.

Tuesday we went to the Niceville District Meeting. Went pretty well. They are a good district. We taught about inviting gators to pray. After the meeting we headed to Fort Walton to get their car and give it to the Crestview 2nd Sisters. Biked a lot as well. Elder Winters’ handlebar grip came off and he crashed on his bike and I was on the phone and had the phone in my right hand. I saw him crashing and tried to slow down so I didn't crash into him. I had my left hand on the handlebar which is the front brake and when I braked I ended up flipping over my handlebars and we crashed back to back. It was so funny! All we could do was laugh. Taught Jamie as well and she vented to us which is probably what she needed.

Wednesday I got to go to my first Missionary Leadership Council. It was pretty sweet. Fun to see all the leaders. It was cool to get to listen to President Smith, Sister Smith and the Assistants. I also got to see Elder Olsen and a lot of missionaries that I knew from Tally. Then we got poured on for the billionth day in a row. It rains so much here. Taught Andy and that went well. We tried to discern a lot of needs for him. Then taught Ben (RC) who is Jamie's husband. Went and saw Johnny as well and he is awesome. He said that I am turning out to be a good dude. So that was cool.

Thursday we had a way long weekly planning session. Did a lot though. Had dinner with the Hansen's and that was really good. Had boiled peanuts and they still aren't good. I am not a fan at all. Then we taught Johnny and he committed to live the Word of Wisdom and to get work off on Sundays. Also went to Ben and Jamie's again and Jamie didn't sit in again. Brother Wyatt came to both of those lessons with us and did a great job helping us.

Friday we planned for zone training a bit and then did service for Miss April. We dug a ditch for a stream and that was pretty sweet. Got way muddy! Then we ate and changed our clothes. Then headed off and taught Andy a short lesson after teaching Devin. Devin is 10 and his Dad was recently baptized. Great kid! Andy is married to a member. Great guy! Then we went to volleyball at the church. There were a ton of ladies from the Relief Society which made it kinda weird. Then we had to call everyone in the zone and get the names of the people they taught for the Stake President, President Miller. I also got a "hump day" package from my Mom and it was a sweet package. No I didn't wait to open it!

Saturday we had breakfast with President Miller. Updated him on how the missionaries in the Zone are doing. Planned a lot for zone training as well because it was raining so much. Got a lot done. Ate great food at the Lawrence's. They are awesome and then Brother Lawrence also went out with us to teach Jamie a really good lesson. We also met a guy named Billy Ray. Said we could come back and teach him. He had some really crazy stories!

Sunday we had church and it was good. Did a bunch of Zone Conference prep. Went well! Had dinner with the Wirt's. Good lasagna! Then we taught Johnny and gave him a blessing for the word of wisdom. He is already doing way better. This area is sweet! I am loving it! It has been really fun.

Monday 8/5/2013 – Sunday 8/11/2013

Monday was P-day and I found out that I will be going to Crestview 1st Ward. I also will be a Zone Leader. I was so surprised to learn that when I read the transfer board. I thought that I would be here for at least one more transfer. We went bowling for our P-day activity and that was way fun. Got my hair cut by Sister Eubanks. Ate with the Long's who I really love. They are a really cool family. I will miss this ward a lot and they will be remembered forever. Sister Curry called me at the end of the night asking me to come see her tomorrow. She had been talking to my Mom about me and being transferred.

Tuesday we had a good District Meeting and then helped Pine Forest set up the Pine Forest Sisters apartment. Then we had our District activity and went biking on a trail. I would call it mountain biking, but there was no mountain. Tried to see a few people. Stopped by the McGuire's and said bye to a few of them. Played volleyball because the Sisters wanted to get that going to get some non-members out and share a message. Only TJ came and it was good to see him before I left. Then we stopped by the Porter's and they gave me a tie which was awesome. Well Alec did. He has a lot of really good ties. Then went home and planned a bit then packed.

Wednesday we ate with Brother Eubanks. Good brats. Then he took us to transfers where I got on to head to Crestview. Had a frosty, Elder Winter found me, I met some of the missionaries in our Zone and then went home to unpack. We also met the Taylor's at transfers. They are a really cool family and really easy to get along with. We also went and taught Devin and Johnny. They both have baptism dates. This area has 5 baptismal dates. I am excited to be here. Elder Winter is really awesome too.

Thursday we had weekly planning. It went well. There was a little more to plan for then normal ones I have had. We have to plan for trade-offs and miles for the other missionaries. Had dinner with the Cochrin's and they are nice. Brother Cochrin kept giving us more and more pizza. Then we got to teach Andy. He is a really cool guy and will definitely be baptized. He has a date.

Friday was a really slow day. Started with talking to the Bailey's, a senior couple, and telling them about the ward. Then we biked a bunch and met a guy named Gentry. He is cool and has hope. Ate din-din at home. Brother Ratcliff brought us food. He got us a pizza and that was good. Taught a recent convert named Ben Barbecho. Really cool guy. His wife is a gator and is really cool as well. Then we went and saw Johnny and talked to him about how he pulled his own wisdom teeth. Pretty crazy! Then we had to call everyone in the Zone.

Saturday we taught the Barbecho's and set a baptism date of 9/7 with Sister Barbecho. Taught Johnny, Chuck, and did service and taught a little lesson to the Fluher's.

Sunday we had to speak in sacrament. Just short little 3 minute talks. Good ward thus far. Went home teaching with Brother Taylor. Went to see Sister Thomas. Ate at the Wyatt's with the Boyette's there as well. Taught Devin a lesson and also taught Andy a lesson. We have been teaching a ton and having a lot of lessons and a lot of success.

Monday 7/29/2013 – Sunday 8/4/2013

Monday was crazy! The Sisters rushed us because they had plans to go to the beach. I was able to get a bunch of music from Brother Hardman. It sucked though cause my mp3 wouldn't play the files. Best thing today was after we saw Jimmy McArthur we met Nate's mom. She works at the rest home that Jimmy lives at and she talked to us for a minute. That was really cool! Nate is the young guy that we met at basketball. Really cool night!

Tuesday started off the day with District Meeting, which I felt went really well! Had our trade-off with Navarre and I got to go to Navarre with Elder Judy. He is so kind and loving and I really learned a ton from him. We went all over and talked to a ton of people. Got a new gator for them named Glen. Overall a great day. I really needed something like that which will hopefully take me out of my slump. I have been feeling better lately.

Wednesday was interesting but ended awesome! Traded back in the morning. Went out and saw a bunch of less actives/returning members. Then tried to see a bunch of potentials. The past Elders did a bad job following up on people. There are also a ton of incorrect addresses in our potentials. Ate with the Jaurez's and it is always really good food over there. Went to do some service with the young men, but by the time we got there they were done. So we went to Dairy Queen. That was pretty funny listening to Bishop Smith. Also went to teach Gina and her friend "Sugar" was there. Sugar had no pants or underwear on.... Luckily she had a blanket covering most of her. They were both drunk, so we left. In the evening, we met a lady named Melody Lovelady who just happens to know Dan Cosson. He was my landlord from Tallahassee. She told us that God told her that the BoM is true and it is what she has been searching for! Coolest way to finish the night!

Thursday was weekly planning day. Went well! Ended up seeing Cindy but couldn't teach her. Then we gave 2 blessings and also saw Sister Jordan who gave us money for dinner. Way nice of her! Then had basketball and had the most participation yet. It was fun but I played awful!

Friday we ended up having to change all of our plans, but it ended up being a good day. We got a new investigator named Ronny and also taught Kelly Nine (returning member). She really opened up to us and committed to come to church. We worked really hard today and it was really fun because of it. Also had dinner with the Wheeler’s. They are really awesome. They just got married about 4 weeks ago. Great family!

Saturday we had a really good day! Worked hard and biked a lot. Taught the McGuire's a little lesson. Had lunch with the Brooks and that was good! They are cool. We OYM'd a lot of people on the way to see Nathan Edwards way down near the bottom of our area. Taught Brother Edwards the Restoration lesson. Then met Ronny and taught the Restoration to him. Really cool guy. Saw Danny and he said he'd come to church. He is a potential investigator.

Sunday we had an awesome day! Church = Great! Then we taught Ronnie and set a BCD of September 7th. We are so excited. Brother Hardman came with us and we spent the whole day with him. Had companion study at his house. Then he ate with us at Sister Jordan's. Great food!! Fried chicken Louisiana style!! So good!! Haven't been able to get a hold of Eileen for a long time. Hopefully we will be able to.

Today (August 5^th) we found out about transfers... I am being transferred to Crestview 1st Ward and I will be a Zone Leader... Crazy!! I love Fox Run!

Monday 7/22/2013 – Sunday 7/28/2013

Monday was my 11 month mark! I am so old!! Monday was really good though. We got to teach Eileen about the Doctrine of Christ. She also told us that she was so happy we came because it really puts her at peace in her hectic life. She is so awesome! I love teaching her. Had Brother Eubanks come and help us teach as well and that was really good. We then had dinner with Brother Stewart. He is such a kind hearted man. I really enjoy being around him. He gets down on himself, but I hope that we can help lighten his day.

Tuesday we had Zone Training. Learned a lot about getting people to pray. Also learned about area books. So it was good. Then we had training, dinner with the Lindberg's and then had our plans fall through so we worked on the area book to improve that. That was about it.

Wednesday was Pioneer Day! Kind of an up and down day. Did some service for Mike again. Felt that he just thinks we are free labor or something. I don't mind helping, but when it is things like what he asks over and over again then it just becomes kinda a waste of the Lord's time. Ended up teaching Sharon a lesson at the Curry's house after that. Tried to beat into her head that reading the scriptures and praying are commandments. Not optional! Went to see a referral, Didn't answer but then came out when they thought we were gone to call in her dog. Saw the Jennings and talked to them about Sharon. Sister Jennings is going to be her visiting teacher. Had some Filipino food with Lulu and Adam. Then had coordination and discussed some good stuff. Planned the Pioneer party that's on Saturday. Then we did training.

Thursday we had a weekly planning session. Then we went out and saw TJ. Talked to him for a bit and planned to see him tomorrow for a lesson. Talked to some really nice people today. None of them wanted to learn more about the gospel. Had dinner with the Fowler's which was fun and the food was good. Sister Fowler invited a friend to our ward party on Saturday. So a lot of the ward is catching on and beginning to do missionary work. Had basketball which wasn't as good as normal. Brother Booren shared a very good spiritual message. Then we headed to the Pine Forest Elders place for our trade-off. Elder Simmons came to Fox Run with me. Should be fun!!

Friday was a really tough day for me which sucked because it was our trade off day with Elder Simmons. He is awesome though and I had fun with him even though it was rough. We did teach Sharon at the Curry's again and had 4 members lined up to go out to lessons. This ward is awesome at that! Brother Booren went to Eric’s with us and he tried to bash with us. He had to go somewhere and... So we dropped him to make the long story short. Then we ate at Sonny's with the Pine Forest Elders before trading back. Having good totals of lessons was a real blessing even though I had a hard day. I wasn't very motivated… Do even better tomorrow.

Saturday was awesome! We met a guy at the gas station named Jeremy. When we realized we needed gas, I was going to just go get some, but something told me to go on the way to our ward party. That was cool to see the Spirit direct us to be able to meet him. The ward Pioneer Day party was awesome! Watermelon eating contest! Had a rep from each auxiliary. Sister McArthur went at it! It was so awesome and funny! President Z. Smith ended up winning with Brother Hardman in second repping the ward mission! Also had Tug of war, stick pull, horse shoes and egg run thing for the kids. Sad thing today was that we had to drop Steve and "Stone Cold".

Sunday we didn't have good #'s but we went out and worked hard. Talked to some really nice people who took copies of the BoM. One of them being a guy named Mike. He was awesome and we talked to him for like 20 minutes about the church. Then to a really nice black guy and then a really nice black lady. Can't remember their names. Then we went to see Marcus with Brother Hardman and that fell through so we went home teaching with him which also fell through. He is going to hook me up with a ton of hymns. I am stoked!!

Monday 7/15/2013 – Sunday 7/21/2013

Monday was crazy but fun! Did the usual P-day stuff. I ended up getting a hair cut from Sister Schiewe. Much better than the barbers 'round here. The top just needs to get a bit longer. Had dinner with the McArthur's. Good food. Always lots of fruit there. Had a good day in the end. I really need a day like today. Played volleyball and some basketball.

Tuesday we had District Meeting and it was fun. President Smith did his first conference call. It was different and took a bit longer then President Jensen's did. Still good though. Had a really good day planned, but had our appointments fall through. We did our best to find and talk to people. Biked all day long, which makes for a really long day. It was fun though and we had dinner with Bishop. We had a good talk with him and figured out how we can work better with the ward and find more people hopefully. Good day and I was beat and ready to sleep. Even with the slammed doors it was still a good day.

Wednesday we had a bunch of service. Helped Mike Gunn with moving around 600 bottles of the glass Coca-Cola's from the 90's. He is planning on selling them. Also, had an appointment fall through, so we went back to the apartment to get it inspected by the Knudtson's. Had dinner with the Fowler's, which was fun and delicious. Then had Coordination with Brother Seale. Got to teach our investigator "Stone Cold". He has read like half of the BoM thus far. He said he really likes it. Then we did training to finish off the day.

Thursday we had interviews with President Smith. He is really cool and is definitely an inspired man. I was disappointed that we didn't get to talk to Sister Smith 1 on 1 like Sister Jensen used to always do, but she still seems very nice. Then we had weekly planning. That was good and we got it done way fast. We also taught Lulu and her husband Adam. He is a non-member and she is a member. She is Pilipino which is very cool. She really needs more fellowship. Basketball was good, but there was a lot of trash talking. That was unfortunate. We also had dinner with the Eubanks and that is always fun.

Friday we went to the McGuire's to give Brother McGuire a blessing. It was good to see him because it has been a while. He had a hernia and had surgery on it. Something really awesome happened today. We went by to see a potential and met these 2 really awesome ladies who were asking all the right questions. We taught them a ton! It was so sweet. They want to come to our church and see what it is like. It was a really cool experience. God's hand was definitely in that. Had dinner with the Schoonover's and that was really fun. Then we taught Ricky and are going to try and take him out with us all day one day. It will be sweet! Got a text from and old investigator. She said in one of them, "I MISS YOU!!!!" That was weird for sure. I replied with, would you still like to learn about the gospel.

Saturday was very eventful. Taught TJ a lesson about chastity. Then had to go help the Sister at Sister Ainsley's. We moved a fridge so they could clean it and WOW!! it was an awful smell. Then taught Nathan Edwards (less active). He will get back to church. Had dinner with the Graham's, new family in the ward. Brother Graham was a Marine and Sister Graham still is. Then we taught the Gordon's and Brother Gordon gave me a habanera. When leaving there, we met Eric and taught him. Way cool guy and we are going to teach him next week. After planning, I ate that habanera. Holy cow! Hottest thing ever! I fell that I could go a bit hotter. Got a video of it too!

Sunday was great at church. Had really good lessons. The Jones that were newlyweds from the Tally 4th Ward happened to be in town and came to our church. It was cool to see them! Had our lesson with TJ fall through, but we still had a really good dinner at the Hardman's. The Booren's, Eubanks and Sister Sims were there which made it fun. Then taught Marcus and he said that when he first met me there was something different about me. He said it in a good way and that really meant a lot. Really good day!

Monday 7/8/2013 – Sunday 7/14/2013

Monday I got my new garments! The reason I needed new ones was because I did a stupid. 2 P-days ago I washed my garments with a sheet that I had used when I cut my hair. It was to catch the hair so that I didn't make a mess. So long story short, I got hair all over my garments. I texted Sister Jensen and she said you can't get the hair out and ordered me new ones. She said it was "my treat to you". I love her! Hope I find a wife as awesome as her. Had a good quick P-day as well. Ate some deliciousness at the Hardman's. They are awesome! Also saw James finally and set up an appointment. That day I was really thinking about the Plan of Salvation, God, Christ and their love. I was "zoned out". It doesn't matter what we do wrong and God will continue to love us. We won't live with Him if we disobey, but he does still love us and is fair to all. If we do our best, He makes up the rest. That is love. All he does is for us. Because of, once again, Love. If you don't know...God loves you very much. That should do for that rant.

Tuesday we had a trade-off. Elder Lane came here to Fox Run. Had a good District Meeting as well. Ate at the Watkin's which was good. Also had a lesson with Eileen which went way well! Good day overall, found Devlin Way. Like in the movie - Just Go with it. This District that I am leading is so awesome and I am learning a lot from them. It is a blessing to work with them.

Wednesday was weird. It rained a lot. Luckily we did our service before it rained. We had to level some ground. Holy cow I sweated a lot! Biked today and met a few people that seemed a bit interested. Had dinner with the Juarez's. Delicious! Then had Coordination. It went pretty well. It has been kind of a rocky transition with the Sisters thus far. We keep seeing the same people. I don't know what it is but I really feel as though I have lost my missionary "swag" you could say. So I am trying to just work through it.

Thursday was great! We met President and Sister Smith. They are really awesome! They are laid back, funny people. I was worried. Shouldn't have been. President Smith was inactive like me when he was younger, so I feel like he will relate well with me. They also told us that all the missions in the USA will have iPads and iPhones by December. President told us Elder Bednar said the Internet was invented for the preaching of the gospel and everything else is a luxury. This is how all the nations will receive the gospel! We could be teaching to China through the interwebs! Had dinner with the Schoonover's. Good food! Then basketball! Nate wants to learn more!! Brother Booren talked to him and he said he would like to. So we set up an appointment. Great day! This area is exploding! The whole day was a tender mercy!

Friday we had weekly planning. Went well! Saw a less active named Terry. Nice lady, didn't seem very interested in our message though. Tried to see some potentials and less actives which didn't work out. Had dinner with the younger Schoonover's which was delicious. Got yelled at by a lady to get out of her driveway, so I offered her salvation in the form of a Mormon.org card. Saw the Mullican's who gave us Krispy Kreme, a referral and are going to give out 2 Plan of Salvation pamphlets. They also put our bikes in their little hybrid’s trunk and took us home. Crazy that it worked! They were our tender mercy today.

Saturday was a good day. Went to the priesthood breakfast with TJ. He is awesome! Taught Sharon and decided she seems pretty serious about what she is doing. She asked when her baptism would be, so she is excited I think. Taught Robert. He doesn't want us to come back. He is good with the Bible and doesn't want more scripture. Taught Brother Edwards. Went well and then had dinner with the Booren's. That pretty much finished the day. Tender Mercy was having an awesome personal study! Learned a lot about how to be better from Enos.

Sunday I was in deep thought all day. I just need to be a better missionary. I feel I am lacking in so much. Our investigators, 3 of the 4 that were supposed to come to church didn't. So that was a bummer. Sharon did make it though so that was a plus for sure. This ward is good. Really taking care of us and making sure we always have food. I wish I was better at working with the ward though. That's one of the many things I need to be better at. Had to do my first real correcting with Elder Welch. He didn't take it too well. Hopefully, he won't be mad at me for too long. Trainers do end up being disliked a lot of the time. I am grateful to train though. We also had dinner with the Hardman's and after they went out with us. Brother Hardman came and taught Marcus with us and Sister Hardman went out with the Sisters. Pretty good day overall.

Monday 7/1/2013 – Sunday 7/7/2013

Monday was different doing P-day with Sisters. Not used to that at all. It ended up being fun, but also really busy. Didn't have much free-time at all. Couldn't write everyone back that I have heard from the past couple months, but I plan to. So my tender mercy was last night while I was going to bed I was able to go through the entire Restoration lesson, so I am starting to get them down. We also got 2 HQ Referrals. That was way awesome and a huge blessing. Ate dinner with the Long's which was way good! Contacted 2 referrals and that finished the day for us.

Tuesday was rough for me. I just could not teach. I felt that District Meeting was not very good and same with our lesson with Eileen. I just felt like I didn't know what to say and I honestly felt like a new missionary all over again and I don't know why. We biked and worked pretty hard though. I have been seeing my love for others grow and that was the blessing that I saw in my life.

Wednesday was a pretty slow day. Had to go to the Sisters apartment because they had a guy there fixing their sink so we had to be there. Didn't get as much work done as we wanted to. Had a good lesson with Sharon and a good dinner with the Schoonover's. Dinner was really funny. Tellin' jokes about loosed tongues. The Schoonover's know how to turn a spiritual message into something funny haha. First day in the field that President and Sister Jensen are gone. They flew home yesterday. I will miss them! I Love them and they were definitely what I needed to start my mission. I will be thankful to them forever. President and Sister Smith will be awesome though. I look forward to meeting them.

Thursday 4th of July! Had lunch with Brother Eubanks and Brother Booren and their non-member friend David. Pretty good conversation, but went a bit too in depth. He needs some more milk before meat. Had weekly planning and also had dinner with the Walke's. Had way too much dessert, but it was a holiday. Basketball didn't work out. Probably because it was the 4th. We did go see the Ryder's and talked a bit about the gospel. Didn't want to step on any toes so we did as much as possible. As we were talking to David, I felt really blessed to be able to see how logical this gospel is and it made me feel very thankful for the life I have been given.

Friday the highlight of the day was finding and teaching Brad. He has been through a ton. We went and talked to a referral, Cailey, and as we were leaving we met Brad. We were talking to him when Cailey and her friend came out and her friend told Brad that she was sorry for what happened to him. She said her brothers were the 2 that did it. Turns out Brad was stabbed and should have died. He said that he forgave her brothers. We were able to teach a bit and planned to teach again Saturday. That was awesome! Tender Mercy of the day. Also had dinner with Sister Hall and Lester at King Buffet, taught Ricky, gave Sister Cheng a blessing and taught the McGuire's. It also rained all day!! We ran in it and were soaked for our morning workout.

Saturday was really good! Had a lesson with Bridgett and also with TJ! Both were member presents! Bridgett said she would want to be baptized but isn't sure when. TJ said the same type of thing. Biked a lot! I was way tired! Had a ton of members out with us today, Brother Booren, Brother Roos and Brother Long all came out. Had dinner with the Long's as well. It was so good! Strawberry Pie! The Ward coming out and the excitement for missionary work that they are showing is a real blessing. This Ward is ready and willing to help us out and it is sweet! Had a lesson with a less active, Brother Edwards. He does his own sacrament. Really weird and not allowed. I am definitely in the south. Also met a guy named Stephen that is willing to meet with us. Awesome blessing meeting him!

Sunday was busy. Had meetings and church. Had a lesson with Sharon after church. Taught well, but we aren't sure if she is taking our meetings very seriously. Gave Sister Hall and Lester blessings. They got beat up last night. Saddening! I felt for them. Hope they get feelin' better. Also taught Marcus and really felt that lesson was directed by the Spirit. Talked to the Zone Leaders and they expressed love and thanks for me as a District Leader and the way they did it really meant a lot. That and many other ways I saw God's hand in my life.

I also wanted to write my testimony this week. I have really been thinking deeply about this gospel lately and I have grown over the past 10½ months to love it more every single day. It is the only gospel that possesses the fullness of the gospel. It is true and I know it because of the Holy Ghost which has answered my prayers. Joseph Smith truly was a prophet called to restore and bring Jesus Christ's gospel back. Jesus Christ is the center of everything. He is the Cornerstone of this gospel because without him we cannot inherit the kingdom of God. I know Christ lives and that his atonement is real. For us he was born and for us he died and was resurrected. He loves us and lives today and stands by God the Father and they do in fact direct this work that all missionaries and member missionaries are participating in. A marvelous work and a wonder is not about to come forth. it is coming forth among the children of men. This work is true! I encourage all to read The Book of Mormon. It is a true book, it is a good book and it will bring you closer to Jesus Christ. It has all answers to the questions of life. This is the only gospel in which the "immortality and eternal life of man" can be reached. The Plan of Salvation is so fair! All people will have an equal opportunity to accept this gospel whether in this life or in the next. I know these things by the Spirit and all men can pray to get the same confirmations and God will give them to you! I urge all to do the same. I say these things in love. These things I leave in the sacred name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a great week!