Last Monday we took our truck into the shop to be fixed. Normally, we
would just have to walk, however, our area is much too big for that to
be a logical solution. The solution was for us to stay with our
district leader for the 7 to 10 days the truck was in the shop. The
first night was kind of crazy as this group of four missionaries
tromped around to the different appointments. Dinner that night was a
little crazy. We went to a house where they had seven little children
all under the age of 8. They were all girls. They also invited another
family over, they had two little girls and a young boy. 9 little girls
and one little boy all trying to talk to you at once. It was so fun,
it reminded me of being an uncle! However, we did not play my nieces
and nephews favorite game, "get Neal." It was a good night of laughter
and lessons!
The next day, my plans changed a little bit. At our district meeting
we talked about the fact that there were four missionaries living in
one apartment and going to lessons together. The Zone Leaders
suggested that I come and stay with them. So I packed my things and
went to the Zone Leaders. Staying with the Zone Leaders has been a
super cool experience. On Wednesday, we separated into two
different district meetings. It was cool to go to two different
district meetings two days in a row. Later that day we went on
exchanges. Elder Oliver came with Me and Elder Fox, and Elder Okerlund
went with Elder Oliver's companion, Elder McMahon. It was a really
good exchange. Elder Oliver is a new missionary and he has such a
wonderful excitement for missionary work. We had a great night. We
were able to provide service for an elderly couple by helping them
with some home repairs, and also visit an active ward member.
We got to train Elder Oliver the next morning, which was the best! We
did a lot of role plays and I learned quite a bit from him and the
role plays. I'm super excited to train now! I don't know how soon it
will be, but I hope it's soon. We got Elder Okerlund back that
morning. Later that night we got to go on ward splits with the
bishopric in the Zone Leaders ward. It was fantastic. We contacted an
elderly less-active woman who is doing a giant dejunking project with
her niece. They are in need of boxes for the dejunking project, so I
told her about the boxes we have from packages at our apartment. We
don't know whether or not she is a member, we suspect not. We also
visited a woman who is very sick. We talked to her for a while and
asked if there was anything we could do for her. Her husband is taking
very good care of her which made us happy.
Saturday was probably the coolest day this week. I got to see a family
be baptized. The father in the family had previously been baptized a
few weeks before and had received the priesthood. The father, Floyd,
is an amazing man. He had cancer in his throat a while back and had to
have his voice box removed. He has a tube that sticks out at the
bottom of his neck and he talks by putting a black tubular thing up to
his neck and pushing a button. When he speaks, it sounds like it would
of a computer was making the voice. I don't understand all the science
behind it. He baptized his wife and his two daughters. They are such
an amazing and faithful family. They have so much love for each other.
It was such a special experience to see this family enter though the
gate of eternal salvation together. In a year they can go to the
temple!
On Sunday I got to see the families confirmations. They stood up,
having the gift of the Holy Ghost, with such a beautiful light in
their eyes. What a blessing it is to have the gospel, the Holy Ghost,
and the Priesthood in your home! We went to 6 hours of meetings on
Sunday. 3 hours in the Harlowton branch where the family was confirmed
and 3 hours in the Blue Creek branch. The Blue Creek branch starts at
2:30 because 4 wards attend that one building. We got out at 5:30. I
was so tired on Sunday. I stayed awake through all of the second
sacrament meeting, but my will power ran out during the last hymn and
I fell asleep as I was singing God Speed the Right. Elder Fox tells me
I slept through most of the last verse but woke up in time to
triumphantly sing the last " God speed the right!" Elder Fox was
having a hard time not laughing. Later that night it only got worse.
On our way into another missionary apartment, I lost all balance and
practically dove through the door. My iPad went flying andI landed
spread eagle. I just layed there for a while. I know these
missionaries love me because they were able to stifle their laughter
long enough to ask if I was ok haha. It was an interesting day.
In other news, Elder Ross called me this morning and told me that he
had just found out that the truck wouldn't be done until Friday. So,
it looks like I'll be telling you all a lot more about the Blue Creek
ward next week as well. Transfers are next week, so it would probably
be wise not to mail me anything this next week.
I love you all! I love this work. Please help the missionaries in your
area! They need it. I know that God loves each of us and we each
deserve the opportunity to here the gospel. I know Thomas S. Monson is
the prophet of God today. I know you will feel joy if you keep doing
your best.
Love,
Elder Thomas
Baptism!
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