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This has been a crazy week. We had Zone conference this we which was good except for the impromptu presentation that Lancaster and I had to give. We gave a training on the Doctrine of Christ and it went as well as I could have hoped for not having the topics to prepare with in advance. The rest of the Conference was inspiring and I left with a sense of renewed confidence in the Work. According to Church studies every member of the church knows some one who is prepared to accept the gospel. We are now asking members to pray to find out who that person is and I will encourage you guys to do the same. We found a former investigator who says she thinks she would like to join the church so that's super exciting and we finally have an appointment to teach Aryah Burk! (granddaughter of some active members in the ward with a less active mother and non member father)

 

On the other hand we have the Bad news... Sarah said that she has been thinking about her life and has come to the determination that there are certain things that she is not willing to consider changing and core beliefs that she doesn't see shifting. As such she felt it would be dishonest to continue to meet with us. I tried to get her to pray about if God is really there but she decline. We left her on good terms and with the understanding that missionaries in the future would stop by to see how she was doing. I'm a bit sad naturally but I have no regrets because I have done everything that I could have done. She has her agency and I respect that.

 

We helped the Bookwalters pack up the rest of their stuff this last Friday in preparation for their move to California which was sad and happy all at the same time. They are in the same scenario that we are which is interesting and they are looking forward to having dad around all the time again as much as we are. They asked me to tell you that they added the french onion/apple chicken sandwich recipe to their family favorite list. Then Brother Bookwalter told me that he expects me to be an AP, his bishop at some point and more. He then laughed and said, "Yeah your going to have responsibilities." I will miss them but it is fun to think that this time the members got transferred instead of the missionaries. 

 

We have a temple trip this coming Friday which is going to be great and yesterday we help one of the priests in the Ward build a shed for his Eagle Scout project. It took all day because the prefab design was so off the wall crazy but we got it done and we felt pretty good about it. Plus the only one to not get a sun burn was me. :p

 

We are moving to another house today. The Calley Family is very nice and they have more space in their basement than the Bishop does so this should be good. Add to that the fact that they live in on the side of the Ward where the work is and you have a very happy set of missionaries.

 

I hope that things keep rolling your way and that you are enjoying life as much as I am. I can't help but be happy as all my troubles are swallowed up in the joy of Christ. He helps me a lot and I hope you feel how much he helps you. I love you guys and pray for you all the time.

May 24, 2011

Time for the update. Brian is still well but we have been asked by President Ely to transition him over to the 6th ward... I'm not sad and trust that hi is inspired on this call but I am a bit worried about how I'm going to do it.  I'll  think of some sort of plan.

Sarah was sick this week so no meeting but I'm still encouraged. Your prayer for her are appreciated.

Zone conference is tomorrow and there is suppose to be a training on the results of church studies on how to find more effectively. I am hopeful that is will be very helpful.  Lancaster is still great to have around and I feel very blessed to have his help. It rained a lot for Colorado again this week but we had a good time so no complaints.

Oh! Exciting news this last week we finally got a hold of the Calabrese family and gave them a lesson. We recommitted them to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and while he was not as on board, she was, which is encouraging.

Rain, rain GO away!

It has been raining here as well. It rained all day Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. It was interesting being wet those days. We put all the important things in zip-locks and had no worries about the moisture. I have discovered that my Gore-Tex shell is not in fact water proof. I am not sure how to classify the experience. At times it was fun and at other times somewhat depressing. Regardless of how I felt I have a new respect for missionaries that have to work in that sort of weather all of the time. I love the beautiful, dry Colorado I have been asked to serve in.

Lastly, we got a referral! It is for a friend of one of the youth in the ward who hast apparently been coming to lots of the activities, asking questions and even been to church a few times. No telling if her parents will approve but since she is almost 18 the choice will soon be her's. I hope that things really move forward with Chelsy Joynes, so say a prayer for her.

Mother's Day

Reid on Mother's day

We got to talk to Reid for 2 hours on Mother's day! He sounded so happy and adjusted. The Arvada 4th ward will have him for another 6 weeks with Elder Lancaster. He is pleased and hopes that he will see Brian baptized by then. On P-days they usually play disc golf and Reid happily reports that he often completes the course on par! He really loves being a missionary, but admits there are bad days. He says that on those days he feels strength from everyone's prayers. He is very grateful.

May 3, 2011

        It has been an entertaining week for me. Elder Lancaster has been the senior companion for the week and it was really fun to pretend I had no idea what was going on. I would ask where we were going and what we were doing and just had a grand time messing with him a bit. I wasn't too bad about it, but I did want to prepare him for the possibility that he may have to deal with tough companions in the future. I tried to keep things light all through but it was supposed to be a bit frustrating. (I remember when Reid was really nervous about being the senior companion for a week with his trainer.) But I am pleased to report that he did a great job and I am really proud of him. He lead in everything and took charge like it was nothing.
         That said, it was a slow week. A lot of our plans fell through, which meant a lot of tracting... But we took it all in stride and came out with smiles on our faces, so it was probably a good week.
          I can't say for certain if I'm going to be transferred but I get that funny feeling it might just happen. Regardless of what happens I am committed to do my best with the scenario I am presented, stay or go.