Of Wind and Weddings

Hello everyone! 

This week has been amazing! In retrospect, there wasn't a lot that happened at the beginning of the week, but this weekend was super lit! 

The most important thing to know about the beginning of the week, is that it dropped about 50 degrees overnight. But the temperature wasn't the bad part, it was the wind. I guess that during the summer the wind gets broken up by the cornfields. But now that they're all gone, the wind just howls across the fields, and cuts you right to the bone. It's crazy how much of an effect corn has on everything out here, even the weather. 

On Friday night, we had the ward fall festival, which was SO fun! They had a bounce house, deep fried everything, some ridiculous costumes, and they put the missionaries in charge of the kissing booth. Don't ask. ;) (Jk, Hersey's kisses) Pictures are attached. 

At the conclusion, we tore everything down as fast as possible, and rapid-fire set up Rachel and Kevin's wedding for the next day! I was exhausted. 

The next morning, first thing, we were back at the church finishing the wedding preparations. As is to be expected when a 20 year old man is responsible for a major production, quite a few details fell through the cracks. But thanks to Sister Higgins and Atwood, it all came together at the last minute. It was a beautiful moment, one which makes all the sweat and tears worth it. Rachel wanted me to remind anyone who sees these pictures, that Elder McCain should've been there. 

​THEN, Saturday night, we had an epic bi-ward bonfire festival. There might not be much to do in the midwest, but they know how to have a good time with what they've got. ​The bonfire was a 50 foot long line, with food and chairs on either side. The event was held in a quarry, and there was all sorts of activities for the little ones. To conclude the night, we had front row seats to one of the best firework shows I've ever seen. So much fun! 

Alright, it's poem time. This one is still being tuned up, and will end up as a gift for Rachel and Kevin at their baptism this Saturday. If anyone has suggestions to improve it, they'd be greatly welcomed. 

~~

Promises you make and keep, 

With God, and with His other sheep, 

Are the framework that you build, 

The vessel by which you are filled. 

These promises are things you do, 

you shake on them, or sign in blue. 

These worldly promises you make, 

Can shake, change, and sometimes break. 

But make a promise with your God, 

By clinging to the iron rod, 

And covenant that you'll be true, 

And He'll bless you with life anew. 

So don't forget, and always pray,

For strength to do the things you say.

God will bless you with His love, 

Until you live with Him above. 

~~

I love you all! Stay anchored in the Gospel of Jesus Christ in everything you do. The blessings from doing so are beyond your imagination. 

​Godspeed,​

Elder Housholder

Teaching our new favorite investigator Kody at the Bairs, with his adopted family, the Richards. (Kody is in the bottom right corner)

TCBY with the newguys. #16. Idk why I do this to myself. 

Rolling out in matching sweaters.

The bounce house. 

The entire cast of Disney's Hercules. Who knew they were Mormon? (Jk, that's the Seaman fam)

No heads were removed in the taking of this photo, however it did cause one person to be late for something important. (Sharp fam)

The great wedding preparations!

THE WEDDING!!!!! :D :D :D 

The epic bonfire.


From the Mom: The Richards family sent these two photos to us on Halloween! They were eating food, socializing, and teaching Kody.  What a great way to spend Halloween! They couldn't be out on Halloween unless they were with members. Thanks Richards family! (These two photos refused to cooperate, they also gave me quite a bit of trouble just getting them on here, so I'll take them as it is!)

Is that brownie in his mouth? I think so..funny guy