Go Forth Into the Regions Westward

January 22, 2018

Hello Y'all!

Well, it finally happened. I've been transferred. Carroll is about as far from Quincy that they could send me. I've been called as District leader, which is crazy to me. I have no clue what I'm doing, but whateves. Elder Hutchings blew everyone away though, and is also turnaround training!!! His boy's name is Elder Fuller. That makes three people trained in Quincy in a row. Super crazy.

Anyway, this week was awesome and crazy! (Also full of pictures.)

Monday night, Elder Olsen and I were able to have a lesson with Jeri (first time in forever!) in the Bair's home. It was super powerful, and I really hope that it got her back on track for baptism. From the sound of it, she's since started reading the Book of Mormon every day. Super exciting.

Tuesday was transfer calls! That's always an adventure! Turns out I was the only one leaving our district down there. So we spent the day packing and visiting everyone. We had dinner with the Higgins, which was so awesome.

Wednesday was Super p-day! We had a good time. We were able to go to the temple (last time for the foreseeable future.) and had some good times on the frozen river in Nauvoo.

Then it was transfers.

Thursday was so long. Man. I think it ended up being about 7 hours of driving before we got to Carroll. Thankfully, the Branch Mission Leader was waiting to feed us on arrival! His name is Brother Rawlings, and he's awesome!

Friday we had to drive out to District meeting in Boone, which took a long time (and was so nerve-racking), and went over all the records for Carroll. There's a lot of good work to do here. I also found out that this town is 90% Catholic, so that should be exciting.

Saturday we helped at our food pantry! This is one of the only other ones in the mission, and I got it! Super happy. I also got to meet Randy, who is probably gonna get baptized next month. That's exciting.

Sunday was weird though. Carroll is a branch, and it's so different! It was interesting, but it'll take some getting used to. There was probably only 30 or so people there... It was crazy.

Now we're here! I'm super excited to learn how to preach the gospel here in Carroll! There has been a lot of opportunity for less-active member work here, so I think that might be something I learn how to do in my time here. Exciting!

~~ Poem ~~

Sometimes I just want to feel his love,

And cry out for some help from above.

Wishing to feel the spirit burning,

Sometimes I'm left with only a yearning.

Confused, why He wouldn't send

That spirit on which I do so depend.

That marked absence of peace, disturbing.

Why would He leave me alone with my yearning?

Then, mid my anguish, a stirring inside.

This frustration I feel, the fruit of my pride.

All this is a lesson, now I am learning,