Dearly, Dearly, Have We Loved

Hello all you people! 

This week has been so much fun! In large part because liquid water can actually exist outside now! I'm so happy the cold is starting to leave. 

Anyway, it was transfers this week, which made up for the rest of the fun, but also came with its own little sadness. 

Monday was transfer calls, so the Boone Elders came down for an exchange. It was a riot. Both the Boone Elders and I stayed put, and Elder Broby was transferred to Manchester Iowa (I guess that's where the field of dreams is...). And my new companion is ELDER ALTON!!! We were in the MTC together, same dorm. Super excited to serve with him! 

Tuesday was full of goodbyes and packing. Which was definitely fun. We also reconnected with JENNY!!!!!!!!! I'm ecstatic. She still didn't come to church, but we have a lesson with her this week! Progress. 

Then is was Super p-day. We gathered with all the beautiful missionaries we've come to love this transfer, and played some ridiculous ball. Elder McCain might've broken my nose... Still waiting on that x-ray result. 

Man, this is where the sad part comes in. I hate goodbyes. They honestly might be my least favorite thing. This last district was easily my favorite district yet, and it was really hard to say goodbye to everyone. Especially Sister Clay, who just went home.  I've learned a lot about charity and love this transfer. I honestly love every member of that district so much, and am going to miss them all dearly. 

Alright, I'm composing myself. 

Thursday was transfers. I went on exchanges with the spanish elders in Des Moines. We had a good time. Came back, said final goodbyes to all my friends who are going home, Elder Mitchell included, met up with Elder Alton, and headed home! 

Since then, we've had district meeting, got acquainted with the branch, and hosted a fireside on the Prophet Joseph Smith. It has been an excellent week. I'm pumped to dive into this transfer with full force! 

Here's this weeks poem. I've tried express the feelings I've had about my departing friends, but don't feel it did them any sort of justice. I hope they can appreciate how much I care about them. 

~~

How can I start to explain, 

This conflict, this joy, 

This deep peace,

Filled with pain? 

This feeling, it soothes, 

But often it stings. 

A love so big, 

It scrapes as it moves

It might be safer,

To hide in a shell, 

If you don't say hello, 

There's no painful farewells. 

But what of the bright, inexpressible joy? 

This charity, it seems to be... 

This love of Christ, 

Felt emotionally... 

For, to love as Jesus loves, 

Is to sacrifice some joy. 

For what? 

To feel a little like He does. 

-Dedicated to my dead missionary friends. I miss you guys! 

The OG Quincy trio.

Throwback to the best skwad ever!