June 7, 2010

SO! Living on the mountain is pretty fun. There are a few creeks that flow in between the houses during the early summer, one of them bigger than the rest. Fifteen years ago it go to hot and they started to get out of control, flooding the neighbourhood. It took about five basements, destroy the house and serious damage on several. Well last night were walking in the WA5 ward and people were getting a little panicked. Long story short were were there from 8-10 in our proselyting outfits with boots on building dams out of sandbags. Firetrucks, Police cars and the whole sha-bang, plus the entire ward. It's unreal how strong the support system is with the church. Well they had it under control so we thought we would hurry home to get to bed on time. BUT six in the morning we got a call from Bro. Mortimor (WA5 Bishopric) and we were there till 11, hauling sandbags up the mountain. I liked it although I wish Dad and Jordan was there. To many people trying take control of the situation and not enough engineer minded people. Being a missionary I couldn't speak my mind and save us some time! It was so cool though to see families just working together, the church just makes sense. If the whole world was organized like this, all would be good. Even if a serious disaster hit here I think we are ready for it.

That's awesome Elder England called Lindsay, its so weird to think he's home. I can't picture him doing anything but wanting to baptize people. Going to miss him. So here in Utah if your a good missionary and your heading home I guess people offer you their daughters. Ha! the Stake President and his counsellor both offered Elder England their daughters or dates with their daughters I should say. It was hilarious. So I better be a good missionary! No I'm just playing but I thought it was pretty funny. Love yeah Elder England.

I'M A TRAINER! What the heck! I thought I was going to be district leader not trainer! That's a way big responsibility! You don't understand how much their is to do, training is alot of work. Its great though its a constant reminder to be perfect, I have too. I have truly and finally understood "loose yourself in the service of others." I have literally lost myself this week, this is my life now. Matt. 16:25 "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." It's true my friends. I enjoy what I'm doing and have completely forgotten my old worldly self or least I think so.

Elder Ng is a great guy, very comfortable with everything. He's completely different from E.England but not in a bad or a good way. We have similar taste in music, or at least we both enjoy Arcade Fire. He likes a few weird bands like Phoenix I think it is and more of the screamo genre but that's cool. So yeah he grew up in Montreal Quebec and lived there for close to ten years then has lived in San Diego since and he attended BYU Provo for a year just prior to the mishy. Maybe I'll send a picture of us, if I can find some time.

OH the best thing about being the senior companion is driving, no more sitting shotgun for weeks. Its scary being the trainer not going to lie. I don't want the numbers to fall and then people just think since E.England's gone everything just fell apart. So as the days went on this week I was getting pretty nervous. Alot of the people we are working with either need to be married or they are on probation and the others are sketchy. So we didn't have to many lessons because every one's super busy because summer just started and I was starting to sweat. And of course I've told you about the daytime hours, how pointless your feel your work is but being exactly obedient we continued to work. Now we always teach people pray specifically and you will receive a specific answer like "Is is the Book of Mormon true?". So I decided to do that this week Each night we pray and ask for find a family who needs the blessings of the gospel principles in their life, and of course who are willing to actually listen to us. Well after about five days of persistent prayer it was answered. We were going by Primary Presidents and finally this wonderful lady gave us our first two "legit" referrals of the week. So we went by the family first, a single mom (30's) and her three children (10, 8 and 5). At first the mother was very hesitant and I felt the door was about to be closed, but as I explained to her what we do as missionaries she listened to me. Then she asked if we wanted to teach her children! Of course! So we did and it was the greatest lesson I have ever had with children. They understood everything AND were so excited! You should see some of the analogies I use, kids eat them up. So we have a return appointment and we are going to bring this family together.

Then yesterday were driving to another sacrament meeting and some random number calls. Answer it and its some women, her neighbour was out cutting his lawn, shut the mower off and came and asked her if she could set up a lesson with us. His names Adam and he's 21 and he has been reading the Book of Mormon on the Internet but wants to hold it in his hands! WHAT! So we meet with him on Tuesday at 2:30. Remember pray specifically!

OK well we better go, our Pday has been cut short today because the crazy river! Missed our studies and we need to do some role plays so Elder Ng is comfortable for tonight, three lessons. I love all of you! And Paige I'm glad your grad was good!