May 4, 2011

Week 1 of Transfer 11 - May 4, 2011

Where to start... Well let me start with this past week, It was the perfect way to end a transfer. Mike Weber was baptized on Saturday and asked me to confirm him on Sunday. It was the smallest baptism I've ever had yet it was one of the best. Just his girlfriends family, his family and a few of his friends that he invited. One of his friends, Josiah, who came hasn't been to church in several years and for him just coming to the baptism was a big step. The following the day, Sunday, he was confirmed in sacrament meeting and Josiah came again! It was fast and testimony meeting as you know and I have never been to such a perfect testimony meeting. The testimonies were short, and powerful! Well Josiah ended up walking up to the front and sharing his testimony! I wish I could share with you my feelings, it was motivating. He spoke of the power of forgiveness and the love of God, he spoke words I think he truly didn't understand. Such a small moment like this meant much to me. Good thing we follow the handbook and ensure people are confirmed during sacrament meeting! Not at the waters edge, Josiah would never have come to church.

Also this past weekend I had two other baptism's in previous areas. Zach Hatch and Jacob Titus... both in different areas. I worked with Zach for a long time in the Draper Utah Stake and it was nice to see him be baptized. His baptismal service was held in the chapel because of the amount of people who attended. We taught Zach so well to always pray on his knees, that at the end of the baptismal service he got done on his knees (while in the chapel on the stage) for the closing prayer, it was hilarious. Zach is a good guy, been through alot. This past winter he lived in a 300 square foot house with zero power! They would open the door in the cold winter morning to let the sun warm up the house. He has trimmed his long 70's hair and cleaned up himself up, it was fun.

So last week President talked to Elder Atwood and I on the phone about the new YSA stake we were opening up, at the end of the conversation he asked us a question. "Do you two love birds want to stay together this next transfer?" We already thought we were staying together but it was nice to have it confirmed! So after that phone call we celebrated while driving in our big van the highway by dancing to our new CD! By the way, the CD is amazing and it has already flooded the mission. I sent a copy home to you guys last week, look forward to it.

So every Tuesday morning in the first week of the transfer after studies (10am) Zone Leaders get the transfer roster emailed to them, then they make the calls in the zone to inform missionaries of where they are being transferred. Well right before that I was having a pleasant study and the phone rang, President Miller... He told Elder Atwood. "You are not going to be happy with me, I'm taking away your companion. Can I speak with Elder Pizzey." Long story short President said the Lord has called me to be his Assistant with Elder Bertilino. Life has been hectic since then. Yesterday I didn't eat until 5:00 and had zero Pday. Gave training to all the new missionaries and their trainers. I am super nervous and feel very inadequate. I am praying alot but I feel the Lord comforting me. I have always loved Elder Bertilino and always dreamed of being his companion. If there are two people in this mission who are the closest to me in personality and interest it would be Elder Atwood and Bertilino. I have been blessed to have such great companions. Elder Bertilino is a famous street artist and has designed many products! From shoes to the bottom of skateboards. I love him, he skates, snowboards, bikes but doesn't lol, if that makes sense. Kind of like me, do it all but just for fun. I am writing this right now on our laptop in Presidents office at his home. We are about to plan for ZLC tomorrow and two 6 hour leadership trainings for this next week. I will talk to you Sunday and I will try to call after 4:30 and I will get in touch with Sis. Park to figure out what number to call. Love you mom, dad and family. Love your scared, nervous and timid son.

Elder Pizzey