July 22

Wednesday we went out and had lunch with the Lykins. Afterwards we taught them about missionary work. I wasn't really feeling it. Just distracted and whatever. We were wrapping up and all the sudden I just had this thought, "ask them to pray for you". So I did, without even thinking about it. Unfortunately, I couldn't hold back the tears. Bro Lykins looked at me and told me that they always do. Then he said "I think we knew each other in the pre-existence, do you ever get that feeling?". All I could do was knod. It was probably one of the sweetest moments I've had yet. Then we talked a little bit about eternal perspective. How as members of the church we have a completely different view of life. Others just live day to day, we live in preparation for the next life. So as we teach people the gospel, we aren't simply inviting them to come to a church a few hours on Sunday, we are inviting them to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and thus change their entire life. Bam! That's a lot of pressure on us missionaries, luckily we aren't doing it alone. As we were leaving I promised him that one day I would give him a hug....that means I have to come back to Indiana after I get home :).

Thursday we went and tracted an apartment complex. Everyone but one was Hispanic. I got to whip out some of my Spanish! haha....it was terrible. Now I kind of wish I had paid more attention in high school. It would have come in handy more than once out here. That night we went and taught Benjamin. As we were getting out of the car our alarm started going off. We don't have one of those automatic things, so I had to go start the car to turn if off. Then it started doing it again, and again, and again. Probably at least 10 times. So randomly I would have to get up in the middle of the lesson and turn it off. Finally I was fed up, the lesson was everywhere because I had to keep leaving. We were sitting outside so I just opened the door and left the key in there. Then I called Elder Hodges (the car missionary) to figure out what I should do. He said I needed to take it to the dealership, well it was 7:00 and they were definitely closed...and we still had another lesson! So after finally getting through Benjamin's lesson we went to the Gasaway's. I walked in the door and told Shannon exactly what was going on and that he may need to show us how to unhook the battery. He just kind of laughed. Luckily, the car alarm hasn't gone off since. The lesson with Shannon and Courtney We've ran into some issues. Shannon wants logical evidence of the Book of Mormon, he's hung up on coffee and polygamy. We keep telling him he needs to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. All the members we have brought to them want them to come to church so badly. When we taught them on Monday we brought the Elms, they are a younger couple in the ward. Sister Elms came up to me at church yesterday and said that they had been praying they would come all week. Actually it was pretty funny, I called them Saturday night to remind them to come to church. Shannon said that maybe they would come. He then asked us what we had been up to that day. We told him that we had been knocking doors for about two hours. He asked if we had knocked about three or four. I told him probably more between 40 and 50. He said "you guys are insane"! I just started laughing. I wonder if eventually, the lives of the members is what is going to help Shannon realize the gospel is true. I just see so much potential in this family, they're perfect! Courtney is progressing pretty well though. It's just going to take time.

The first district meeting of the transfer is always my favorite because we get to share testimonies. The assistants came to it was a big group, 12 of us. We are now very young, 4 out of the 5 companionship's are training. Kind of crazy.

This week we've spent a ton of time tracting, I basically hate it. haha I just feel so awkward on doorsteps. It's not that bad if I can actually talk to people. We had quite a few good conversation with people this week. It finally rained Saturday night. It's been 95+ all week (there mom, I finally mentioned something about the heat). I was very happy. Yesterday was pretty nice too. It's cloudy today. Ok enough about the weather.

Benjamin came to church yesterday! I think he got a little scared. He's pretty shy and I think he was overwhelmed by all the members coming up and introducing themselves. Any of the males who served Spanish speaking mission made sure they came up and introduced themselves, it was great. Also Sister Magellon can get baptized! We are going to go see her tomorrow and hopefully be able to set a date with her. We've (I mean a ton of other missionaries) have been waiting for this for about a year and a half now.

So sometime this week I was studying about revelation. As part of it I looked it up in the Bible dictionary and I learned a ton. As a missionary I need to teach my investigators how to receive revelation. If they don't know how to, they won't gain exaltation. Revelation is needed to make daily decisions that will keep all of us on the path towards the Celestial Kingdom. Without revelation, none of us can be saved. Prayer is a form of work (also in the Bible dictionary) because we are seeking revelation and it doesn't come easily. I'm grateful for the spiritual things I'm learning out here. Because honestly, most of the time I'm pretty miserable. However, every little once in a while I learn something really neat. Whether it's in personal study, trainings, or from someone else. When I get frustrated (which is about every hour), I just try to remember the lessons that I have learned. The ones that will continue to help me gain exaltation. Because let's be honest, I am learning a lot more out here then I would be if I were home scooping ice cream right now haha.

Sister Jones and I didn't take a single picture this week. So what do you get? A live picture of me e-mailing you...real exciting I know.