Us with Presidente Hancock at the activity!

Me and Elder Freestone at the Temple

"I want to be baptized in a river!"

Super great week this week! We were able to teach quite a few lessons and see a lot of our investigators, so it was pretty great!

Last Saturday, we had another activity in the branch for Thanksgiving. And lots of people came! So that was really good. And they asked the missionaries to put on a little 15 minute program so that was a lot of fun too. One of the Hermanas shared the history of Thanksgiving and then the other played a song on the piano. And then we all led everyone in a song, "If you're THANKFUL and you know it". And I got to play the guitar too! So we had a really good time with all of the members and investigators who came. The members here are just so amazing. And I've come to love them so much! 

We were able to find a very prepared investigator this week. Her name is Malissa and she is just incredible. She was investigating the church a few years ago with her mom and younger sister. They were baptized but she wasn't. When we knocked on her door she looked so happy to see us! And now she wants to be baptized along with her family. So now she's on date for December 5th. She wasn't able to make it to church yesterday because she unexpectedly had to go to the hospital to be with her mom. But we have an appointment with her tonight! So we're really excited for it.

Emma is finally progressing! We were seriously, just about to drop her. But then she started actually keeping her commitments. And she has all of a sudden got serious about getting baptized. So now we're working towards the 5th of December for her as well! It was pretty funny. We showed her the painting of Jesus being baptized and she asked, "Jesus was baptized in a river?" And we responded that he was, then she exclaimed, "Well then I want to be baptized in a river!" We told her that if that's what she really wants, then we get arrange that... So we might be baptizing someone in the Colombia River! 

It's been pretty cold these last few days. Well, not SUPER cold, but it's definitely been getting colder. Elder Freestone, being from Arizona, feels like he's going to die. It's pretty funny. But he's keeping warm though!

Here's my ponderizing scripture for this week: 2 Nephi 4:19-21

"And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

 He hath filled me with his love..."

To know that even Nephi experienced sorrow and pain because of the mistakes he made really puts things into perspective. But what made him such a great man and prophet is that he put his trust in the Lord. He knew that with the strength of the Lord, he could overcome is trials.

Love you all! Have a great week!

Elder Scott

Saving Your Life

Well we went on our temple trip today! That's why our preparation day is Tuesday and not Monday. So we were able to do an endowment session this morning! Always the best way to start the day.

And what made it even better was that I saw the video that I'd never seen before! Sooooo good. definitely my favorite one. Satan was really good in it and I was able to learn a lot this time around. One part that I really loved was the very last shot when Adam and Eve reunite with Peter, James and John and they begin to teach Adam and Eve the gospel--so cool!    

We had a pretty up and down week with Emma. We were actually able to see and teach her quite a few times but she STILL hasn't come to church. So, that means we'll have to move her date again. Pretty frustrating. We just hope that she can start picking up the pace! Because she's keeping all of her other commitments of reading, praying and living the commandments--except for coming to church! So hopefully we kind know what we can do to help her.

All of the district leaders were invited to MLC this last week. The meeting they have once a month with the mission president and all the zone leaders. Super intimidating. But I learned SO much. It seems like my entire perspective of missionary work has changed for the better. That's something that I love about the mission. Just how much we learn little by little. And we receive more direction and guidance just when we need it.  

Alright my "ponderizing" scripture for this week. Luke 9:24

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

I chose this one this week because Elder Freestone and I listened to a talk last week called "Saving Your Life" by Elder Christofferson. It's an amazing talk that's all centered around this verse. He talks about how in order to truly discover who we really are and find ourselves, we have to give ourselves to the Lord in His service. I love that idea!

Thanks for all that you do! Love you all!

Elder Scott

FORGIVENESS

Nov 2 at 12:54 PM

It was a pretty interesting week. Lots of ups and downs! But overall some really good things happened.  

Probably the biggest bummer was that we weren't able to teach Emma, at all. Usually in weeks past we're able to see her and teach her almost every day! But nope, not this week. Whenever we set an appointment, something would come up in her life! Satan really is working hard on her. But, we do have an appointment with her tonight at 6. So we're just praying that we'll be able to teach her!

Halloween was pretty fun. We just had to come back to our place at 6 and do some weekly planning! Fun fun! This mission really has changed so much since I've come to the field. Because last year they just let us hang out that night! But things are changing and I'm actually really enjoying that. The mission is undergoing a lot of changes but it's all for the better. Because it's all just to help us become more consecrated and more hard working disciples of Christ. 

Elder Freestone and I have been listening to a lot of talks lately when we're driving in the car. Last week we listened to this talk by President Hinckley from the 2005 October Conference. It's called "Forgiveness". And it was one of the most powerful talks that I've ever heard. President Hinckley spoke of the power that can come from forgiving others. And never letting the small things that someone did grieve you or cause you pain. Amazing message! It has really helped me in so many ways that I never thought it could. I know that Heavenly Father is always aware of our needs and He always provides a way for us to receive His direction. 

My ponderizing verse for this week is: John 15:12-13

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

I hope that you all have a great week! And happy November!

Elder Scott