9.5.17 Lots of Rain

 

It's so great to hear from you. Sounds like the family is getting back to school, it's super strange not going back to school this year for the first time. But I'm having a really great time out here in Kodiak. As a missionary I haven't heard that much about any news, besides hurricane Harvey. Was there a lot of people who died? Or was there just a lot of people who lost their homes due to flooding? I'm super glad Austin didn't get effected but I sure will keep Russ and Jens family in my prayers. I would like to see pictures if they took any. There is a lot of people that talk about the hurricane up here and know I'm from Texas. So I think it would be helpful to show them pictures of the flooding in Houston. I'm pretty curious how bad it was. It's been raining here for about a week strait.  The sun might be shining for an hour a day at max. It's just constant rain and cloudy all day. I've counted about 3 nice days while I have been here.... so the people here love the sunshine and blue sky!

Since the work out here is really slow I really appreciate our bishop. His name is bishop Stanford. We had dinner with him on this recent fast Sunday, he realizes that it's hard to find people to teach and so he's been telling us less actives that we can talk to. It was great, after dinner we called all three families that he mentioned and we set up times to meet with them, dedicate their homes, and find out if we can help them in any way. 

We have been doing our best to find people to teach. Me and elder Guerber pray together where we should go to tract. We are trying are best to always listen to the spirit when and where ever we are. We have been doing this about every day. On Wednesday and Thursday we had some really good conversations .  We talked to one couple who were actually about to have a bible study class with a bunch of people coming over. They told us that Jesus Christ, heavenly father and the holy spirit were all the same. We didn't really feel like bashing with them so we just chatted for a while and they said we could come back and talk again. I don't think we will go back, but sometimes it's really nice just to meet and talk to new people. Some people just tell us they aren't interested. I enjoy learning what others believe even though our beliefs don't match up at all. For example we met another women on this same street who went to a church called Christian science. It helped me realize that many churches didn't have a the same things that Christ established many years ago, and that's something that I love about this church. Something I wish I would of under stood back at home was who the 12 apostles were and why we had them. I understand more clearly now that it is because Christ called 12 and his church is the same yesterday today and forever. What Christ established never changes, but new revelations can be given to his prophets to lead and guide us. 

We also went and helped with some flooding that is going on here. It was nice to help out, it's probably the same thing y'all were doing this weekend. I just can't imagine being the owner of a house that gets flooded. It would be devastating. There was also a rodeo/fair that sister rice invited us to. We went so we could be seen by half the town and to talk to people that we would run into. It's nothing compared to Texas. 😎

One of my favorite parts so far on my mission is the hour of personal and companionship studies that we have daily. Before, I would never thought I could go an hour of studying without falling asleep or being distracted. But now I just want to keep learning! I recently just finished the book of Mormon again and I love that book so much, I now see why Thomas S Monson commanded us to read from it every day. The knowledge provided with in the pages brings so much peace, love, comfort and joy to ourselves and those whom we share it with. When you read from it, you can feel the power it contains, that it is the word of God.  I truly believe that if we read from it every day that we will be safe from a lot of Satan’s temptations. It reminds us and tells us that we should try to become more like Christ every day, and that though repentance all mankind change who they are and start over. I have loved the opportunities I have had so far to testify of the book of Mormon. It is physical evidence that Joseph Smith was the prophet called of God who restored this church. It also completes the gospel when you add it to the bible. I wish I could make people read it... But in the end they still have their AGENCY.... the greatest gift that God has given to every man on earth. 

I hope you all have a great week, because I sure did! I love you all

Here are some pics, this is what the sky has looked like for a week straight. And also an empty bowl of cookie dough. I have made it twice since I've been here. It never has any left by the end of the day..... Me and my Companion love it. Also thank you so much for the package that you sent. I thought one of the notes was hysterical because I know that I was the same way when I was his age.(so thank you Noah for making my day) We used the Hershey bars and chopped them up to make cookie dough the second time. Thank you so much for all that you do and your wonderful support. Also send pics of the solar eclipse if any were taken, I'm not sure how the quality would be , but it seems like it was an exciting event. Also my Companion gave me a free haircut. He asked me how I liked my hair, and I said "do it how my mom does it" he didn't know what that means and I don't either. We are really close now so it's easy to be open, and have a good time but also focus and get some good work done out here.

Also, tell me about the guy that called you. His name was Gary. He's out here in Kodiak building a house with a bunch of other old men. They are super cool and fed us some really good food. They are only visiting, they have to much free time, they are all members and came to church this past Sunday. It was totally packed! Almost every other 4th pew was full! Haha  pretty small ward. I hope you all Have fun and stay dry!