Hey everyone!
So I'm a day late because when we do transfers our P-day moves to Tuesday. We sent home an Elder yesterday (Elder Mok). And we have a new zone leader in our district, a new district leader because the one we had got transferred, along with his companion. We have 2 sisters in our district now. We had hopes that we would have them added but unfortunately they took our 2 elders and swapped them out. We still cover the YSA branch even though we don't have a car so thats a blast. That means we cover people over the whole stake without a car. Y'know, not too shabby.
This week was a weird week. Good news first, we have 3 people getting baptized. We were set with two of them for sure, but the one daughter (Grace) went to Girls Camp and had a really good spuritual experience that answered all her questions and concerns of the Church. It was so awesome to hear her tell it to us. Her two brothers (Tristan and Aiden) were set to be baptized a week and a half ago. Tristan is 14 and disabled, so he is wheelchair bound. He also has started passing kidney stones and that just happened the day of their scheduled baptism which turned into them staying at the hospital for 3 days instead. The awesome thing is everytime we stop by, Tristan is SOOOO excited. He wants to be baptized so bad and their baptisms will be so awesome to be at.
Wednesday was the weird day. July 4th is when we aren't allowed to go proselyte so its more of a member hopping day and building trust and experiences with them. That means every house we stopped at had a huge BBQ and we ate so much that day. It was also a struggle because my companion does not like being social. He started complaining and he just wanted to go back to the apartment and chill. I've been here long enough now so I gave him a talking to and we were out until 9 like we were supposed to be. My companion has been too relaxed these past 2 weeks so that's what I am working on this week. I kind of let it slide because 1. He is my trainer and 2. I just banked out heading out to the Philippines today but that didn't work out. All I know is I am gonna work sp hard these next 6 weeks. I don't know how long I will be out here so I am officially not worried about being here. We work with some awesome people so I am excited to be here. Oh and we lowkey walked the length of the parade because we couldn't drive through town and we just had district council. Basically, all 8 of us Elders walked the parade giving high-fives to all the kids and having members clap for us. Oh and the 1 guys that asked if we were all married to each other just because there is always the one who likes adding in thir thoughts haha.
Oh and awesome news part 2. We got a referral this week from a member for the YSA and taught him Friday night. It was an awesome discussion to be a part of. His name is Calvin Newton (not Cam Newton haha) and he is super prepared to hear the Gospel. We were able to help him understand what the Spirit is and how vital it is. We have lessons tomorrow morning and Friday night (Friday the 13th!!!!). He is super excited and he will be able to progress fast or slow. Its all up to him keeping invitations and gaining his own personal testimony. It was way cool because the one question he asked us was why do we (members of the church) hold testimonies so close to them and why are they such a big thing. It was a great question that ran the whole discussion. Then we invited him to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about it so he could gain his own personal testimony. I am so excited to see him tomorrow!
This Sunday was really long. That's because my companion said he was sick so I was stuck in the apartment ALL DAY. I just wanted to go to church so bad. I felt so trapped haha. I've been able to read a lot though and that helped me grow and start the week off on a better note. Yesterday was a slower day because everyone assumes it is our P-day and it was just slow. We did have a discussion with Celeste which went well and 2 great Family Home Evenings with members (and with a person getting baptized in a week and a half). We had make-shift splits all day because we dropped Elder Mok off at the mission home that morning. Oh and they were shutting down one of the mission "apartments" in Middleton. We call it the Barn. Basically, its a small room inside a barn and on the other side of the wall is several horses. It never smelled too good when we stopped by there haha. But we had to empty that place out last night which took longer than expected.
This next week should be a great week. We have a lot of potential to work and help out with. Hopefully it cools down because I am so done with these 100 degree days. Oh and next week you won't hear from me until Wednesday. We have our district temple trip next Wednesday so that will be my P-day. Remember who you are and make little goals on how to become a little better this week and more like Jesus Christ. This is what daily repentance is. It is changing to be a better example and follower of Jesus Christ. Until next time!
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Elder Preston William Burton
1370 Caldwell Blvd Ste 300
Nampa ID 83651
United States