So it snowed . . . Well kinda . . . But then it stopped and was sunny again

Is it weird to think it is already Monday? Must mean we are doing lots :) I was studying John 16:33 this week and I wanted to share it with you all: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." There is no need to fear. God is in charge. 

Okay, so this week was sweet! Like this week was the most fun I have had as a missionary in a while :) Here is what happened:

• Tuesday we helped out at the food pantry again. It was so much fun! We met a guy who had been in jail for a few years and his probation officer is our current Elders quorum president, Brother Wagner. So that was very cool to make that connection. Tuesday was actually the most sunny it has been in quite a while too so that was nice :)
• Wednesday I got a text message from President Horgesheimer and he said we were having some problems with other missionaries down where I was, and so we had to get that figured out. Thankfully were able to and all is well now. That is something I have been trying to learn a lot about lately. Being able to handle these certain types of situations with love and care for the individual or group of people is how it has to be. Always, always (this is my invitation to you all this week - always be in tune with heaven in order to address a situation. When I got that message from President I knew that God needed me to be patient and love everyone. So grateful for that.
• On Saturday we went over to the Barr's house and they were cooking roast but it didn't cook in time so we had pizza instead and left them with D&C 4.
• We hit the lucky number 33 on lessons again this week, and were able to find 4 new people. One of the people we found actually texted me first on facebook messenger. We were at a member's house and so I messaged him back. He said he is really wanting to improve his life and wants his kids to grow up in a religious house. He said he has investigated many churches but keeps getting pointed back to our church. YESSS! I was so happy. I taught him the whole restoration over facebook messenger and he said he is going to come to church next Sunday with his wife and 3 kids. His name is Erick. Please keep him and his family in your prayers this week.
• We were so busy this week. I actually had a dream on Monday night that I was in one of my 400 meter races in track and I crossed the finish line and was so tired from racing. When I woke up and proceeded with my week, that feeling of exhaustion is kind of how I felt. I guess it was foreshadowing what I was to expect ;)
• Guess what? We talked with Jamie IN PERSON. We went into his house and he was sitting in his wheelchair. I don't know if I said this, but Jamie had a stroke 3 years ago and can not communicate well. We walked into his bedroom and his mom came in with us. We began talking, and immediately I knew I needed to say a prayer in my heart to be able to understand him. We then had an incredible lesson on Helaman 5:12 and how having Faith in Christ is what we need to have. We then asked if he would still love to be baptized. He says that he wants to be baptized on April 6!! He then asked us to give him a blessing. I was able to be the voice for it, and I know this was the climax of my ENTIRE WEEK. As soon as I placed my hands on Jamie's head, the Spirit entered the room and overcame all of us. I think I actually started crying in the middle of it, but in the end I am forever grateful that Heavenly Father is with us to fulfill the missions and tasks He gives to us.

Things happening this upcoming week:

• District Council on Wednesday
• Exchanges after DC with the Athens elders back here in Chilli
• Going to have a great week😉
• The Jackson sisters have a person on date to be baptized and so I'll be giving him the interview this week or next week.

I learned a lot this week. But above all else, I learned the importance of racing the race we are in. What I mean by that, is that when we line up at the starting line, we are totally zoned in for how we want to run. The gun goes off and we explode out of the blocks and go into the curve. By the end of the race you feel one of two things: Exhaustion, or feeling like you can go more. While that latter feeling is important because we do in fact need to keep going, I want all of us to make a mental note of how we are finishing each day. We need to be giving it all we can. I have recently restarted the Doctrine and Covenants (which is good since that is 2021 theme) and have a goal to finish it before I get home in July. This is something I am going to be working on to achieve. What is a goal you guys want to have for yourself? Time is speeding up more and more as the days and weeks pass. We are in the 4th quarter and our coach needs us to play our hearts out. Be the key player who knows the game plan, and executes it to the T. It is okay to feel tired at the end of the day (I think I fell asleep before 10 pm every night this week) but we need to keep going and trusting. I just have been thinking a lot about this and know that as we line up to the numbers each day we will have the strength needed to perform our best, and race our race in this life.

How is Salem doing? Any snow yet for you guys? Hopefully all staying warm and safe. Crazy this week marks the end of the first full month of 2021. I have a feeling this is going to be a very adventurous and fast year! 

I love you guys. I miss you, and pray for you everyday. I am continually in awe at all you have done while I have been gone, you are all moving mtns and I am so proud of you all and grateful for you all.

I Love You Always and Forever . . .

Elder D