[Transfers] Week 74 - I love this Gospel!

Another week, transfer, companion, and Mission President. Lots of change is headed our way. Change is always exhausting getting used to the new swing of things. But hey, it's pretty much (totally is) inspired by God. So it's cool.

Saying bye to Elder Netane a couple hours ago. Going to miss him hardcore.

Gettin' to it.

My new companion is Elder Hugh's!! He's a total boss. One of the nicest Elders out there. He has 2 transfers left so looks like he'll finish up here. He's from good ol' California (not Utah), and loves the gospel. He went to Crossfit in his last area too! Things are great!!

My new companion Elder Hugh's! He is a total stud. STOKED to work with him!

Saying bye to Elder Wardell! 

Saying bye to Sister Fuller!

Although this week is going to be insane, let's talk about this past week :D

We were asked to teach at Stake Correlation where a member from the Stake Presidency and High Council were there along with WML's from the Stake. It went well! The lesson was on "Investigators and keeping the sabbath day holy." I always love to train, as long as we're prepared. Afterwards, they came up to us and said they had some new things to bring back to the wards. One of our WML's came up and said he'd email the Bishop to try and get members to fast for the family we're working with. That is literally one of the best things a ward can do for non-members working with missionaries: Fast and pray for them. YES!! Please include them in your prayers! I love this service.

Right after a lesson. Institute style

All in all, this past week was a little disappointing, which happens in missionary work. So many people flat out rejected the gospel, even when we really felt we approached it the best way we could have. A recent convert transferred over to the YSA, also told us he never wants to meet with us, believes the BOM is not true, and never wants to meet with anyone from our church again. All in all, we kept working all the time, but it happens. Luckily it was a test of humillity, because this week is looking like an incredible week. So many things are happening!! It becomes our duty sometimes, if we're given the opportunity.

One of the most annoying dogs ever. 

WE also had Zone Conferences this past week with our new Mission President and his family! They are so awesome. President Passey is inspired to lead this mission. Although change will come, I KNOW it's of God. The Zone Conferences were great, and I was asked to conduct it. Can't wait to get to know the Passey's more! 

 Eating with the Buhr's!!

While on exchanges, we had a prompting to go knock a few houses out in this one neighborhood. After a few houses, we found Adam! A former investigator (no records) who had a baptism date once! He's moving to another ward's boundaries, but we'll see what happens with him!

Out biking! I love monsoons.

It's saddening how many people preach against another religion. While talking to some people, we brought up the BOM, and she said she had heard of it! Then she said her pastor gave her some DVD's about it....and that she wasn't interested in it at all...man. Christ himself was rejected, so not everyone will accept His gospel unfortunately.

Service for Brian and Maddi!

One of the finding activities we did was "Orange shirt contacting" which is where we pray for a certain color, and both Elder Netane and I got green and orange....while driving around, a dude outside in an orange shirt said we could come by after he asked us some questions! I drove past and then turned around right away and went and talked to him. God leads us even through times that seem disappointing. NO doubt.

Our awesome zone!

There was a sister in our zone who had to go to the hospital on the night of July 4th because she was sick. She's seems to be doing better and hopefully she does better in her next area!

This came right to us...we were out biking... oh yeah!!

You can't forget "The Family"!! Our ward is fasting and praying for them. They'll be at church this next Sunday. This family needs the gospel, as does everyone. Sister Matlock told us that Whitney (18 years old) had been praying for someone to come help them before we first went over. They said they have felt the spirit and imagined us as the Lord's servants. We are so excited for this family. They make us happy every time we go over as we share a message. They've become our friends, but they know we don't go over there to mess around, but to have fun with the gospel! WE have such "high hopes" for them!!

The Family! Sister Matlock, Whitney, William, Winter, and Wesley!

Our zone has 3 brand new missionaries being trained here! We also had two missionaries finish their missions. The zone had a huge change up, but man, we're so stoked to be working. Tomorrow is commodities and district meetings, Thursday is the Sahuarita Stake Youth Conference where we're training a bunch of youth in the afternoon and helping them have an MTC experience, Friday is MLC in Tucson with President Passey, and then next week is craziness as well! Things are crazy! But if you're doing what's right, the Lord will guide us.

2Nephi14:5-6

I also heard the very sad news of a member passing away in Sierra Vista...that shot himself. Oh man. I have had 7 investigators/members pass away that I've worked with while on the mish. It takes a tole on you. But I know that they are happy in heaven, and are doing the same things as us :]

I know this church is true. I know that President Passey leads this mission, regardless of the change. I know that God still lives and that Christ does too. I realized this past week, that Christ was sent to the most wicked world, and the most wicked spot, but it was so He could fulfill his purpose as an entirety. Being rejected was part of God's plan. I know that despite the rejections and things people say, that God has our back 100% of the time, and is constantly sending his angels to help with His work. I love this gospel with my whole heart!

These next few weeks shall be faster than ever! Elder Hugh's will baptize many many people here, and there's a chance I'll be leaving the 2nd day of the semester. Whatever happens happens for a reason.

Love y'all! :D

-Elder Dallin Hales