August 25, 2014

hey everybody! It's pday again. crazy. This past week was super busy trying to see people. We have a list of 120 names that the ward has assigned us to visit. We tried a total of 56 Part Member families/Perspective Elders this week and only contacted about 4. And found out that about 10 of them have moved. But we did set a few return appointments for this next week! haha But I guess that's missionary work, huh? 

 The ward continues to gain respect and trust in us, which is great. Our WML is on fire and wears me out sometimes with all the assignments he gives us. He talked to the bishop and asked if we could give lessons in each auxiliary class on every 1st and 4th Sunday of the month. So life is getting busier each and every week. But busy is good. If there is one thing I've learned, it's to not back down when the going gets tough. Muhammad Ali said "Don't quit, suffer now, and live the rest of your life a champion"  I have used that quote a whole lot in the year and a half I've been out here to keep me going. 

 

Salvador Russo's daughter came to church yesterday so that was really good. We are going to try the back door approach now and try and get the kids more interested, then hopefully Sal and his less-active wife, Alexis, will follow. 

 

 Elder Cowdell is awesome. We get along very well and work great together. We had a total lesson count of 25 this week. Which is the highest number of lessons in a while for this ward. I don't remember if I mentioned Jessie. We tracted into him a couple weeks ago and finally got a hold of him. He said he has been reading the BoM and loves it. We have an appointment with him for Wednesday at 1900! So pray for us. We are going to try and set a bap date with him. 

 How goes the work up there in the 801? Anyone have any cool missionary experiences lately? 

 

 I have to apologize to those who have written me and have not received a reply. I promise I'm not ignoring you, I have a total of about 30 seconds a week to write letters. So for that, I am truly sorry. I do still love you and hope you can understand. 

 We got word that President Passey would like to keep missionaries in their area's for an average of 6 months. So I kinda get the feeling that I will say my goodbyes to the mission in this ward. I am totally fine with that though. I love this ward and the area. And biking isn't so bad now. It just seems like the normal mode of transportation now. 

I love all of you dearly. remember who you are and what you stand for. Remember that just because you don't have a badge doesn't mean you are not a missionary. You are just an under cover agent. They can't see you coming;) 

 

 One more thing... I have come up with my mission "Theme" And that is.. NEVER BACK DOWN.

Took me long enough to find my theme huh? haha anyway. Love you all. 

-Elder Taylor Alston 

we play racquetball every Saturday morning with some members