February 9, 2015

Hey there, everyone! I don't know about you, but it is getting warmer down here. We have been in the 80's pretty much all week. 

 The 3 days of winter were nice down here. But now it's summer again for the next 362 days. It's funny how your perspective of "Hot" changes when you live in Tucson for 2 years. 

 Now, let's see if I can remember my week. 

Tuesday: After we emailed, we went shopping, then went to zone sports, Then dinner at 530, then had a lesson with Justin, one of our great investigators. He is a 7th day Adventist, and has a lot of the same beliefs as us, but needless to says, disagrees with a few things. But We had a great lesson and answered a few of his q's. Then we went over to a companionship's house to chat a little (one of the elders is brand new) and see what we can do to help them adjust and feel comfortable.

Wednesday: We were supposed to have Zone meeting, but had zero time to prepare, so we postponed it to this coming week. Instead, we had District meeting, and because we are a DL short in the zone, we have to be the DL for now, so we had to prepare district meeting. Anyway, It went fine, and we had great participation.  Then we had lunch with the zone, and heading out to work. We had another great lesson with Justin, and he seemed a bit more "Into it". which was great. The other lesson we had that day was with Austin. We brought a member with us to that lesson and it was great! They are both in the Air Force, so they automatically had a connection. It was amazing to see our member testify so powerfully of the atonement and be able to touch Austin's heart. 

Thursday: We met with the Rincon Stake President, to correlate our efforts between missionaries and members in the stake. We invited him to our Zone meeting this week, and he said he wanted to join us! No pressure right? haha Then we had a great lesson with Nathaniel (another amazing investigator). We brought Darien with us and they hit it off! It's great to have such willing and able members to come out with us. Then we had another Justin lesson. with another member present. 

Friday: We had service with a member in the East stake. Then raced home, ate lunch in about 2.4 seconds, and raced to Nathaniel's house at 230. Then drove over to Elder Huff and Taylor's area to go on exchanges. We were able to split up and have a great talk with both of them while we tracted for the afternoon. I love helping to instill motivation in other missionaries! I love being able to help people realize their potential. It's amazing when you can look at something through Christ's eye's and just feel the deepest, most sincere love and appreciation for the sacrifice they are making by being out here serving others.

 After The exchange, we had and Elder's quorum activity. We played glow in the dark dodge ball. It was crazy fun! 

 Saturday: We helped move some stuff out of the house we are living in, And then had a wrad temple trip. We got permission to go up to the Gilbert temple! It was AMAZING!!!!!!! I love it. It's so beautiful! And HUGE!

 After the temple we got to go to dinner at Cafe Rio! :) first time in two years! I almost died of excitement! haha  

 Sunday: had a great day at church, Then met with the AP's to discuss the zone goals, and talk about a few missionaries that need a little boost. then went to dinner, then ward correlation. 

 So far I am LOVING YSA 2nd ward. It is way too much fun. I'm getting spoiled for my last few weeks. haha it's great! 

 Well, Here's the quote of the week! 

"Love is a force more formidable than any other. It is invisible - it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession could." -Barbara de Angelis

Let us remember the power of love and charity! Remember that our Heavenly Father loves us more than we could EVER imagine and he is always there. Pray, and he will listen, listen, and he will answer. I promise you this, He is real.

 I love you all! thank you for everything you do! 

 -Elder Taylor Alston