Hymn #93

Hey hey hey 

     How's it going yall? I've got a lot to cover so let's jump into it. We attended 2 wards at church because of the ward split, and it was my first time ever doing that. It was pretty exhausting but super nice to see new faces and also old ones. The river oaks ward is now the best ward, and it's not even close. Also apparently some rumors are spreading about me in the Abilene area, and it's pretty hilarious. I shared the story of my cousin and I selling the furniture at BYUi with maybe 2 members, and now the whole city of abilene seems to know as well. I brought it upon myself, but I can't escape it now, and the street credit of all that is now growing again. One member even called the old apartment complex where it all went down to get validation that it's true, and the apartment complex started hounding them about a couch that is STILL lost. I can't complain too much because our meal calander is full for every single day, so now I got to start showing them that I am also spiritual and not just a crazy person who sells all the furniture on a college campus. Pretty hilarious, and I'm grateful that I'm getting really close with the members and they are getting comfortable around me and share their own stories as well. Also, in both wards we attended, they played hymn #93 and I have never heard that hymn in my entire life. I thought I was crazy but neither has anyone else apparently, because when it was time for us to sing after the prelude of the organ, no one knew how to sing it. It was a disaster and it's now my favorite hymn of all time because it causes complete and utter chaos, so be warned, it will be played at my homecoming. 

     We've been struggling lately. All of the missionaries in Abilene have been struggling. We have 13 people we are working with currently, but none of which are really progressing. This is common in this area as it's a culture to go to church on Sunday considering there's more church's here than people that live in Wyoming. We've dropped a lot of people because they just aren't keeping commitments or showing genuine interest. It's always hard to drop someone or "fire" them. I love helping people so it's hard for me to have to come to terms with putting it in God's hands, and letting him prepare them for another time. We have one friend we're teaching who seems super engaged and interested, but we're going to have to pass him off to YSA sadly. Collectively as a zone, were just struggling with retaining interest, and progress. Knocking doors and contacts are becoming repetitive and mundane, and there just seems to be a stand still currently. We just have to keep pressing forward in faith. 

     Quick little updates. My neck doesn't hurt as bad anymore so it's been easier to do missionary work. I was so tired one night, and our bedroom has blackout curtains so it's really REALLY dark, and I just ran and belly dived into what I thought was my bed, but I basically just head dived straight into the wall and now my neck and back feel great! Please don't follow my lead on that one. If your neck hurts, seek a professional, but it worked pretty well for me. We had zone conference this past week and it was a really good zone conference. I'm really enjoying our new mission president the longer he's been out and we've all kind of adjusted to him. My interview was the best interview I had on the mission so far, and It helped me realize the potential I have and also the growth that I've gone through. His instruction in zone conference was about the doctrine of repentance and change. In my interview he acknowledged where I've grown and pointed out areas that still need some work. We had a good laugh at all the funny things that I've done in the mission, especially with the furniture that we left in the Alpine apartment, and all the other crazy things that I left behind in other apartments. It was good to just know that he truly does care for me and his missionaries. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get him to sign off on approving the Taco Bell app for the missionaries phones. 

     Anyways thats about it! Hope this email makes up for the lack of effort or information that I've put in previous entry's. I feel all of your prayers for me. I am grateful for all those who think of me. I read every email that is sent my way, I know I know, I'm horrible at responding, but I really do appreciate everyone for their support. Yall have a good Thanksgiving and take care of yourselves! With much love... 

-elder #93 

If you're gonna send me letters or packages...

3649 Cedar Run road, 79606 #413

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