Elder Burch π: "Up ahead, there was a curve approaching..."

Merry winter wishes,

This week, we encountered a true snow storm. It was bad enough that
the zone leaders called in and let us know that we were only to go to
set appointments, and not to do outside proselyting for the day. There
was much, much snow (we got stuck again), and the temperature was
around -20, plus 35mph wind chill. It was miserable and I will never
complain about the Arizona summer ever again please take me back
please take me back.

Cody Broadway was baptized this week! He was able to get himself Word
of Wisdom clean, and that was all that was remaining for him. I'm
really excited for Cody. Yesterday, after church, he was asking about
next steps, and we were able to go by and talk to him about ordination
to the priesthood, as well as the eventuality of the temple. I'm
excited for Cody. He's making a pretty big change of lifestyle, and he
often gets distracted, but when he is focused and in an environment
with the Spirit, he is a wonderful soul to be around. I know the
gospel, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, will be a blessing to Cody in
his life and in the life of his future family if he remains faithful
and follows the statutes of God. Congratulations and prayers for Cody!

Last night, as we headed from that lesson, we had an incident. We
were driving down the highway, doing 70 or so, when we came across a
couple bison/buffalo (?) on the road. We've seen plenty of deer on the
road before, but not larger animals like this. Elder Ferrara did some
fancy driving, and we managed to get around the buffalo without
incident. As we looked at one another with a kind of "nicely done"
expression, another animal ran out on the road in front of us! We
almost got around it, but we clipped the buffalo's back leg, which
sent our car into a spin and tore off our front bumper. We hit a snow
drift, hit our heads a little bit, but were otherwise unhurt,
fortunately. We were able to drive home alright. Thank God for tender
mercies!

Alright, that's all for now, except the spiritual thought: Prophets
speak the word of God. If we are to follow God, we must follow the
prophets. Thomas S Monson doesn't preface all of his talks with "thus
saith the Lord" like Moses of old, but we can be sure that just like
times of old, God reveals His word through a prophet today. Heed his
council!

Until next time, rock and roll ~

-Elder Burch π

"... she made no indications of slowing."