"Everything is going to be alright..."

My small band of heroes,

        This week, the zone had a conference in Gillette. Gillette is a place
about an hour south east of Buffalo, and it may be one of the
dreariest places that I have ever seen ever. That didn't matter much
to me, though, because I slept in the car on the way there as well as
on the way back. Missionaries need to get in that rest, you know.

        Elder Christensen and I went on exchanges after that. He came to
Buffalo while Elder Campbell went down to Gillette with Elder
Dougherty. Elder Christensen taught me how to exercise. Look out,
world!

        We taught a lesson on the Word of Wisdom to Meagan and Branden. I
feel like it was taught well, and Elder Christensen was an absolute
necessity for that lesson, but the reception was mixed. They both
understand it and the reasons, and they also both know it will be a
struggle. Meagan seems to have more desire to try than Branden, but
we'll keep tabs on them. Little setbacks are no reason to go dropping
them or anything rash. Also, they came to church yesterday! Any tips
for helping them to live this commandment? Send them my way.

        Sister Croft is one of our investigators. She's been taught for a
long, long time by missionaries with her husband, Brother Croft, but
the issue is that she has a language barrier. She is from China, and
she speaks English, but is quite broken. We've struggled with how to
get across to her. The last two lessons that we've taught with her,
though, have been excellent! The keys that we have found are teaching
slowly, teaching excruciatingly simply, and using visuals. She's still
not in to come to church, but we'll get her there. We've taught the
Gospel of Jesus Christ and Plan of Salvation. The Restoration is
next...

        Everything is melting. The sun is such a beautiful thing.

        I love the phrase used in Isaiah often: "... but His hand his
stretched out still." The phrase is usually preceded by something a
little more foreboding, and it speaks to me. No matter how stupid we
are sometimes, and how we often have to face the consequences of dumb
things we do, God will still reach out to us with His mercy. He wants
us to grow, and sometimes (often) that growth isn't comfortable.
Nevertheless, He will be there to help us with His hand stretched out
still, if we seek for it.

        Keep being cool.

        Rock and roll ~

-Elder Burch π

        "... Be strong, believe."

Up towards the Big Horns

Companionship Unity

Our investigators trapped a bobcat!

Onderdonk