HELLLLLOOOO AMAZING FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!! I hope you all have had just as fantastic as a week as I have had, so many wonderful memories and miracles! BUT before we get into all those juicy details, it’s time. Time for what? Time for another spiritual thought with Elder McMullin!!!! For starters I need to make a public apology, for the longest time I thought Family History and genealogy work was the most mind numbing and boring work on the planet. I also believed that it was a part of the role of being a senior citizen to do Family History, along with the responsibilities of taking endless pictures of grand kids and drinking V8 prune juice. SWEET MOTHER OF PEARL WAS I WRONG (cue my overly energetic grandma jumping up and down with excitement while yelling “he’s caught the vision” in spirit paradise)! I have started doing family history as well as reading journal entries for many of my answers and I can honestly say heaven has never felt closer. Throughout the years in both the voice of the prophets and apostles as well as the proclamation of the family we learn that the “family is the center of life [and] is the key to eternal happiness” (L. Tom Perry). I believed that at an elementary surface level, but by starting family history and learning about my ancestors who paved my life up to this point brought a real immersive feeling that the family is the singular most impressive and important creation that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. Not only does it allow us to find and connect with our ancestors, but allow us to find ourselves through the powerful memories and impacts of our eternal family line. I can testify that I have been able to break down my different attributes both on a personality and intellect level and see the wonderful impact that family has placed on me. So my invitation to you all is to not take my word for the power that lies in family history, but to try it for yourself. Look past the stigma and dive in a treasure the wonderful spirit that encompasses you as you do so. I can promise you all that there is life after death and that families really can be together forever.
This week was transfers and Elder Neilson and I got our new companion that we both love and know so well (his name is Elder Jue) and missionary life has literally been a non-stop party. Just on our second night together right after we said our companionship prayer Elder Jue and Nielson grabbed their pillows and yelled “attack the cougar” because I’m the only BYU fan and they are both passionate Utes. Needless to say this led to one of the most epic pillow fights ever featuring mattress body slams, bathroom lock picking with a butter knife, and so much laughing we were throwing up. It's so awesome to see the amazing friendships you make in the service of the Lord. Love both of these Elders so much!
MIRACLE TIME!!! Literally this week has been so jammed packed with miracles that it was practically bursting at the seams. We got a call from one of the High-Councilors in our Stake asking if we could help one of his non-member friends move super last minute. It was super fun and cool to help them move, but the best part was at the end when McKenzie (the girl we were helping move) started asking questions about the Church as well as what we as missionaries do. We now have an appointment with both her and her husband teaching them what makes our Church different from other religions, and they are also making us homemade curry so that’s also a huge win! But if that wasn’t already fantastic enough we got a call from Tommy and Lynda that their ID’s needed to be married are almost here AND that they have a friend staying with them for the week that they wanted us to meet and teach about the Church. His name is John Polken and is literally so elect because he told us that he wants to be happy in life and has never seen a missionary or member of the “Mormon Church'' look sad or depressed, and he wanted that same peace and joy. We taught him the message of the restoration while he was sipping a beer and smoking on the patio of Tommy and Lyndas porch (Tommy and Lynda were like little angels sipping their cream sodas and not smoking-Word of Wisdom powers activate)! John absolutely loved the message and said he wanted to come to Church on Sunday and sure enough he came walking in on Sunday with Tommy and Lynda with a clean shirt and combed hair. The Lord is so aware of all and truly provides exceptional miracles when we try our hardest to follow him and invite others to come unto Him as well.
FRIEND UPDATE!!! I don’t think I have ever been in an area where I love the people and members as much. Feather and Skeets are still consistently coming to Church and thinking about their baptismal date and are now currently working on the Word of Wisdom (they were so relieved to hear that they can still drink Red Bulls and other energy drinks). Leonards baptismal date is being moved back also because of Word of Wisdom issues, but said he will think about it because he really does want to follow Jesus Christ the best he can, even if that does mean giving up coffee. Tommy and Lynda are doing awesome as well, spreading the gospel wherever they go and helping members weed their gardens and spring clean their garages (we often joke that they are more involved in the ward than the members). Shona and Royce are also doing well and enjoy our missionary visits and are currently praying together if the Book of Mormon truly is scripture. It would mean so much to us all if you could keep all of our fantastic friends in your prayers that they will find answers to their various questions and continue to have strength to keep commitments.
Well absolutely awesome friends and family that’s about it for my weekly report of the missionary happenings in Rapid City. Know that I love you all so much and pray for you all each and every day. You all have assisted in one way or another in getting me to this point and I wish I could individually thank you all for really everything you have done for me. With that I LOVE you all so much and hope that this upcoming week is filled with wonderful blessings and miracles! HAPPY SUMMER and GRADUATION!!!
Sincerely your favorite McM in the NDBM
Elder McMullin :-)
Photo Gallery!!!
1-4) Photo Booth at night after Zone Zoom Meeting
5-6) District Pictures!!! Love all these people!
7) Elder Jue and I crashed at 9pm after moving all of Mackenzie's stuff
