Another Great Week

Another Great week!!

Tuesday was zone conference! We usually have an all mission conference in December but president Vest found out we aren't supposed to do that any longer. Instead we had zone conference and we went to the temple for part of it! Elder Odland and I did initiatories instead of an endowment session because neither of us had done them since our personal endowment. It was an awesome experience. We both got to do 10 names and I honestly loved it!

At part of the conference we also were able to hear from a bishop in the mission who told us what he expects from the missionaries and it was so nice to get his perspective of things. Perspective really is everything. I wish I could serve in every calling in the church at least once so I could know exactly what everyone expects of me as a missionary in the ward. I think that would alleviate a lot of stress.

Wednesday we visited one of the LA (less actives) named Korinda Bizek. She is paralyzed and so she is in an assisted living home. We have been able to develop a great relationship with her and we are enjoying figuring out where she is at with the gospel. We mostly just try to brighten her day with a short spiritual message because she is pretty lonely.  Biggest wish would be that members cared more about the people not at church. Kind of sad to watch honestly.

James and Sivita gave us the contact info for one of their friends and we went by this week and they let us right in! Their names are Frank and Stephanie. We talked about making life changes to be happier and they were all for it. It was a really short visit. They were coming to church but the roads were super bad with snow and ice so they didn't make it.

On Friday it started to do this weird mist thing where it wasn't cold enough for snow but there wasn't enough moister for rain but this weird heavy fog is the best way I can describe it.  Well that night it did get to freezing temperatures and so everything was coated in a nice layer of ice the next morning! President grounded the fleet of cars in the mission so it made for a very cold day on foot. We were on exchanges with other elders so we were unsure of how we were going to get back with our companions. Member after member was willing to help us. It was a huge blessing. Elder Reber and I were out walking for about 3 hours. We weren't really sure how cold it was that day but we were freezing.

Sunday church was almost cancelled due to the weather. Elder Odland and I had a meeting at 8 that morning we had to get to and that was when it was REALLY cold. It was -4 when we went out there. It took us about 30 minutes to clear the car of ice so that it was drivable. I've personally never been in that cold of temperatures and it was weird.  My nose hairs kept freezing and my face would get stiff when I wouldn't talk for a second.  There were only about 20 total people at church that day. We only had sacrament and then called the last two hours off.

That night we went and visited Danelle Zollar (another LA) who we hadn't seen in a long time. He happily informed us that he is done with letting Satan on his back. He said he will be in the temple the coming summer and is going to start by coming to church this week!  This was totally out of no where and we were so happy to hear the good news!! I love him and his family. We will take a picture next week!

Love you all and Merry Christmas!!

Don't forget that Christ is the reason for CHRISTmas! We love him because he first loved us. Don't forget to show your love this season!!!

Elder Kelly