Hey all!
It's certainly been an eventful week! Buckle up - it's going to be a long email!
I was asked to give a talk in another ward yesterday. Haven't done that in a while, so it felt kind of refreshing! I talked about the Plan of Salvation, and what it means to me. It went really well! The Spirit was definitely with me, and I'm positive that the congregation felt that as well!
Here's a funny story for you: remember Ray, a potential investigator I mentioned a few weeks ago? Since our initial visit, we have visited his house a few times, but he never answered the door. Earlier this week, we approached his door, when the neighbor informed us that they had moved out. What?! Why would they tell us to come back if they were just going to move out? Honestly, I found it more amusing than frustrating. I got a good laugh out of it, and my companion did, too. We still have had no success contacting Rosalyn.
I went on yet another exchange this week (when your companion is the district leader, these things happen). I spent a day working with Elder Millet. Sound familiar? He's one of the zone leaders who stays in our apartment. We didn't even have to go to a different house! Anyway, it went really well! I noticed that he is SUPER out-going, and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone we came across, compared to my shy, not-outgoing self. Thanks to him, we were able to schedule a few teaching visits.
While some of the scheduled appointments fell through, we were able to meet with a truck-obsessed man named Scott. He is very nice and interested in religion. His really young daughter was there when we came, so we taught her about who God and Jesus Christ are. I think the lesson went really well! His wife made delicious sandwiches and jalapeno poppers!
Good news! Remember how last week, I mentioned that the apps on our phone were gone and/or not working? Well, they've been restored to their former glory! Thankfully, the apps are working properly now. The incident only lasted for one day, so I'm really thankful that it was a P-Day, rather than a day where we would need to use those apps!
More good news! Remember Patsy? I was able to see her again! She told me she had a lot of financial difficulties and such, and she seemed really distressed. So, I gave her a blessing of comfort and invited her to continue reading the Book of Mormon. She doesn't want to talk to missionaries right now, but at least it was nice to see her again!
So, I mentioned that Kaden's baptism had been rescheduled for the middle of March, right? We talked to President Seegmiller about it. He was disappointed, but he said something that made me feel a lot better. He said he truly believes that Kaden will get baptized someday, and that made me realize that I don't have to be around when it happens. What matters is that he just gets baptized. That will be enough to satisfy both me and the Lord!
During one of the sacrament meetings we attended, we sang all five verses of Hymn #284, "If You Could Hie to Kolob." That isn't a hymn we sing in church very often, but it's very special to me. I first heard someone playing that song on a piano at college, but didn't have the courage to ask what the song was called. A few weeks after that, we sang it during sacrament meeting, and I thought it was really cool! Also, remember Elder Hartman, from my first week? The morning before he left, he played "If You Could Hie to Kolob" on the piano shortly before he left. It was beautiful! A cried a little. Maybe more than a little. So yes, I really love the hymn, and I have a lot of emotional attachment to it.
Our landlords, the Zitos, received a TON of Dr. Pepper from one of their kids, and they said we can drink as much as we want! So, I may have diabetes by the time I come home. Hehe!
Transfers are this week. Looks like I'm staying put, but Elder Killpack is going elsewhere. I will miss him. I don't know the name of my new companion, but I hope that the two of us can get along!
One last story: as the two of us were walking home last night, a vicious German Shepherd escaped its fence and attacked us! Elder Killpack escaped scratch-free, but I wasn't as lucky - the dog bit my left leg, right underneath my posterior! It still hurts, but we got antibiotic and ibuprofen, and the doctor said it's going to be OK, so I'm not worried. Just another trial in my mission for me to overcome. I'll be fine - I just don't think I'll be able to ride a bicycle for the next few days.
Take care,
-Elder Atchley
The dog ruined a pair of his pants. Good thing he has all that Dr. Pepper to help him heal. No photos this week, so that's a bummer. We are praying this new companion will be understanding and patient and kind.
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