Hey everybody, Elder Weber checking in once again with an update as for how things are in the Colorado Fort Collins Mission!
First, a report on the weather. Earlier this week we had a few run ins with some sparse showers and storms, but nothing too noteworthy until Wednesday, where the rain fell for over two hours, and lightning flashed and thundered almost every other second. My heart goes out to the Elders and Sisters that had to go out and tract in that ghastly weather, without a car to protect them. The rest of the week was nice and sunny, however. Perfect timing for the wonderful General Conference Weekend!
Next, we go over to sports. As I stated in my last letter, I got a new bike, and was thrilled. I did not yet realize, at the time, what it would feel like to bike around twenty miles a day, most of which was up hill. Needless to say, my legs are terribly sore, and falling asleep at night is very easy. However, slowly but surely, I should be able to get used to biking such long distances, and my legs will stop moaning in protest. Besides that, should I continue with both biking and exercising with the Elders every morning, I should be able to return from my mission looking healthier and stronger than I ever imagined I ever could. So, for now, I'll just grin and bear through the agonizing miles to and from appointments.
Now, for the news. On Tuesday evening, Elder Proffit and I went on my first exchange. What is an exchange, you might ask? It's when two companionships in a District trade companions for 24 hours, and use the time to get to know the other members of the mission, and to generally mix the teaching up a bit. My temporary companion was Elder Sellers, and on Wednesday we tried out teaching. It did not go too well, as half-way through our tracting in Timnath Ranch, the storm hit us. And I, being the temporary senior companion, had given the decision that we would not be wearing jackets, despite the terrible storm rising in the distance. Yep...not gonna make that mistake again. We had to hunker down for a while at a friendly member's garage, drying off as we waited for the storm to stop. When it eventually did, we were picked up by the other Elders and taken back to the church building to end the exchange.
Thursday was spent in interviews with the Mission President. Each person had a different interview time, so we took all four companionships down at around ten-thirty, and just waited the time out. I believe the words President Brown said, when he saw all eight of us already there was, "...we're gonna need a bigger room." After Elders Earls, Sellers, Mangrum, Corpus, Miller, and Wengreen went in and spoke to the President, it was finally my turn. President Brown asked me how I was doing in the mission field with my stress, how I well I was teaching, and reminded me to email him every week. Afterwords, we all went down to an all-you-can-eat pizza place. While there, we were asked by an old man at a nearby table to sing 'Happy Grandpa', sung to the tune of 'Happy Birthday', to his friend, who had just become a grandfather to a baby girl. The other Elders were cautious, and slow to accept, but we all sang the song for the man, and seeing the smile on his face definitely made it worth it.
The major high-light of this week would have to be General Conference, though. Myself and Elders Proffit, Wengreen, and Miller attended all of the sessions, watching the broadcast via projector in the Church building. There were a lot of very good talks given, and I was able to notice several profound subjects, most of which were based around the core beliefs of us Mormons. First, developing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can stand strong against adversities. Second, serving others and caring for those who are less fortunate than us. Third, Missionary Work, both by those called to serve as Missionaries, and by those who are considered normal members. Fourth, the power of the Prophets, and their status as leaders and teachers of this church. Finally, fifth, the ability to receive revelation and instruction from God, the Eternal Father, either personally by personal prays and scripture study, or generally by those who sit in higher seats of authority, like the Prophets, Bishops, and Stake Presidents. All this led to the closing talk by Elder Bednar, aimed directly at the nonmembers watching the broadcast. I find it interesting that this Special Witness of Christ would call for such a subject as explaining who we are, and why we are so passionate about our church, but I have feeling that it was with good reason. Who knows? Perhaps, now, there are several thousand nonmembers who decided to listen in, and are now wondering about what Elder Bednar said, and thinking to themselves 'maybe I shouldn't slam the door in those missionaries faces the next time they come by.
Well, whatever the reason, this week was great. Though there were not many lessons given, there were many lessons learned, and I am feeling confident to start this next week off with even more fervor than before! The lessons taught in this last General Conference were truly God-given subjects and talks. I feel certain, that if we all take in what we learned this last General Conference, we will be able to make our endeavors as members of this church improve by ten-fold! By increasing our faith, seeking to serve, teaching those we love of our beliefs, following the words of the prophets, and gaining spiritual insight from our Father Above, I know that in these things, we shall be successful. That those we love and care for may understand the desires of our hearts, and gain their own sacred connections to Christ, is my solemn prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
That's it for this week. See you all again next Monday!
--Elder Z.S.Weber
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