Maher-shal​al-hash-ba​z

Maher-shalal-hash-baz meaning in Hebrew, "To speed to the spoil, he hasteneth the prey".

Hello everyone!

Things have been very good here in Warner Robins. We've been very busy and the days have flown by. It's been crazy.

I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever catch up email-wise. In short, it's been amazing. My testimony has grown much and I feel like I've grown as a person. So it's been wonderful.

To bring you up to speed on Warner Robins and my companion- I'll focus on the basics.

Warner Robins is a military town and has a large air force base that most people work at or for. It's pretty nice but it's different as most people are very western. They're usually very open to talking to us which is nice. The ward is really good and they really support us. There is some great people here. =) I am trying to keep the fact I am leaving soon less known so pretty much the only people that know are the Spanish elders and a less active member named J (cool guy; I'm pretty convinced he can make almost anything).

Elder P is a good guy. He's only 18 as he left on his mission right after high school. It's kind of odd being almost 3 years older than him. Because at the same time we get along just fine and we're partners and equals and it feels that way.

The Spanish Elders are very fun and we work with them quite frequently. We spend much time with them. Sometimes we have dinner with them if we don't have a dinner appointment.

We've had some funny times and it's been a great experience.

We work with a few people but we need to meet with them more as they've been difficult to catch.

Really the top ones are:

K: A very nice young man who really looks on life with a negative outlook. He likes church but he works a lot and he really likes us. We're focusing on teaching him how to find happiness through the Gospel and really reading for himself.

V: is a nice guy who has many, many questions. He is a Jehovah's Witness who likes to look into everything. We're focusing on helping him realize he needs to go to God for his answers and really pray to know instead of going to the internet.

A and D: a nice family but they work a lot and they're hard to catch. We've been working on helping them have a family home evening with one of the ward members.

We've contacted many people and have found many promising potential investigators. So I'll let you know how it goes. We've also really been making some headway with some less active families. Particularly C. She's a very nice lady who joined a few years ago and her husband (who is currently deployed) is not a member. She's been coming back to church with her 3 kids which makes it very difficult for her since she's all by herself. She is really starting to understand the Book of Mormon and we've been explaining and reading it with her. It was really cool to see her get it. =)

Highlights of the week:

Zone Training was pretty cool. We drove to Macon and enjoyed lessons about teaching by the Spirit, goals and actuals, and building relationships with ward members and leaders.

Pictures:

The first one is our apartment

The second one was dinner with the Spanish Elders

1 Timothy 1:5 and Mosiah 2:4

The goal of all the commandments are charity. Obedience really is love in every sense of the word. It's to put our needs or our will aside in favor of someone else's.

LOVE Y'ALL! =)

Elder Matthew Carlson

No time for a title this week

Where to start? I don't even know.

It's been such a crazy busy week and so much has happened. I have 4 minutes and 33 seconds before I get booted off the computer.

My companion and I have been having some fun this week. We have a car every other week and this week was a bike week. So we biked and Warner Robins is pretty hilly.

We've been working with many people and I love it here.

Also- frog bars. What is the recipe for those? I'm think I'll make those and bring them to district meeting for my birthday as it's on a Tuesday.

But I feel as though now I finally understand what it means to sing the song of redeeming love. Throughout this week my consciousness has reverberated with the inspired words of one of my beloved hymns.

The chains are gone,
I've been set free.
My Lord, My Savior has ransomed me.
and like a flood his mercy makes
unending love, amazing grace.

It is my testimony that through Jesus Christ we are truly set free.

Elder Matthew Carlson

Warner Robins!

So- funny story.

Monday was labor day and as a result, most libraries were closed. However, Elder S and I emailed at the family history center. So the zone leaders sent out a text to people telling them if they couldn't email Monday to do it on Wednesday or Tuesday. Elder P (my new companion) didn't email to Monday nor did he have the opportunity to on Tuesday due to transfers. So we're at the library now with the Spanish Elders and it is packed!

Anyway- you're probably extremely curious to see where I am (if you haven't figured it out already by calling the mission office). I am in Warner Robbins 2nd Ward. It's a nice ward and a larger town. It has a large military base and as such, has many military families. My companion is Elder P, he's from Lehi, Utah. He kind of reminds me of Elder W and he's taller than I am. He likes basketball and is pretty cool. Kind of quiet and chill and a little laid back but he's well adjusted to the mission especially considering that he's only been out for 6 weeks. We'll see how things go but I'm excited and determined to make the best of these last few weeks. I'm trying to not tell anyone that I'm going home in 6 weeks- partially because I want it to be a surprise but also because I don't want people not to get to know me because I'm leaving soon. I feel I can make an impact in a short period of time. I just need to have the faith it will happen and do my part.

Tuesday was transfer day and it was much different than I am used to. I'm used to more of the van coming to pick us up and meeting in parking lots throughout the South. This time, everyone drove up to Macon. It was tough to get a ride since we need a way to get my bike up there and most of the ward was unavailable or out of town. President Spikes gave us a ride and Douglas 1st took my bike up there. It was a new experience for only a few as I was 1 of 12 or so companionships that were not transferred last transferred. There was a meeting at 10am for the trainers that was about being a friend and example to new missionaries and really being careful not to pop their balloon so to speak. Then there was lunch (baked potato and salad) and I enjoyed some time with Elder S and Elder W. It was fun. Then the transfer meeting came. I was pretty anxious by this point. He pulled down the screen in the chapel and had a projector with areas and pictures of the missionaries. He would announce and the assistants would advance the slides to make the pictures appear. It was pretty funny as President Cottle has many funny jokes and is just a naturally funny person.

I hope you are all well. =)
Elder Matthew Carlson

The Last Transfer

Well- this is it.

The final transfer.

Looking back, you never really think this day is going to come. But somehow it did. Regardless- I have been working very very hard. Sorry Mom and Dad but probably for the first day or so I might be asleep for a long time.

Anyway- I really don't have much time. We have little time as I am getting transferred. But things are going really good here in Tifton aside from all the packing and cleaning I have to have done by Tuesday morning which I haven't really started on.

The highlight of the week would definitely be last night at the church with the B's. They've been a little nervous about coming to church as they know it's going to be different than what they are used to but they really like us and the things we share. We stopped by the house after biking really, really fast (we saw D and we got talking). We all hopped in his truck and drove to the church. We unlocked the church and D stepped in. He stopped and looked around. All he said was, "Wow." I looked over and saw a tear in his eye. He was just really happy for the rest of the tour. We showed him the church and both he and J really liked it. Bishop stopped by (we had called and set up for him to drop by towards the end). He and D talked for a while about all the people they knew in Tifton but then he got into the good stuff. He asked how Elder S and I were doing teaching the Gospel. D replied that, "These guys are great. We love learning and every time they come over you can just feel the Holy Spirit." Bishop asked what he thought about the gospel. "I've been to a lot of different churches. But it makes sense- there is authority that is needed that was lost and it came back through Joseph Smith." I felt like I was on The District or something. It was amazing! Then J said, "I've got something to say! I went to a lot of churches and I really liked it there but I kind of felt like something was missing. But then these guys came and I feel in my heart this is it." It was just an awesome experience, I really do love them.

We called Bishop later when we got home and he is really excited and hopeful for them. He made the comment, "I think Jaycee would join tonight if it was a matter of asking." Keep in mind he has a thick thick southern accent.

Fun southern fact of the week: they actually call people from the north yankees.

Thank you! LOVE YOU! and I miss you all!

Elder Matthew Carlson

D, J, and Matthew

Faith is a principle of action!

Let me stretch my fingers- 'cause this is fixing to be a long email.

It's been pretty good in Tifton. I recently made my last planner as we are almost done with this transfer (we get the call this Saturday) and the brevity of my remaining mission time became much more apparent. I'm dealing with it.

I feel like I've made some significant improvements these past few weeks especially in talking to everyone we see. Elder S has been improving as well (he really doesn't like awkwardness and it's kind of awkward at first to stop and talk to people).

Thursday (8th) We walked much which was physically tiring but it was a very good day spiritually. Elder S had tried to replace his axle with the replacement part but found the part was 1/4" too short and it just wasn't going to work. We prepared for the day with studies and I decided to try some stuff I found in the apartment called "Anti-Monkey-Butt". I think it worked. We went to R's, a man we had found earlier, and he was actually there. He was very nice and we taught the restoration. I think he gets the Book of Mormon but he's pretty content where he is and doesn't quite get the whole authority thing and he's just skeptical. Still a good lesson. I tried the pulled pork sandwich at Subway (it was okay- not as amazing as I thought). Then we walked down to the jail and on the way, we ran into the F's.

Outside the jail we found a large ravine.

The F's gave us a ride the rest of the way and we got ice cream cones from Sonic (they were very good). The F's just make me laugh (they're really funny together- they're sort of like Grandma and Grandpa Carlson except Brother F is only semi retired). We talked to the C's and talked to her about getting an axle from the Tallahassee bike shop since she would be going down there to visit family that weekend. We gave her the axle to help her procure the new one. The C's are awesome. We were dropped off pretty close to the jail and saw A. He is the son of an investigator being taught by the Douglas Elders. He was an undercover cop for a number of years but unfortunately got involved in the drugs he was supposed to be busting. He has been reading the Bible in the jail and has really come to Christ much more and understand it applies to him today. He's a good guy and is quite smart. We helped teach a very powerful lesson about the Atonement (I say helped since it wasn't us) and the Spirit was there very strongly. It was an amazing contrast- it was a little tiny room with a small table and three chairs, bulletproof glass, and a buzzer on the wall to let the guards know to unlock the doors. You could hear the clank of chains and there was one person screaming but in that small concrete room there was peace. He even teared up at a few points and he really enjoyed it. After walking back home, I had a cold shower and some dinner.

Friday (9th) was zone conference in Douglas. The G's were VERY nice and gave us a ride there (it's a good hour drive and a 6 hour meeting). They stayed for the whole thing so they could give us a ride home. It was very good and I learned a lot. I was impressed- President Cottle does know what he's doing. He's the right man for the job. The highlight and focus of the conference was the Book of Mormon. It was funny as they had an easel covered up with a sheet. They really hyped it up- "This is a tool we're unveiling today. Prophets have said this is how the work is going to move forward and it's going to bless lives everywhere!" It was a copy of the Book of Mormon. President Cottle challenged us to read it in 90 days (I don't have 90 days so I'll probably still be working on it at home). It was really fun to see Elder Y and sit by him. I was sad to not see Elder W (he had been transferred up to South Carolina). I had a long chat with Dr. Rose- everything from feet to medical school to Boston. He told me that I would be very successful and that I would be very good in the medical field. I explained that engineering was my current field and we talked about biomedical engineering. I might look into it when I get back. I also kind of want to go to Boston... Anyway- we got back to Tifton after a long drive and had dinner at the T's. We had homemade rolls and fried green tomatoes (really good by the way). We weekly planned and that was the day.

Saturday(10th) was a good day. We had powerful lessons, manifestations of the Spirit, and blessings. We had a really good lesson with J. President Spikes was there and it went really well. We mostly discussed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we showed him the baptismal font and everything. He really wants to be baptized and he just has a lot of opposition against him. He asked for a blessing so we gave him one. We rode up to Fitzgerald with Brother B and had lunch and dinner with the B's (it was a mix up with the dinner calendar). It was a pretty good day and we talked to many people.

Sunday (11th) was a day that I will never forget. Simply for one reason: D and J. The day started out a bit rough. Early that morning we got a text from J telling us that his friend was in a car wreck and he was in the OR waiting for her to wake up and wasn't going to make it to church unless she woke up. Church was good though. I just wish J and the 5 other people we invited would have come. I think the ward is liking us more though =). We tried people and went with Brother S to see someone. They're not really interested but a nice family. After a quick dinner we walked to D's (it's a 10 minute walk). We knocked on the door and it was just C (his son). We talked for a minute or two as D wasn't home and then started to leave when D pulled up. So we came inside and we had an amazing lesson! We taught the restoration and C sat down and listened too (usually he isn't there or busy so he hasn't really listened before- he was very attentive though). We covered it at a good depth and at a very rapid pace so C was a little confused but I think he got it. It was 9:15 so we told them we had to go then J asked if she could walk with us back to our apartment since she had some questions. I don't know why I didn't see anything wrong with two missionaries walking back to their apartment with a 17 year old girl at 9:00 at night but I said okay (Elder S did though). She had some very good questions! She told us how she had prayed about it (she really liked the whole pray to know confirmation thing) and she had felt a happiness she had never felt before and it had changed her life! She knew it was true! It was really cool. Then she asked "What do I do?" We talked about baptism briefly (we didn't want to get too into it without her dad there) and about missions- she wants to serve one. Then we saw a shooting star (I actually just missed it) and she asked for a hug. I was tempted but my missionary judgement said that would not be so wise so I explained I was almost done and would come back and give her a hug then. It was just an awesome night.

Monday (12th) preparation days are usually kind of bittersweet. You enjoy the day because of email, shopping, and just chilling but you just aren't as happy. You get all that stuff done and it's like, "Now what?". It was still an okay day- I was going to call many people but didn't do it so I was little hard on myself about that. I drew some funny picture for Elder Y since he doesn't get any mail anymore =( He loves Batman so I usually draw something about Elder Batman- Batman as a missionary.

We tried people but no one really answered. We borrowed Sister S's bike for Elder S to ride while we waited for the part from Tallahassee.

Tuesday (13th) was the day of blessings. We gave 9 blessings. It was crazy. We had many great appointments today but they all fell through except the P's- the Baptist preacher couple. They're really nice but they have a way of twisting things around. They gave us each monkey bread that was really good. District Meeting was enjoyable as Elder T does a very good job. It was about accountability, expectations, and finding people. We went with Brother B to see some less active families and give some blessings. We blessed all the kids as well as the Mom since they don't have a Priesthood holder in their home. We borrowed some work clothes from Brother B (it was spur of the moment kind of thing) and painted with the Sisters.

Wednesday (14th) was a busy day- we had some good success. We had a lesson with S and his friend P at a Japanese restaurant (they're two students at ABAC and both are very involved in their churches). We talked mostly about the Spirit World which they were just not grasping. Their Bibles had little interpretations in the margins that just made the verses we used garbley-gook. It was a little frustrating- they just refused to believe that God would give anyone a chance who didn't hear about the Savior in their lifetime. It was sad really. We visited A in jail and he looked much happier and he was really enjoying the Book of Mormon. We taught the restoration and he enjoyed that. He made the comment, "Man- I really enjoy you guys. In the last 10 minutes you've answered probably 50 questions I've always had. I didn't even really know what an Apostle really did". It was cool. We tried to see A but he rescheduled. We saw J who asked us about Nehemiah. We figured it was Nehemiah in the Bible but he actually meant Nephi. We met another guy named S who was pretty funny. He told us some Bible stories and asked how he could be strong enough to overcome temptation. He would spell out a lot of his words (he was a very good speller). It was kind of funny when he told us the story of Samson and how he pushed the pillars down- S put his hands against the pillars of the store and pretended to push them over. He also told us about parallel lines and how they go on for forever. He stuck his hands out and started spinning in a circle. Very nice guy though. We were going to go over to D's but C broke his ankle and he was at the ER. We offered to give him a blessing and we did so after coordination meeting. The Spirit was there very powerfully and it was a good visit. C after the blessing said, "I don't know what they did but I feel better." He laid his head down off the edge of the little bed and the nurse came in and asked "Is that comfortable?" He kind of looked at her and said "Yeah. It probably won't be in a few minutes though." It was just funny. I love their whole family.

Well- looks like I'm still not caught up. Maybe someday.

I love you all and miss you so much but it's awesome being here! I'm learning and growing but I don't have much time. I have so much to tell you it's not even funny. So until then,

All my love,
Elder Matthew Carlson

Where to Start?

This is going to be a tough letter to write. So much has happened. I sometimes wish I could just strap my camera to my helmet or shoulder and you would just be able to watch it all but I think people would probably think I was weird and the missionary department would probably frown upon that.

I'll do my best though. =)

We begin at the first day of August.

Thursday (1st) was a tiring day. We biked 22 miles and had some stuff fall through. We thought we had a packed day as we had 3 or 4 appointments in the morning all back to back but they all fell through. We went to McDonald's to use our free coupons and I got a Dulce de Leche shake which was actually really good- mostly it was just caramel. We had an appointment with T who called and cancelled while we are at Brother J's getting ready to head over there with Brother J. He was such a trooper though- he had a bad toothache and called us. "Do y'all really need me to go see T with you guys?" We explained we kind of did and he said "Okay. I'll be ready." I felt really bad for making him go but he's just awesome. We talked for a bit and left. We weekly planned for a good bit and then met President S to go see R- a very nice guy who mostly speaks Spanish (which President S happens to speak). We mostly talked to his wife since he was still at work. Afterwards he was nice enough to take us to Walmart to get some new cables (I had snapped my shifter cable). There was a dad and a son sitting in the back of the truck and I started talking to them in the parking lot. They were very nice and talked about how important family is to them. I didn't give them a card though. I saw Elder S getting in the car and I ended the conversation and walked back to the car as I thought we were leaving and we were still on Walmart property (we can get in trouble for proselytizing). Turns out Elder S was getting a card out of his backpack. I felt really bad about it the rest of the night- I just felt like I chickened out. =(

Friday (2nd) was a long day. We got a ride with Brother T to zone training in Douglas, Georgia. It was kind of different than what I'm used to. We mainly talked about baptism and how important it is and we talked about giving people calenders and putting their committed dates on it before you give it to them. There was some powerful testimonies given as Elder R and Elder H are headed home this Wednesday (the 21st). We went to DQ afterwards and got some dinner. We met Sister G's sister there (Sister G is the one that we gave the blessing to a few weeks prior that had tumors on her brain stem). We took a picture and a little video of us to send to her since that would cheer her up. We came back and fixed bikes which was frustrating- the instructions were not very long and very unspecific. We did take care of some things though. We had dinner at the T's which I always enjoy. Our plan was to go visit D who was unfortunately caught at work but we talked to his roommate, D who was very nice. He wasn't really interested at first but we had a good talk and it turned to the Book of Mormon. He took a copy and seemed pretty committed to reading it. Hopefully he'll read it. He works 3 jobs and is headed to college here pretty soon to be an RN.

Saturday (3rd) we spent most of the day in Fitzgerald. Before we left, we had a good lesson with Brother M. Elder S had thought of an analogy and he really liked it. It was about repentance. He started, "Brother M- if you could have a car which one would it be." "Probably a nice truck." "Like a GMC or a Dodge?" "Probably a Chevy". "So imagine a brand new 2013 Chevy. New seats, fully loaded, a little lift but not too much. And you put a banana in the passenger seat. And you let it sit there. What's going to happen?" "It's going to get moldy." We then explained how sin gets in our lives and it stinks up our lives (our car) but it's on the inside. We need to not only get rid of the banana but also get rid of the smell with something that will not only cover the smell but eliminate it. We related it all back to the Atonement. He enjoyed it but I just don't know what stops him from coming to church.

It was funny during lunch as Elder S was making Top Ramen. He has these little air freshener things and it was put on top the microwave right in front of the cabinet door. I opened the cabinet and off went the air freshener. It fell right into his Top Ramen. We both stared at it for a few seconds and then Elder S moved back and I fished it out. I had a good laugh but he didn't. His soup was ruined- it smelled really weird. We got a ride up to Fitzgerald with the F's (they're really funny). We had a fun day with the B's who, due to a miscommunication, had us over for lunch as well as dinner. We talked to several people and got in contact with some people we had talked to previously. Turns out she doesn't want to investigate since her husband is very opposed and threw her Book of Mormon away. She's pretty interested but doesn't want to create tension in her family. We also saw Brother K's new purchase (he has a very cool man cave).

He has an old self playing piano that is really cool as well.

Sunday (4th) was a pretty good day. Fast and testimony meeting was good and I enjoyed it. We gave the lesson in Priesthood- it was about conversion. After church, we saw a few people and visited the S's who offered us taco salad. It was almost time to head in for dinner so we accepted- it was really good! It was just salad, olives, taco meat, tomatoes, crushed up Doritos, and thousand island dressing. We met some atheist guys and had a really long conversation with them. Basically he won't take anything short of proof but proof can't exist because proof has to be scientifically based. It was a confusing conversation. We did meet someone that Elder S had stopped and talked to on the street previously which was really cool. It also turns out that he's M's brother.

Monday (5th) food, email, and shopping were the main focuses of today. I ate a ton! We went to a old time country buffet with the F's and it was really good. Their fried okra was amazing. Usually I don't like okra but this stuff was good. Their banana pudding was alright. I didn't like the pork rinds though- too hard. Elder S needed some pants so we spent a long time in Belk's and Beall's looking for pants. I wasn't feeling all that good so I endured. We went to Sister N's to give her a blessing as the F's had mentioned that her back was giving her some real problems. We called and she was thinking about asking for one but didn't want to bother us (that's sister N for you). We walked in and I knew that I was supposed to give the blessing. We asked if she had any preference and she asked Brother N and he asked me to do it. It was a very powerful blessing and it was a pretty amazing experience. We did some more contacting and met one nice guy who was working on his lawn but invited us back. He wished us a nice day with a loud, "Joseph Smith be with you!". We waved goodbye and I turned away so he wouldn't see my big smile. I thought it was funny. I also saw a bird bath with lots of cats in it. It was pretty funny.

Tuesday (6th) another day another buffet. For lunch the B's took us to a Chinese restaurant and they had some pretty good sushi which I enjoyed. I had been missing it. We met someone who knew the P's very well and what was funnier was we stopped by the P's for a few minutes because we had some extra time (10 minutes) and they were there. They're very nice but also very Baptist so we'll see. We had an okay lesson with D. It was the plan of salvation but we talked too much and he hadn't read. We talked about being baptized and he told us about how he's already been baptized. The Book of Mormon is vital to people making progress.

Wednesday (7th) we walked a lot today (12-15 miles). Elder S snapped his back axle trying to make his wheel less wobbly. Regardless, we had some very cool miracles today. We got a call out of the blue from J which was awesome! He had fallen off the face of the earth but he thanked us for repeatedly calling him. His life fell apart and he lost his grandpa and turned back to his old ways but it's okay- he's done with that now. We also met Mike C who gave us a ride which was great since he had disappeared as well. He asked Elder S how long he had been in Tifton. "A month." "A month? I was thinking it had been a week! Has it really been that long?" It was a pretty good day even though I sweated a lot. I figured Christ sweated drops of blood for me, I can sweat a little for him.

Well- maybe someday I'll catch up. =(

We had Elder Andersen come and he gave a good talk to all the missionaries. It was amazing to met him- he's very humble and kind. Shaking his hand was just like shaking the hand of President Cottle.

It's been an amazing week and I can't wait to tell you about it in detail someday. I'm learning so much and trying to talk to everyone I see. It's amazing really.

I love and miss you all!

Elder Matthew Carlson

Old Man Stage

I think at this point of the mission, I'm about 86 in missionary years. That kind of makes me an old man. But this old man is feeling pretty good. Things have been good even if we had some unique challenges but I'll get to that somehow. I do sincerely apologize for a lack of current events. I keep wanting to tell you everything but I'm kind of behind. I'll do my best to catch up though.

I'll do some brief catching up:

Friday (26th) was weekly planning and we talked to people. Elder S made brownies for the lawyer whose car he had hit since he felt bad. We dropped them off but the head lawyer was the only one there. Apparently everyone in law offices leave at 12 on Fridays. Anyway, we had a great dinner with the R's- they're way cool. We made copies of a form that we needed and the printer was running out of ink and not working in one section so I took out the cartridge and shook it a bit. I then noticed there was toner everywhere on me! On the bright side the printer worked fine and the shirt came clean with some help from Oxiclean.

Saturday (27th) was tiring. We had a move for Sister D. We rode our bikes in service clothes which felt really weird. I accidentally stood in an ant hill and got quite a few bites which itched. I made a chocolate milkshake for lunch as well as some real food. We had a good lesson with A. The Spirit truly directs us though as we found A- someone who we had knocked on his door on a few times previously and no one had answered but he was home and we had a good chat with him. We had dinner at the S's but it was more of a birthday party. Really good food though.

Sunday (28th) we spent some time early before church cleaning and flushing out the baptismal font. They fixed the rust problem so it was running pretty clear. The focus of church was being spiritually born of God and it was quite good. The baptism was for the F's 8 year old daughter. It went well. We were biking to an appointment when a jogger lady stopped us on the side of the freeway and she asked me, "How's preaching your fake gospel going?" I stopped my bike as I had just come up a hill and explained "It's not fake- it's the real thing." Then she went off for a long time how we're leading people astray with all sorts of Bible verses because it says in Revelation and in Deuteronomy that no one can add to or take away. I then asked her if we are leading people away then why would we ask people to read and pray about it. She told me she didn't want to listen to our sermon. She didn't look happy at all though and I mostly feel bad for her. I said a little prayer as we biked away. We had splits with Brother K our ward mission leader (who really reminds me of Alex Thomson in terms of personality as well as a little in looks). Most of our appointments fell through though. =( I did make onion rings though which were quite good (we have about 5 or 6 pounds of onions for some reason).

Monday (29th) we waited around in Walmart for a long time after shopping for the Sisters. We both were on tight budgets as it was the 5th Monday of the month. I made my planner cool looking which was cool.

We had dinner at the N's which was delicious. There was, as usual, a big pile of food. I actually really liked the fried okra she made which was breaded and delicious.

Tuesday (30th) was mostly spent walking. We went to A's- had a good lesson and while coming back to our bikes noticed that Elder S's bike tire was completely flat. We were about 6 miles from home so we started walking. I didn't mind though, I had a good attitude that it was all going to work out. We did stop at an auto repair shop to see if they could fill it up and they tried but it was just go flat in seconds. The guy filling it up was very nice and said that he had seen us a lot and he wanted to talk to us. We had ridden by a few times and I felt like I wanted to talk to him but we were late and by the time I made up my mind to talk to him so he was behind us a ways so we kept going. We walked back to the apartment and Elder S had a replacement tube so he replaced the tube and we had an enjoyable evening helping the U's repair their deck as the wood had rotted out quite a bit. Great family- they're just out of town most Sundays which is really sad. But we're working with them. They made us hamburgers and stuff for dinner which was really good and gave us a ride home just right before 9:30.

Wednesday (31st) I was tired but it was still good. Elder S's bike odometer hit 700 today making all in total about 500 miles biked in Tifton (he was at 187 when he first arrived a month ago). I had two really ripe bananas so I made banana bread- it was good. Michael entered the MTC which was great to hear and think about. We saw D since I had a feeling to go see him (it was his day off) so we talked for a bit. We were biking to the hospital when some people walked out and saw us and said, "ELDERS!" I stopped, thinking this was going to be either really good or not good. Turns out they were members from the Douglas 1st ward and needed a blessing for her daughter-in-law who had just found out she had tumors on her brain stem. She is a young mother with a 2 year old son and very nice husband. It was an honor to be able to assist to give that very powerful blessing. Her husband did the actual blessing but the Spirit there was incredible. We then visited a member of a ward in the hospital who isn't doing as well (he was who we originally went there for). We met a nice young lady named K. We talked for a while and it turns out missionaries had knocked on her door but never came back which she was kind of sad about. She does work a night job which makes her very hard to catch though. We had Zaxby's for dinner (fried chicken tenders, french fries, toast, and coleslaw all with special sauce) and then a coordination meeting. We were going to see D but J was in a car wreck and had flipped her car 4 times. Luckily she was just fine, just shook up.

I know I promised I'll catch up and I will try harder next time. Things have been going great! We had an amazing experience the other day and D and J and her brother are doing amazing! It truly was a testimony to me that the Lord has people for us and that people truly need what we have- they just don't know it. We had a lesson with D and it was funny since his son who had been gone the last few lessons sat down and he was getting really interested but the poor guy was kind of confused but he was getting it. We left since it was 9:15. We started walking home (another thing- Elder S snapped the axle on his bike so we've been walking everywhere. But we've been blessed) and J asked if she could ask us some questions. We walked and talked. She basically prayed and got an answer and she felt a happiness she had never felt before in her entire life and she knows that the things we share are true and it has changed her life. It was pretty amazing. We testified and told her now she knows she needs to act. It was an amazing moment for me. Then we parted ways as we were headed back to our apartment and she was headed back home. She asked "I know y'all have rules and stuff but would it be alright to ask for a hug?" I looked at Elder S and then at J. 17 year old girl, 9:25 or so, 2 Mormon missionaries. I told her, "Sorry but not right now. But I promise you when I come back- since I will come back and visit y'all- I will give you a hug." It was a great day.

I know the Lord is willing to help us and speak through us. My words are not my own but the ones of Him who sent me. It's been amazing week of struggle but it's been an amazing week of blessings such that I do not look at the hard things as hard. I look at them as blessings in disguise.

I love you all. But I love it here too.

Elder Matthew Carlson