Week 94

Hey everyone!

This is officially my last Monday P-day! So, enjoy this while it lasts. Next week, I will most likely send out an email on Thursday, so make sure you set your alarms and are refreshing your email constantly.

Man, this week was interesting! I always love how every week has something different because it always keeps me on my toes. We had a lot of stuff to do this week setting up Zone Conference. We took a lot of time setting up and taking down each day, but in the end, it was really good to see all of our friends. This week is our Zone Conference, and we will be attending the temple with our Mission President and his wife before they go home in just a short 3 weeks. Time flies! He has helped me a lot, and I appreciate that man a lot, so it is only right that we go to the temple with him.

Something so awesome that I just love about Reno is all of the amazing things I would never see in Utah. Nevada is only a state over, and in fact, it's only an 8-hour drive, and the things I see here don't cease to shock me. Just yesterday, we pulled up to a 4-way stop in downtown Reno on 4th street. That is the first red flag. I look to my right and I see this woman (who is not dressed very modestly) with sunglasses begin to walk over to the passenger side window where I was sitting. It took all of maybe 2 seconds for it to click in my head that a prostitute was coming our way and wanted business. I look to my companion and go, "ELDER, GUN IT!" Next thing I know, we skirt off to the side, and that poor prostitute continues her search. Man, I must have her fooled with my suit and tie on because she would be real disappointed when she found out how much money I actually have.

We have been working closely still with our friend Crystal, and it is getting closer and closer to her day to be baptized. She has one hold-up we have been dialing in to help her out with. If you could keep her in your prayers, I would greatly appreciate it. She has such a happy tone to her, and she is pretty funny. Her mom, Hilda, is a dedicated woman, not only to the faith but to her family. She wants all of her children to experience the joy of the Gospel, and it makes me so happy to be a part of that.

Why does time have to go by so fast? Does anyone know why? If you do, please tell me because I feel like I am being robbed here. It seems like just a month ago I was 18 years old getting on a plane to Reno, Nevada. I was so scared to be on my own, talk to random strangers every day, learn a new language, and have my faith be tested. However, something I was solid on was that my Heavenly Father would carry me. He has helped me beyond my own comprehension. I have no idea who I would be if I didn't put my faith in Him enough to leave everything behind for 2 years. I have been studying a lot recently about why it is so important to endure. It is the last principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all asked to endure because it is the part that requires Him the most. We are enduring most of our lives, and we are all capable of doing it with the Savior's help. I am tired. I am weak. I am holding on. All of these things become irrelevant when I remember that Jesus died so that I didn't have to do this alone. He is with me and with you always.

I am excited for these next 8 weeks. I don't know exactly what they will all entail, but I know that I am excited. Life is going to be great, and I know I am here to fulfill a purpose. I appreciate all the support I have received these past 94 weeks from all of those who receive this email. Know that I recognize all of the care and love you have sent me while I have served the Lord. May God bless you in every way for your selfless service in His behalf, and may we all continue to endure to the end together.

(I got my film back from my disposable camera, so here are some of those pictures)

2 Nephi 31:20 - Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.