Transfers And Thai Food

Hey Everyone,

Our mission had transfers this week. I am staying in Overland Park 1st ward with Elder Montoya as my trainer. But, our best bruh's Elder Mortensen and Elder Murdock are both leaving the Hickory Hills ward. Elder Mortensen left for his original mission in Leeds, England and Elder Murdock was transferred out of the area. I was able to give the departing prayer prior to them leaving and it was a difficult thing to see them go but I have great comfort in knowing that I will see them again. 

With the season turning to fall I have enjoyed seeing the trees gain more color as the leaves begin to turn. I'm excited to see the trees and plants change and become beautiful in the coming weeks and months. The temperature has finally come down which makes outside more bearable.  

We had dinner at the Frackrell's, a member's home here in our ward. They have a VERY FAT CAT named FAT LOUIE. This cat is unique because he likes to be around people. He wants his ears scratched all of the time when we are around him. The only, and biggest problem I have is that I am severely allergic to him. I can't stop sneezing and my nose starts to run. 

On Sunday we were asked by the Primary president if we would come into Primary and share how we are a Light to the World. It was an amazing spiritual experience and I really appreciated the opportunity to talk to the primary kids. 

This week out of the blue we got a phone call from a less active member of the ward, Brother Morton, who is going to school to become a chef. He was practicing his Thai food recipes and asked if we would come over and eat a plate of Thai chicken curry with rice for our lunch. Oh man! It was delicious and we really were impressed with his skills! An interesting story about Brother Morton. He has had a heart attack and when he was in the hospital and they took him into surgery they started giving him the drugs to put him asleep when all of a sudden the room lit up bright white, brighter and whiter than he had ever seen before in his life. And this next part really touched me and strengthened me, he said, "In the midst of this whiteness I felt the hand of God and felt a warmth like a blanket and I heard a distinct voice that said directly to me that I would be okay." When he told us this story I was near tears and I'm so happy he is here with us today. He attended Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and I was really proud of him!  

#PRAYFOREIGHT Update:

CARROLL: She and a ward member, Sister Ballentyne, asked to take us for ice cream and share our message at a park. The trip to the park was a bit scary because the sister didn't have her car in the proper turn lane and ended up turning anyway right into a crowded intersection. We were happy everyone made it to the park okay. Once at the park Carroll wanted to sit on a bench and didn't want to walk up and down the paths trying to find one. Staying where Elder Montoya could see me, I took off running carrying a bag of melting ice cream, trying to find a path with a bench. Finally we were able to share a message with her and after we were done, and because she grew up Methodist she said, "So Mormons and Methodists are the same?" We continued our discussion clarifying her questions. We hope to meet with her again. She is interested in attending Sacrament Meeting again. 

KATHLEEN: In our teaching with her this week she asked about the Role of Mary. We shared scriptures and a few messages from talks about women in the Church. She asked us about "Lilith" and we explained we don't have a woman named Lilith. 

BOOMATAY FAMILY: Wow, we had an amazing lesson with this elect family! We taught them about the importance of being baptized and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Right now both mom and dad and of the three children are wanting to be baptized! We are super stoked for them! They have a few things that will delay their baptism, like a surgery one of them needs, but they are golden and want to be baptized. 

LUIS, CARLOS, JOHN: We weren't able to catch up with them this week. 

We had a few new referrals (Ryan, Jennifer and Susan) and placed a Book of Mormon with several people this week. 

That is my week! I am so happy to be a missionary and to be serving in the Missouri Independence Mission. I am right where I need to be!

And...I have a question for you to ponder...Are we agents who act? Or objects to be acted upon? 

Elder Mortensen

Pictures this week: 

KC Joe's Restaurant meal

Elder Montoya coveting the sister's mission car

Brother Morten's Thai food

Elder Montoya and I love the OFFICE

New District photos

Me and this teddy bear DOBERMAN