Final Update
This week has definitely been one of the most memorable ones. It being testimony meeting, I testified of the truth and divinity of the message being taught. Everyone is sad to see me go, which in turn almost made me cry. Everyone was getting emotional even us 6 missionaries. I have had an impact here and everyone will remember me for it. The mission has been great. Looking forward to retelling some of the adventures which were had
Elder Terre Kieffer Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on the Earth!!!
Jun 2, 2014
Jun 1, 2014
May 26, 2014
This week has definitely been one of those that will go in
the history
books as one that will never be forgotten. Recently we were challenged
as a mission from President Andersen to do one hour of tracting per
day and the miracles coming from it will be substantial. Slowly
starting to see the miracles occur.
Wednesday after district meeting, I had the wonderful opportunity to
return to the "land of my birth", being Hopkinsville for a few days
due to an exchange. Talk about reliving the past for a few days. Just
walking into the Taj Mahal brought back so many memories. My signature
indicating I've served in Hoptown has nearly faded away, but I put
another coat of ink on it, so now it will last a little bit longer. So
many people to see to inform them of my mission nearing completion,
but so little time. Said hi and bye to the Mobleys, John Brown,
Carmchaels, Wises, Neal Agosto, and even Patriarch Fears the legendary
attorney in town. Wanted to say bye to Jenny Brown, and Matt and
Melissa Carroll, but was unable to visit due to no contact, somewhat
disappointed, but hopefully Matt may be able to attend the temple
session prior to me going home, that would be memorable, my first
convert participating in final temple session as missionary. The
Carmichaels little girl, Whitney, my mission time piece, is now
walking and talking, yep, it's definitely been two years. Can't
believe it's been that long.
After such a memorable time reliving the past I thought this week was
done: nope it gets better. Invited to attend an investigators
daughters "sweet 16" birthday party, we receive a text from another
investigator saying "were going fishing now, wanna come?" We purchase
a fishing license and go fishing for nearly 3 hours and used it as
another opportunity to fellowship the investigator. We recently did
due to helping him and his grandmother move into the empty apartment
downstairs. I was the only one of 5 of us fishing that caught a fish.
It was a Blue Gill, just like what was caught in Russellville. Even
named the fish, yes, named it Jesus.
That's not all the memories this week: HAD THE FIRST BAPTISM IN
CADIZ!!! It was also special due to having a Marion baptism as well,
two for the price of one. Joe Philips was happy as was the rest of us.
Due to having the iPads, the previous missionaries here who've served
in Marion, E Cottam and Roney were present via FaceTime, so everyone
was having a reunion with them.
Now for the fun adventure. Unfortunately we cannot do a all 6
missionaries game of bowling, but instead, us 4 (not sisters) and
Hoptown will be hiding to Nashville to do who knows what. Hope it's
something that isn't shopping, don't have the money and don't really
need anything.
Sorry for the quick update. Unable to send pics but will show in less
than 2 weeks. One more Pday and Sunday as a missionary. It will be
fun, quick and memorable
Sent from my iPad
books as one that will never be forgotten. Recently we were challenged
as a mission from President Andersen to do one hour of tracting per
day and the miracles coming from it will be substantial. Slowly
starting to see the miracles occur.
Wednesday after district meeting, I had the wonderful opportunity to
return to the "land of my birth", being Hopkinsville for a few days
due to an exchange. Talk about reliving the past for a few days. Just
walking into the Taj Mahal brought back so many memories. My signature
indicating I've served in Hoptown has nearly faded away, but I put
another coat of ink on it, so now it will last a little bit longer. So
many people to see to inform them of my mission nearing completion,
but so little time. Said hi and bye to the Mobleys, John Brown,
Carmchaels, Wises, Neal Agosto, and even Patriarch Fears the legendary
attorney in town. Wanted to say bye to Jenny Brown, and Matt and
Melissa Carroll, but was unable to visit due to no contact, somewhat
disappointed, but hopefully Matt may be able to attend the temple
session prior to me going home, that would be memorable, my first
convert participating in final temple session as missionary. The
Carmichaels little girl, Whitney, my mission time piece, is now
walking and talking, yep, it's definitely been two years. Can't
believe it's been that long.
After such a memorable time reliving the past I thought this week was
done: nope it gets better. Invited to attend an investigators
daughters "sweet 16" birthday party, we receive a text from another
investigator saying "were going fishing now, wanna come?" We purchase
a fishing license and go fishing for nearly 3 hours and used it as
another opportunity to fellowship the investigator. We recently did
due to helping him and his grandmother move into the empty apartment
downstairs. I was the only one of 5 of us fishing that caught a fish.
It was a Blue Gill, just like what was caught in Russellville. Even
named the fish, yes, named it Jesus.
That's not all the memories this week: HAD THE FIRST BAPTISM IN
CADIZ!!! It was also special due to having a Marion baptism as well,
two for the price of one. Joe Philips was happy as was the rest of us.
Due to having the iPads, the previous missionaries here who've served
in Marion, E Cottam and Roney were present via FaceTime, so everyone
was having a reunion with them.
Now for the fun adventure. Unfortunately we cannot do a all 6
missionaries game of bowling, but instead, us 4 (not sisters) and
Hoptown will be hiding to Nashville to do who knows what. Hope it's
something that isn't shopping, don't have the money and don't really
need anything.
Sorry for the quick update. Unable to send pics but will show in less
than 2 weeks. One more Pday and Sunday as a missionary. It will be
fun, quick and memorable
Sent from my iPad
May 19, 2014
To
sum up this week in two words, it would be hectic and service. Trying to send
packages home to enable me to be in the "recommended" weight limit
for flight home, which was done sucessfully. One box i was going to use would
have cost nearly $50 to send, luckily, the post worker let me reorganize it
into a flat rate. Phew...crisis averted
Helped with Kay
Stegman varnish her front deck. Nearly 4 hours later, she feeds us and gives us
each a free fishing pole, now we need to find a lake or get our permit to fish.
Attempted the FHE again, unfortunately it was another bust. We will need to start
resending the "mass text" FHE reminders so everyone can attend.
Decided to have another slumber party to save mileage with Marion. Lately ive
been having this rash-like-itch which i am trying to get rid of, but when i
sleep, sometimes i itch during the night, thats what a Benedryl is for. Trying
everything to get rid of it, even contacted the mission doctors. Thinking is a
large attack of chiggers, but not so sure, were workin on fixin it.
After D Meeting, had
the realization that I have only one more left before im home. This upcomming
week will have one, then final wednesday before flight home is Interviews which
override the meeting. Gonna be a spiritual meeting for sure.
Had some great visits
with a few people. Set a 4th baptismal date with Rebekah. However, we goofed in
setting it for August rather than July, but it can always be moved forward.
Helped an investigator
move his grandmother into the vacant apartment beneath us. The day of the
service, the Zone Leaders text inquiring if could join us for
studies...uhh...never done it with zone leaders before, stated we were doing
service which should have started around 9, but didnt till nearly 11. Helping
her move in, it touched her heart in which she responded that she will join us
for church services soon
Visited with Joe
Philips whom lives with the Parkers, whom is on schedule for baptism NEXT
SUNDAY, the first one in Cadiz!!! Exchanges are occurring this week and Im
heading BACK TO HOPTOWN while the DL comes and interviews Joe. Ill miss out in
the meal, but having a reunion with those whom i first met before i head home
will be great and memorable.
Helped a member move
out. Reminded me of the Gallatin move. However, this one it was one moving, but
she is still moving cross country to Cheyenne Wyoming.
Trackted and found
someone who may potentially be taught. Asked for service and/or referrals in
which he responded his neighbor is old and my like some, we offer, in which she
accepts. Service always have a way to soften everyones heart.
Sunday was very
spiritual. We had a special guest attend the services, the first councelor of
the mission presidency. Due to his attendance, all 6 of us missionaries sang.
Loved every minute of it
So this week, other
than service and my continual itching, all has been well. I find it ironic that
E Rivera was talking about hiking Bells Canyon and "accidentally"
found a geocache yet my family just hiked it and is convincing me to do the
hike. Not to say im trunkie, but i am. On the iPad, my wallpapers are that of
the Manti Temple due to attending the pagaent. Due to amount of time in the
Manti region, a session may not be possible, but just walking into it to take
part of the Spirit within is something that i hope will be done.
This upcomming week
due to the exchange will be memorable. Cant wait for it to occur. Till next
time
May 5, 2014
Monday was a fairly fun day, unfortunately no tornados were spotted nor landed anywheres near me. Rumor had it that one touched down in Pulaski, where E Lofthouse was transferred to, but i have no verification of that. Had lunch with President Craig, the former bishop of the Hopkinsville ward. They are both simply amazing. Talk about a motivational Stake President, due to him starting as bishop at 25ish, and is currently stake president at 35, odds are he may become some high-up authority if he is going up this rate. Then of course, ended the day antique shopping. These things im now a fan of, may do more lookin around when home, or get into the American Pickers TV series on History Channel
Visited with Keana again. Shes still workin on quitting smoking, but we instigated another program which should work out for her, and with it, we also set a baptismal date with her for the final Sunday of my mission, JUNE 1
Received a notice in the mail from Salt Lake informing us of a recall of some Chevy Cruze models, got it serviced, with no error or glitch detected...phew crisis averted. Attended the FHE where including us was 10 total, with one investigator, Joe. Lo and behold, he actually attended church with the Parkers (were present as well) when they lived in Hoptown for ONE YEAR. We had conversations with the Parkers and they were expressing the possibility of a baptism here, so at the FHE, we set a date with him for MAY 25, yes you read right, 2 dates set within 72 hours apart. This area is finally picking up speed
After the FHE, we reviewed the mileage situation and realized that we may not be able to attend the District Meeting, but the idea was mentioned in which we achieved that we drive to Princeton and park the vehicle to carpool back to Marions apartment to spend the night only to carpool with all 6 missionaries to D Meeting, then head back to Princeton to pick up vehicle and drive home. Tallying up the numbers, its more effective to drive 42 miles over 2 days time rather than 35 in one day. Im grateful the idea was mentioned or else we wouldnt have been able to really do anything the last few days of the month, thank goodness for a new month when the mileage resets. YEAY
This week we have been trying to offer service to just about everybody we contact. Have a few projects planned and will hopefully fall through. E Rivera had a moment at home that service clicked within his mind, so thats been one thing hes been trying to achieve here. Heard a story of a missionary in a Canada mission lately where his teaching pool was relatively small (like unto Cadiz) and they decided to build and advertise FREE SERVICE SIGNS with the phone number on them, through it, the teaching pool nearly doubled and everything was going better afterwards. Due to me mentioning that story, we may attempt it, just need to go to Walmart (which Cadiz doesnt have) and purchase the supplies needed.
Something that i have sincerely gained a testimony of is the temple. Back at home, i guess i took them for granted, but now i absolutely love and enjoy them. Looking online, another temple was recently dedicated in Fort Lauderdale Florida, which is simply amazing.
Saturday was a fun day of activities. Cadiz held is Spring Fling, where there were booths and vendors selling redneck merchandise. We decided to walk around to get our names and faces present. One guy made pens and manual razors with elk horns and bullet casings. We also decided to briefly look through a newly opened Antique Shop in which we havent walked through yet due to it moving and being closed for renovation. We walk around and see license plates. One goal of mine is to find a Tennessee and Kentucky license plate for the memory book, and i finally found both of them. After looking through nearly 5 antique stores, i finally find them. Most of the plates out here are either Illinois, Indiana, or Ontario Canada
We also were informed that today was the annual racing of the Kentucky Derby, COOL, unfortunately we were unable to watch it with the Spring Fling people because we were supposed to clean out the Parkers shed that night as well as partake in a meal. They knew about it on, so we walk in with the pre-race on, DANG those horses are quick. Reminding me to watch Seabiscuit and Secretariat when im home
Fast Sunday...it was an interesting one. E Rivera gets in a grumpy and ticked mood when hes hungry, due to it being fast Sunday had no different reaction. During the missionary singing rehearsal, he was hyper and there was nothing i could do to stop it. But all is well due to partaking in the Fast Sunday meal with the Millers, the former Stake President. After the meal, i realized i only have one more fast Sunday left in the mission, scary to think.
Two dates set, lots of service desired, the times in Cadiz are great, till next time. One more time calling home prior to permanently being home, cant wait for it
Till next time
April 28, 2014
Transfer meeting was very busy due to the entire mission being present. The group which went home was fairly large in size. One of the assistants (which came out with me but he was Spanish), E Weed, E Ahkava (from New Zealand), and many more. Sad to see them go, but that's what happens as a missionary, there will be a time to depart, and my time is rapidly approaching.
The guest speaker was great, Dan Clark payed 13 years of NFL football and claims to be an inspirational speaker rather than a motivational, due to motivational speakers speak only for temporary pleasure, while inspirational speakers speak for something that is lasting. Something he stated has resonated with me. He was also in the music industry, and he stated that all music (piano based) uses 12 notes ONLY, what makes all music in the world unique because of the order the notes are played in, the tempo of the beat, and ultimately the use of how many notes. Unfortunately due to our rides previous commitment, we walked out of the meeting 1/2 way through it. It has also come to my knowledge that there was even a mission wide photo taken, too bad that detail was not given or I think we would have found a ride which would have enabled us to participate in the photo. Due to the required a things of us and little time we had to perform them, no photos were taken with fellow missionaries I've enjoyed being around, which is unfortunate, because the next transfer meeting with me going home will be significantly smaller and odds are I will be unable to say bye to some of them.
Currently serving with E Rivera whom was born outside of Mexico City Mexico, but his last home prior to serving is Sandy Utah. He is only 3 months into the mission and previously served in the annexed part of the mission, that being Eldorado Illinois. Something interesting, we have the running joke within the companionship that I now have a bodyguard as a companion, he will protect me from any literal harm... I hope.
Participated in the Family Home Evening, in which 10 were present. Taught lesson two, that of the plan of salvation. To talk about the kingdoms, I used the analogy of Recess Peanut Butter Cups. They are sweet and delicious to the taste, for some one of them is sufficient to satisfy (comparable to lesser kingdom), some would rather have the default size (2 and comparable to middle kingdom), while the king size (4) represents the highest kingdom. Kind of wish I thought of this analogy month 2, nonetheless, everyone is talking to me about it saying they more understand the kingdoms due to the Recess analogy. Success story of the week. Remembering this is making my mouth water for the taste of Recess.
We get a text Thursday morning from a member of the Paducah Ward whom works in Cadiz in the newly opened chiropractic office. She takes us to lunch at the Cadiz Restaurant. Very simple diner, yet true to the southern style of cooking. When done, we inquire if it is possible for us to receive free back adjustments, she states come on over today and we will do it. All I can say is wow. I thought having my sister walk on my back pops every bone in back, nope I was wrong. So many pops I thought I was going to snap in half. Never had that done before, and oh does it feel good during and afterwards. Even scheduled a return visit in 6 weeks right before I return home. Talk about awesome.
Keena finally returned from being in Paducah at the hospital. She was only gone for 8 days, but for a missionary it felt like an eternity. Lo and behold, when we had the missionaries in Paducah visit her, E Rivera was one of them, so now we call it a sign that he knows her before the restart of teaching begins. She was diagnosed with COPD as well as with pneumonia. Luckily, E Rivera was an EMT back at home, so he was able to inform her of safety procedures and what to do to cope with the change due to the diagnosis.
Attempted to visit the Deloach house only to be turned away due to that night being the 'daddy daughter' dance, so all the girls were prepping for the night. However, we were able to reschedule a visit with someone in the family that seemed not interesting at all, to actually expressing sadness for whenever we come that she is too busy or not home when we are there. Returned and taught a spiritual lesson toe, and yes, I used the Recess Peanut Butter Cup analogy.
Had dinner with the Parker's. They are still saddened at the loss of E Lofthouse, but give it time and they will warm up to Rivera.
Sunday services were somewhat interesting at the beginning. The first and closing speakers were unable to be seen, luckily two new missionaries were transferred in and haven't really met either of them so they were told to speak briefly, I was inquired to speak, but right as the meeting began, the stake person designated to speak showed up eliminating me from the pulpit. Other that the small shake up, it was a good Sunday services.
Had a return visit with Keena. Taught her lesson two and set a BAPTISMAL DATE with her. Set it for June 1, my final Sunday in the mission. She still has to quit smoking, that's the reason why the date was set 6 weeks back to giver her a 'buffer' incase she slips. I'm happy for her. No better way to end the mission.
We were informed that us 6 missionaries will be singing for Sunday services in a few weeks when the Second Councelor in the Mission Presidency comes to address the congregation, rumor has it that President Andersen will even attend, no pressure on our part.
Weather sounds like its gonna be intense withing the next 24 hours, got my camera on me incase a tornado appears in the distance.
Till next time
The guest speaker was great, Dan Clark payed 13 years of NFL football and claims to be an inspirational speaker rather than a motivational, due to motivational speakers speak only for temporary pleasure, while inspirational speakers speak for something that is lasting. Something he stated has resonated with me. He was also in the music industry, and he stated that all music (piano based) uses 12 notes ONLY, what makes all music in the world unique because of the order the notes are played in, the tempo of the beat, and ultimately the use of how many notes. Unfortunately due to our rides previous commitment, we walked out of the meeting 1/2 way through it. It has also come to my knowledge that there was even a mission wide photo taken, too bad that detail was not given or I think we would have found a ride which would have enabled us to participate in the photo. Due to the required a things of us and little time we had to perform them, no photos were taken with fellow missionaries I've enjoyed being around, which is unfortunate, because the next transfer meeting with me going home will be significantly smaller and odds are I will be unable to say bye to some of them.
Currently serving with E Rivera whom was born outside of Mexico City Mexico, but his last home prior to serving is Sandy Utah. He is only 3 months into the mission and previously served in the annexed part of the mission, that being Eldorado Illinois. Something interesting, we have the running joke within the companionship that I now have a bodyguard as a companion, he will protect me from any literal harm... I hope.
Participated in the Family Home Evening, in which 10 were present. Taught lesson two, that of the plan of salvation. To talk about the kingdoms, I used the analogy of Recess Peanut Butter Cups. They are sweet and delicious to the taste, for some one of them is sufficient to satisfy (comparable to lesser kingdom), some would rather have the default size (2 and comparable to middle kingdom), while the king size (4) represents the highest kingdom. Kind of wish I thought of this analogy month 2, nonetheless, everyone is talking to me about it saying they more understand the kingdoms due to the Recess analogy. Success story of the week. Remembering this is making my mouth water for the taste of Recess.
We get a text Thursday morning from a member of the Paducah Ward whom works in Cadiz in the newly opened chiropractic office. She takes us to lunch at the Cadiz Restaurant. Very simple diner, yet true to the southern style of cooking. When done, we inquire if it is possible for us to receive free back adjustments, she states come on over today and we will do it. All I can say is wow. I thought having my sister walk on my back pops every bone in back, nope I was wrong. So many pops I thought I was going to snap in half. Never had that done before, and oh does it feel good during and afterwards. Even scheduled a return visit in 6 weeks right before I return home. Talk about awesome.
Keena finally returned from being in Paducah at the hospital. She was only gone for 8 days, but for a missionary it felt like an eternity. Lo and behold, when we had the missionaries in Paducah visit her, E Rivera was one of them, so now we call it a sign that he knows her before the restart of teaching begins. She was diagnosed with COPD as well as with pneumonia. Luckily, E Rivera was an EMT back at home, so he was able to inform her of safety procedures and what to do to cope with the change due to the diagnosis.
Attempted to visit the Deloach house only to be turned away due to that night being the 'daddy daughter' dance, so all the girls were prepping for the night. However, we were able to reschedule a visit with someone in the family that seemed not interesting at all, to actually expressing sadness for whenever we come that she is too busy or not home when we are there. Returned and taught a spiritual lesson toe, and yes, I used the Recess Peanut Butter Cup analogy.
Had dinner with the Parker's. They are still saddened at the loss of E Lofthouse, but give it time and they will warm up to Rivera.
Sunday services were somewhat interesting at the beginning. The first and closing speakers were unable to be seen, luckily two new missionaries were transferred in and haven't really met either of them so they were told to speak briefly, I was inquired to speak, but right as the meeting began, the stake person designated to speak showed up eliminating me from the pulpit. Other that the small shake up, it was a good Sunday services.
Had a return visit with Keena. Taught her lesson two and set a BAPTISMAL DATE with her. Set it for June 1, my final Sunday in the mission. She still has to quit smoking, that's the reason why the date was set 6 weeks back to giver her a 'buffer' incase she slips. I'm happy for her. No better way to end the mission.
We were informed that us 6 missionaries will be singing for Sunday services in a few weeks when the Second Councelor in the Mission Presidency comes to address the congregation, rumor has it that President Andersen will even attend, no pressure on our part.
Weather sounds like its gonna be intense withing the next 24 hours, got my camera on me incase a tornado appears in the distance.
Till next time
April 21, 2014
First things first: the pig is entirely painted now. It looks pretty legit. We even did the pink detail for the tail. Can't wait to put my legendary signature on it.
During the last few weeks, most of those whom we have been visiting decided to drop us nearly at the same time, so our people to visit list is dwindling quickly, so the last few days have nearly been dedicated entirely and finding new people to teach.
Tracting on Tuesday we contact Katie Weber. We get inside and E Lofthouse notices the photo of her brother in law and sister in which he recognized while serving in Elkton. Haven't had a small world moment like this one yet. She has a little bit of potential, keeping the fingers crossed.
The Family Home Evening this week was record setting. We had the largest attendance thus far of 16. This is wonderful news to see how far it has come and I am happy to be part of it. We are keeping records of the previous meetings attendance and it's amazing to see the growth from 6 to 16 within 6 weeks. Had 5 investigators present and 9 members, I'm still amazed as to how quickly it has grown and continues to do so.
District meeting again was memorable. One of the missionaries was a cowboy rancher at home, so he likened most cowboy and horse materials to the gospel. Due to it being the last week of the transfer, everyone took photos in case any changes were to come. Realized the Bishops, the military relations couple which started the mission while I was in Hopkinsville is ending their mission and will be heading home to Idaho. Man I am old. I remember when they started the mission and now I'm seeing them leave. Getting somewhat emotional realizing that I'm next on the "chopping block, and it is rapidly approaching.
Walking around again Thursday as well as Friday and found some more potentials. A interesting note. Due to it being the Easter season we've been recommended to share a Easter themed video the church released (the video on YouTube has 3.4 million views roughly) so while tracting we were recommended to share it. It's surprising to see how many people refuse to let us show a Easter and Christ themed video in commemoration of the holiday, that's one way to know they just aren't ready to receive good word yet.
Participated in the Easter Egg Hunt put on by the branch. There were nearly 65 total in attendance with 25 being children, talk about a decent sized group to go egg hunting. No i didn't go looking for the eggs, instead I assisted some of the kids which cal me their "buddy" to help and recommend places to look. Every time the Easter season approaches, an early childhood memory returns. I remember living in West Valley being about 6-8 years old going egg hunting in the back yard. I see an egg on the back window sill, so I try to grab it and unknowingly I step on the prongs of a metal rake which makes the pole hit me square in the head. My head hurts just remembering the event. And no, it didn't and hopefully won't happen to me again.
Coming back from the Easter egg hunt, we realize that the yearly Rotary Auction was ending that night, so we decided to see the action. Members have informed us that the Cadiz Rotary Auction is the largest grossing Per Capita in the NATION!!! The town of Cadiz of nearly 7000 people raised nearly $260,000 (last known bid). The atmosphere somewhat reminded me of being in Sparta when we went to the public auction, never been to one before, and was pretty cool.
Transfer calls were received. This one made me very nervous due to it being my final transfer. E Lofthouse is leaving to Pulaski (where Ku Klux Klan originated, and located next county over where he started his mission) AND I WILL BE STAYING IN CADIZ AND I WILL BE RECEIVING E RIVERA whom I happen to be his "greenie buster", which is the terminology for being the next companion after leaving his trainee. He has been out roughly 3 months. First time "busting" someone, and will be the only time
These next 6 weeks will fly by quickly. Will be fun and am looking forward to the challenge. Now, due to "dying" in Cadiz, when I sign the pig, I'll be sure to put a tombstone over my name indicating that I died here. I will be legendary here.
While E Lofthouse was telling everyone bye, I realized that next transfer I will be saying the same. Cadiz will have a history of 4 missionaries when I go home and it hasn't been open for 3 months. That was a somewhat scary and sad thought.
Unfortunately, we will be forced to leave early from the transfer meeting due to our rides precious commitment, so odds are I won't be able to say hi or bye to everyone I'd like to at the meeting. The transfer meeting will have a guest speaker whom was an Ex NFL player for the Oakland Raiders (Uncle Jason, know a Dan Clark from Oakland's history?) and with this occurring everyone will be there. Been informed that the ending time is 2. but some meetings go on longer and with a motivational speaker there, who knows when it will end. Needless to say, we will be forced to leave at 1:30 regard less how far into the meeting we are. Hope I don't miss too much of it.
Last Easter complete as a missionary. Looking forward to the literal conversation with home in a few weeks. Realized that we are 3 weeks away from me and Lofthouse being together for BOTH times to contact home... "Just missed it by that much"
During the last few weeks, most of those whom we have been visiting decided to drop us nearly at the same time, so our people to visit list is dwindling quickly, so the last few days have nearly been dedicated entirely and finding new people to teach.
Tracting on Tuesday we contact Katie Weber. We get inside and E Lofthouse notices the photo of her brother in law and sister in which he recognized while serving in Elkton. Haven't had a small world moment like this one yet. She has a little bit of potential, keeping the fingers crossed.
The Family Home Evening this week was record setting. We had the largest attendance thus far of 16. This is wonderful news to see how far it has come and I am happy to be part of it. We are keeping records of the previous meetings attendance and it's amazing to see the growth from 6 to 16 within 6 weeks. Had 5 investigators present and 9 members, I'm still amazed as to how quickly it has grown and continues to do so.
District meeting again was memorable. One of the missionaries was a cowboy rancher at home, so he likened most cowboy and horse materials to the gospel. Due to it being the last week of the transfer, everyone took photos in case any changes were to come. Realized the Bishops, the military relations couple which started the mission while I was in Hopkinsville is ending their mission and will be heading home to Idaho. Man I am old. I remember when they started the mission and now I'm seeing them leave. Getting somewhat emotional realizing that I'm next on the "chopping block, and it is rapidly approaching.
Walking around again Thursday as well as Friday and found some more potentials. A interesting note. Due to it being the Easter season we've been recommended to share a Easter themed video the church released (the video on YouTube has 3.4 million views roughly) so while tracting we were recommended to share it. It's surprising to see how many people refuse to let us show a Easter and Christ themed video in commemoration of the holiday, that's one way to know they just aren't ready to receive good word yet.
Participated in the Easter Egg Hunt put on by the branch. There were nearly 65 total in attendance with 25 being children, talk about a decent sized group to go egg hunting. No i didn't go looking for the eggs, instead I assisted some of the kids which cal me their "buddy" to help and recommend places to look. Every time the Easter season approaches, an early childhood memory returns. I remember living in West Valley being about 6-8 years old going egg hunting in the back yard. I see an egg on the back window sill, so I try to grab it and unknowingly I step on the prongs of a metal rake which makes the pole hit me square in the head. My head hurts just remembering the event. And no, it didn't and hopefully won't happen to me again.
Coming back from the Easter egg hunt, we realize that the yearly Rotary Auction was ending that night, so we decided to see the action. Members have informed us that the Cadiz Rotary Auction is the largest grossing Per Capita in the NATION!!! The town of Cadiz of nearly 7000 people raised nearly $260,000 (last known bid). The atmosphere somewhat reminded me of being in Sparta when we went to the public auction, never been to one before, and was pretty cool.
Transfer calls were received. This one made me very nervous due to it being my final transfer. E Lofthouse is leaving to Pulaski (where Ku Klux Klan originated, and located next county over where he started his mission) AND I WILL BE STAYING IN CADIZ AND I WILL BE RECEIVING E RIVERA whom I happen to be his "greenie buster", which is the terminology for being the next companion after leaving his trainee. He has been out roughly 3 months. First time "busting" someone, and will be the only time
These next 6 weeks will fly by quickly. Will be fun and am looking forward to the challenge. Now, due to "dying" in Cadiz, when I sign the pig, I'll be sure to put a tombstone over my name indicating that I died here. I will be legendary here.
While E Lofthouse was telling everyone bye, I realized that next transfer I will be saying the same. Cadiz will have a history of 4 missionaries when I go home and it hasn't been open for 3 months. That was a somewhat scary and sad thought.
Unfortunately, we will be forced to leave early from the transfer meeting due to our rides precious commitment, so odds are I won't be able to say hi or bye to everyone I'd like to at the meeting. The transfer meeting will have a guest speaker whom was an Ex NFL player for the Oakland Raiders (Uncle Jason, know a Dan Clark from Oakland's history?) and with this occurring everyone will be there. Been informed that the ending time is 2. but some meetings go on longer and with a motivational speaker there, who knows when it will end. Needless to say, we will be forced to leave at 1:30 regard less how far into the meeting we are. Hope I don't miss too much of it.
Last Easter complete as a missionary. Looking forward to the literal conversation with home in a few weeks. Realized that we are 3 weeks away from me and Lofthouse being together for BOTH times to contact home... "Just missed it by that much"
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