Daily Activities

Here's the news. I'm still hanging out in Liberty, but Elder James got shipped off to Far West, Far West, and that means a new companion! Elder Andrew has come to fill his place, and oddly enough, we have a lot in common. Here are a few examples:

1. We both are from Washington 

2. We both played in a Jazz Combo Band

3. We both drove 2003 Honda Odysseys

If that's not enough examples, I promise there are more as well. Oh yeah, he also speaks Spanish. Anyways, we've gotten right to work, and with this transfer we are now covering another ward in the area. My workload since I got to Liberty has quadrupled, but it keeps us happy and busy!

Here's a miracle for you. We went to meet with Marcus who has had troubles with the Word of Wisdom his whole life; but, he has been steadily coming to church and reading the Book of Mormon. As he opened the door you could see that his countenance was different. Brighter. The first thing he said when we sat down was, "I decided to quit drinking. I just don't have the desire anymore. I lost the taste for it." That truly was a witness to me of the power of the Spirit, for if we truly have it influencing our lives, we will want to improve and become better.

My mom has asked that I share some more about my daily life, so here's a sneak peek of some things that go on daily. Hopefully, I can remember well:

First I wake up and pray. That is essential in the grand scheme. A morning without a prayer just doesn't work. Then I walk out to the couch, sit, and pray again as we open our planning. We then plan our day. After this, we generally drive to the Stake Center and play ball with the APs and another companionship. Once we return home and get ready, we study until we have lunch. Generally we have a lesson with Betty or Jerom in the afternoon, and continue teaching and finding until dinner. We then eat and go back to work until 8:30. That probably isn't exactly what she was hoping for but it gives you an idea.

Here's an actual look at what happens though. We are teaching an African family, and we went over again for a lesson. We brought Brother Litster along with us. All three of us sat on a small little couch and waited patiently as the rummaged about for their Books of Mormon. Fred has loved reading from the Book of Mormon so far, so we opened up to one of my favorites, and one of everyone's favorites, 3 Nephi 11. We read the chapter with them and answered his question about how being baptized as a member of the church would benefit his life. We talked about how adversity comes as we grow closer to the truth and that trials have always faced those who follow God. We bore fervent testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon, especially after the confirmation we'd received earlier when we'd taught Marcus. As the lesson concluded, Fred commented that he simply felt so happy and that he loved to have us there. They always walk as out and wave goodbye as we drive away. They are very happy, courteous people, and it's a privilege to help them feel the Spirit of the Restored Gospel.

-Elder Shepherd