10K Results!

November 24 update!

Things are going great here! one of our ward members sponsored me for the 10K thanksgiving run. There was a 5K option, but since he was throwing down $40 I figured I should go all in. I'll let you know how that goes! So many people of the ward are going to be there at the finish line if I make it. haha! I'm doing fine here in Farragut. We have an investigator that has met with the missionaries for 13 years. He owns a used car dealership so of course I admire him. He is one of my best friends here. I finally got his concern out and he thought he had to know the Book of Mormon inside and out to be baptized! He is going to be baptized now and we just have to figure out a date. I sure hope I don't get transferred on the 3rd because I won't get to see it. Prayers and fingers crossed!! Well this week was adventurous. We've been bible bashed so much and between the both of us, we feel like we could "take on anyone"! Haha! We've been bible bashed so much that I found a despicable me minion and demonstrated for the camera what it is to bible bash because we are so good at it these days. I know why I was sent to the south without a doubt... The first one that I think of was when we went to a baptist church to check it out and see how they worship. A guy came up to me instantly...they always pick me....and tried to bash me. I'll just say he was on the shortest end of the stick. I was kind of fed up with it so I just gave it to him. Then he was all apologetic to me and asked me for money! He told me a huge story about being out of gas and all. I gave him a very kind chastisement and then told him we would go around the church and help him find someone who could help him because we couldn't. I also had a 10 minute talk about not giving up on life when there are so many challenges ahead. We found someone and the guy was so moved by the fact that we were in another church trying to help someone that he has made contact with us and offered us rides when we need it! Blessings. We went tracting and a guy let us in. He turned out to be a minister! Just as we showed up, right behind us, a priest and preacher from his church showed up. It was super funny and I had a good time. The most important thing is that I was able to share with them some scriptures and bear testimony of the fullness of the truth to them. They were very respectful of that and we got their numbers to hopefully meet again. We offered to do service for their church also so they are very pleased. We have investigators that were Lutheran. His wife loves to bash, so this week I talked for 15 minutes straight and told them that the Book of Mormon is either true or it isn't - I know it is so I can rely on it. Then told them that they need to know that for themselves. I went into how physical proof won't be enough for them because that is what they are trying to find. They are going to read and pray now to know it for themselves. I've been sponsored by a ward member to run the 10K this Thanksgiving! All the other ward members are excited for it. One member bought me new shoes to run in this morning! Pretty much half the ward is going to be at the finish line for support. I love it! I'll make sure someone gets a good finish line video. Christmas is coming up! I'm so excited about the holiday season! Thanksgiving will be a great day to count my many blessings. We have many meal appointments for the occasion. I hope everyone that reads this will have many blessings. I love you all!

November 17 Update!

This week I had an exchange with my good friend Elder Steele. He is going home in 17 days and demanded an exchange with me. He picked me up and we left the other two at our apt... We drove all over downtown Knox and at night we talked to people at the UT campus. That was so fun and I'll never forget that night. We had such a great time and I learned a lot from him. He is our Zone Leader for the Knox West Zone.

November 10 Update!

Yeah, they have me as a DL now, so I call everyone each night in the district and have a conversation with them about their day and help them make/reach goals. I also preside over the District Meetings and give trainings once a week on Fridays. I also take care of the #s each week to make sure to report them. If you remember the Best Two Years, when he's calling and reporting his numbers, I would be the guy on the other end of the phone. It's definately more work and service to others, but I'm happy to be doing that. I definately feel the influence of your prayers in my mission life. I've been blessed so much while I've been out here. It's getting colder and riding on the bikes just about turns us into ice cubes, but It's well worth it. It sure makes me wish I didn't take my Camaro for granted. We're already half way through this transfer and I'm starting to wonder what next transfer will bring. I feel like something big is going to happen, but I might end up staying here. Either way I'll be happy. I miss you guys so much.

October 20 Update!

Well, the baptisms went well. They are both happy and the ward is greatful for the first baptism in years. We're starting it off with a bang. My trainee is now training someone! I'm already a grandpa and will hopefully soon be a great grandfather! They called me as district leader here in farragut so I'm over joyed. I love this place and am excited to stay and keep the progress going! We're working with so many people that are just about ready as well.