Transfer 13, Week 4: A Real Chinese Experience

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we all doing today? Is everyone excited for Thanksgiving? Or is Christmas all that's on your mind at this point? Haha I jest. I hope your week flew by as fast as mine.

          This week feels like it only lasted for the space of a day. It simply flew by, and I'm very grateful that it did too. 

          So, to start off the week, we had exchanges with the zone leaders. It was my lot to stay in Columbia Falls this time with Elder Helms. I love this missionary, and it was an absolute joy to sprend the beginning of the week with him. Fun fact, we came out together. The exchange wasn't anything special other than that. It was fun

          Starting on Wednesday night and going through all day Thursday, we had the amazing oppurtunity to  have a zone conference at Helena with about 120 other missionaries. This usually is not the case, but it was not the usual case either.  For this zone conference, we were having what is called a "mission tour". For this mission tour,  We had Elder Wong of the seventy. Not to be confused with Elder Gong of the Quorum of the 12. During this conference we learned a lot about missionary work and working with the members. It was pretty sweet, and I feel like I learned a lot from it too. 

          The rest of the week was pretty uneventful. It went pretty similar of a pattern to the rest of the time. One cool thing we saw was that at church we ran into Jerry again. It was cool to see him at church once more, and we were able to set up for another lesson this coming week, so I'm pretty excited about that too.

           So, This week in the Book of Mormon, I was reading about Alma and Amulek, and all that they went through. The thing that stuck out to me the most honestly was that no matter what they went through, they stayed true to their testimony and their God. Now, none of us will probably have to go through what they went through, but it is still all that important to strengthen and increase our testimonies. Because by doing so, we can build our relationship with God and Christ. In this way we also make it easier for God to help us in any trial we are going through as well. 

          So, overall it has been a good week. I'm pretty excited for what is coming. I hope that you all have a great week as well. Talk to you all next week. 

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Photos:

Zone Conference in Helena with Elder Wong and 120 missionaries.

To celebrate my 18 month mark, we took one of my pairs of pants that was about to die, and  burnt them. 

Transfer 13, Week 3: HI HO! HI HO! To Stack the Wood We Go

Hey Everyone, 

         How are we doing today? Is the sun out, or super cloudy? Haha. I hope it isn't getting too cold yet for all of you. It was a little chilly here for a bit, but it's warming back up, and now we're looking like it's going to be in the 40 through Thanksgiving. Yea!

         Let's see for this week, we did pretty much the same thing as last week. I know that sounds pretty trunky of me, but I'm not yet. It was only a uneventful week. So to make this week's letter a little longer at least, I'm going to add an insight from my studies. 

         But before I do that, I have to mention that we have zone conference on this upcoming Thursday, so I'm pretty excited about that. 

         Now, on to the meat of the sandwhich.This week in preparation for zone conference on Nov 21st, we had 2 preparation requests, both are very good. The first one was to read all of the talks by President Nelson in this last General Conference. This has been an amazing experience as I've studied through the talks. I've learned so much from this experience, and it has been super helpful to me as a missionary. The other one was a little bit different. We were asked by President Larsen to go through our music and do a self inventory of it. Removing what would be classified as unapproved. I did this pretty easily. As we went through it, I decided to go by my first reaction, relying on the spirit to guide me on the inclusion or excluision of a certain album or artist. As I did so I enjoyed the feelings that came from this activity. There is true joy that comes from consecrating our lives to the Lord. No matter where we are in Life, the feelings of little adjustments can be so amazing in our lives. 

        Well, I think that wraps up this week for us. Hopefully the week has been great, and the upcomming one can be so as well. Stay happy and safe!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Photo:

Transfer 13, Week 2: Just Another Week

Hey Everyone, 

         How are we doing today? I hear it's a little cooler in other parts of the state, or country, is that so? It's been a good week for us, but nothing really different from the normal. So, I'll just put out that warning right now, this week's may be a bit shorter than normal. 

         Like I said there isn't too much different than weeks previous. We were able help do a crap ton of service this week. Whether it was splitting wood, helping at the thrift store, or even putting a tarp on the top of an RV so it doesn't take any weather damage. It was a fast and filled week. So all in all, It was good.
        This week in the Book of Mormon I was reading about the people of Limhi, and how they escaped from Bondage. As they were trying to figure out how to free themselves, A man named Gideon came forth and presented his idea to help them escape. He spoke on how he was wanting to help and in the process be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. It is a good story of how we can be helpful to those we serve around. 

         Well, sorry again for the shorter email. Hopefully next week I'll have more to talk about. Have a great week everyone!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures ... sorry for the quality ...

I had to test a train track at the thrift store.

District lunch last Wednesday.

Transfer 13, Week 1: This is Halloween

Hey Everyone, 

        How's the week been for all of you? Did you enjoy the holiday, or are you not that kind of person? It's all good. I enjoyed it that's for sure. Halloween is the BEST holiday ever. Even if you stuck in your apartment as a missionary. Haha

        So, this week has been pretty good for us, and very hectic I'll say. With not only Halloween, but transfers as well, it made for quite the different set of circumstances. So, I'll stop wasting your time and jump right into the highlights. 

        So, I guess the first highlight would be transfer news. Well...........................................................................................................................................................................................Elder Suckow and I are both staying in Columbia Falls. That wasn't expected, but we'll take it. Haha. 

        Next, Halloween. Halloween even as a missionary is so much fun. We had a Trunk or Treat, and a Halloween party at the Whitefish Elder's place. It was pretty low key, but a ton of fun. We watched the movie "Coco" the approved halloween movie for this year. I enjoyed it, and I hope that others did too. 

        Well, with Transfers coming on Friday this week because of Halloween, We had to drop off Elder Palmer with the Zone leaders, so he can transfer down to Butte. So, we got the Joy of Watching over Elder Wright for the day while we waited for Elder Lunt, his new companion, and my old trainee to arrive in Kalispell. That was a lot of fun. 

        On Sunday, during Ward Council, we were given a few possibilities of service projects for a couple nonmember families over the next few weeks. And they think that it may turn into something teachable for us, so we're super excited about that. I can't wait to see what we can do there.
         [Spiritual Thought:]  This week, I was [reading] right around good old King Benjamin. I love this great prophet. He is such a inspirational man who has helped me become better. What is one of his most famous sayings, Think upon the blessed and happy state of those who keep the commandments of God. How true that is. When you are following Christ, your state is happier than others. 

        All in all, it has been a pretty good week. We're hopeful for the future and excited for everything to start going back to better than normal starting this week. So stay tuned, and stay happy!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures...

With the extra miles at the end of the month, we decided to go check out a little town up by the border called Polebridge.

Air Hockey with the Guymon Family.
(photo from a member)

Air Hockey with the Guymon Family.
(photo from a member)

Transfer 12, Week 6: A Normal But Busy Week

Hey Everyone, 

        How's the weather where you are? Currently, it's lightly snowing outside and a wonderfully chilly 25 degrees. Not the weather I would personally like for October, but it is what it is. Either way, How are you all doing today? Halloween is on Thursday. Is anyone else excited for that?

        This week honestly has been uneventful for us, but at the same time seemly busier than the last few we have had. And I don't know how it happened, but it happened. It's so cool. It was a pretty ordinary week compared to the rest of the transfer. So, I think that this email will be a bit shorter today. 

        Thinking on my week, we've been searching to try to contact a few of our potentials over the week, but sadly with little to no success. It's been a little rough for finding, but staying busy wasn't hard. 

        Another Highlight of the week would be that Elder Suckow has finally figured out what is bothering his stomach. Aparently he is Lactose intolerant. Ooof. Bad luck right?

        We went to the Senior Night football game for Columbia Falls on Friday. I feel really bad for them. they lost 14-21, but they also took a few bad injuries during it. The game lasted forever, and pretty much all 2nd quarter - 3rd quarter it rained hard, and we almost got drenched, but thanks to a nice member, we avoided it. Woof. 

        I can't think of anything else to say this week. I hope everyone has a great week, and a Happy Halloween!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

At the Senior Night football game. (photo from a member)

Elder Sherwood, Elder Suckow and one of the young men in the ward.
(photo from a member)

Transfer 12, Week 5: Back to Kalispell

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we doing this week? It's starting to get slightly warmer once again for us here in Montana, so I'm really happy about that. I'm hoping for another short winter this year. That would be nice haha. Well, I won't hold the suspense any longer...

         So, this week has been pretty good for us in Columbia Falls. For the second week straight, we had exchanges. This time with the zone leaders in Kalispell. Elder Helms and Elder Suckow stayed in Columbia Falls. While Elder Giles and myself went to Kalispell for a couple days. It was a blast. We expereienced a service problem, where we had no service for a while, but that doesn't stop us. haha. We were able to a little bit of everything and saw a couple miracles from it. One of which was while we were tracting. We went down this street, and was talking to a few people. We were able to find 2 new potentials on this street that I heard later turned into 1 new person. That was super sweet. I loved it. 

          After exchanges, the week was pretty service heavy. We split wood for a few people at different times, and we did more at the thrift shop in town. All in all it was pretty busy actually, but nothing really stands out in my mind about the week. 

          We had a lesson with the McBrides this week, a part member Family we are working with. And they were able to make it to church this week. Super Exciting times. I hope they can continue to keep comming. I know it will bless them a lot. 

         So, this week I have been working on understanding the complexities of Issiah. He is hard to understand. But as we follow what he says closely,  we can see that the prophet is continually talking about the Savior in every chapter. That 's really cool to see too. How have you been able to see the Savior in the pages of the Book of Mormon that you've read?

          Well, I think that just about wraps it up for me this week. A shorter one I know, but that's ok. I love you all and will talk to y'all next week. Have a great one!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

These are pictures from last week's hike.

Transfer 12, Week 4: Miracles Abound

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we doing today? It's really starting to warm up out here in Columbia Falls again, which is really nice. I'm not ready for winter weather, and I don't think anyone else is either. But that aside, we did see a few miracles this week that I want to expound upon.

         On Monday we spent the day at the Bigfork area and went on a hike to the top of this short peak. It was cold, and there was snow up the trail, making it a little slippery. But we went up anyway and had a ball. I got some good pictures too. 

         So, the beginning of the week, we went on exchanges with the Whitefish elders. I went to Whitefish with Elder Wright, and Elder Palmer went to Columbia Falls with Elder Suckow. It was a lot of fun. Elder Wright and I did a fair bit of service and worked on what we could down there. 

          Later, on Wednesday, we had a dinner lesson with the Shaffers and a referal that they had for us. His name was Jerry. He is super knowledgeable about the scriptures and has a belief in God. We had a great discussion with him about the Restoration and what we can do to know for ourselves. He said that he would like to learn more, but didn't know his work schedule yet, so we got his number, and are working on setrting up a return appointment. Yay!

           Similarily to that, on Thursday we were getting our haircuts, because that was the only day we had available this week.  Anyway, as we were going, the stylist that was cutting our hair asked us a bunch of questions,  but we again weren't exactly able to set up a return appointment, so we'll have to go back again. Haha.

            We had zone conference all day Friday, and didn't get back untill around 11pm from Missoula. It was awesome. Zone conference was very inspiring and helpful for me. I'm super excited for the rest of the transfer because of it. 

              I'm pretty happy with this week. It went a lot better than I would have expected. I'm grateful for the miracles that we have seen, and pray for many more as we do our best ot serve the Lord. Talk to ya next week.

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

pictures...

I don't have them yet from any of the activities. I''l send them next week.

P.S. This week in the Book of Mormon, I have been reading primarily about the words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi. It is really cool to see that Jacob expounds on Nephi's Teachings alot more than Nephi does. Just like how President Nelson expounds on the teachings of President Monson and other past prophets. It is awesome.