Transfer 14, Week 5: Winter Has Finally Decided to Stay

Hey Everyone, 

         What's new? This week officially started winter for Columbia Falls I do believe, so that's good. We're about 4 inches deep right now, and it's expected for another 9 until about Thursday I believe. So we'll see how many snow men we can build for people. Haha. 

            This week has flown by. It was such a fast week for me and others as well. I sometimes still have a hard time believing that it's already 2020, and I'm in the last leg. So many members here are starting to give me that "don't get trunky" line. It's super funny. Now let me see if I can give the highlights for this last week. 

            To start, in the beginning of the week we had exchanges with the Whitefish elders. Elder Mashburn came to Columbia Falls with me, and Elder Painter went to Whitefish. We had a good time doing service, and removing a bad smell from the apartment. Oh, update on Elder Painter too. He's not dying as quickly anymore, and seems to be back to normal after his weekend long cold. So that's good, too. 

            That actually helps me jump into a little miracle for the week. Because Elder Painter was sick. We both got really tired of spending any extra time at the apartment than we have to, so it helped us find things to do everyday. You never know how the Lord will bless you and do what is necessary to help you out. 

            For the most part, the beginning of the week was the usual, but the later half was where it got exciting. On Friday, we spent a large portion of our time asking questions about people in the area book, and making plans to try to contact them as well. It was super cool, and it provided for many new experiences this week. 

            Saturday, we had the best lesson ever with Inga. We reviewed the Plan of Salvation with her, and she said that it answered a lot of her questions about the afterlife, and her family. It was super cool. Inga is really progressing well, and rapidly. We are excited to see her progress, and I have a feeling that she will be a new convert in not too long.

            Saturday we also got to drive up to Eureka for a Baptism that the Sisters had. It was super cool to see the sisters get to participate in the ordinance as the witnesses.  

            Sunday was Ward Conference, and we learned a lot from the Stake Presidency about the Come Follow Me for 2020, and the youth program. It's answering a lot of ward questions about how and what to expect. Super cool!

            Overall, this week for me has been absolutely fantastic. I have loved it, and we are excited for this next full week of adventures and possibilities up here in our Winter Wonderland of Montana. I hope that y'all have a great week. And we'll sign off for now. Stay safe out there. 

            

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures ...

The drive to Eureka.

The snow up by Glacier National Park.  My guess is there is about 1.5 feet of snow in that picture.

I got a new pillow.  Pillow Pets Rock!!

Just me having an (apple) beer.  #21jokes

Transfer 14, Week 4: A New Year Ahead!

 Hey Everyone, 

            How are we doing today? And how's the New Year? Got any good New Year's resolutions, or fun activities planned for 2020? haha. This week has been very different for us here in Columbia Falls. And I'll get into that now... 

             So, this week started out really good, but not particularly exciting. Before New Years nothing really exciting happened. Which isn't bad so to say. We had our normal routine, and activities. But the fun and excitement didn't start until the latter end of the week. 

             Everything started Thursday morning. We woke up to the need to change a flat tire. After we spent basically all morning getting that fixed, and a whole new set of tires on our truck. We went to face the day. Which went pretty well I thought. We had a lesson with a lady named Inga. It was pretty great. We were able to teach her a bit about the Plan of Salvation, and she actually came to church last week too. So we were pretty shocked about that too. 

             After the activities on Thursday, we came back, and Elder Painter wasn't feeling too well. This ended our activities for the majority of the remainder of the week. As Elder Painter erupted into a massive cold that lasted even until now. But thankfully we are able to see light at the end of the tunnel I think. So that's good. 

             I hope all of you are enjoying the New Year so far, and have made plans to make it great. I know that with the Spirit's help we can do all things. Have a great week everyone, and we will too. See ya next week. 

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Transfer 14, Week 3: O Christmas Tree

Hey Everyone, 

       How are we doing today? And how's the weather where you are? This week has been pretty slow actually because of Christmas. There wasn't much going on for us other than Christmas. And to top that all off, it's also kind of late in the day, and I once again don't have enough time. So I'll just wish you all a merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. 

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Transfer 14, Week 2: Christmas is Coming!

Hey Everyone, 

       How are we all doing? I don't know about anywhere else, but up here in Kalispell, it's looking like no snow for Christmas. Yeah, for a brown christmas..... It's supposed to be 40 degrees, and no snow for this whole next week. 

       So, this week has been pretty great, but there isn't much to say about it either though.  We had a Christmas zone conference in Missoula, a pretty normal week of work in Columbia Falls, and also a baptismal interview up in Eureka. Overall there isn't much to say other than Merry Christmas this season. I love you all. Have a great week. 

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Transfer 14, Week 1: Happy Birthday Elders

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we all doing today? Enjoying the snow, or is it dry where you are? I think the snow is finally here to stay in Columbia Falls. But of course, now that I say that, it will probably melt away. Haha!

        Anyway, this week has simply flown by at an alarming rate. It was transfers week, and also a crazy busy week as well, as we try to do our best to accomplish everything. It was awesome to see how busy we actually got. Haha. So, and now we're here. 

        The beginning of the week, other than transfers was pretty typical. Oh, I guess I should probably tell transfer news. Elder Suckow was shipped off to Lewistown, and replaced by Elder Painter, coming from Lewistown, MT. Haha what a coincidence. And I'm just staying here. Hooray I don't have to pack right before Christmas. 

        Like I was saying though, Monday through wednesday were normal for us, then Thursday hit. I got to spend the day with Elder Lunt waiting for our new companions. We actually ended up spending most of that time with the Big Fork Elders, having lunch and doing a bunch of service.  It was fun. Haha. We picked up our companions around 6pm, had the transfer dinner @ the stake president's house, and headed home. 

        Oh, I forgot to mention Tuesday. For our dinner on Tuesday, we drove down to Kalispell to be part of a birthday party for the Bodily family. And unexpectedly, they also secretly planned to celebrate both Elder Suckow's( Dec 12th) and My birthday(Dec 14th) as well. So, it was a big old birthday party. Super sweet. 

        Friday, we were super hectic. We went from a normal morning of studies to 4 lessons in the afternoon and evening, while somehow still find time to sit down and play Sorry with Verna. We had a less active lesson with the zone leaders, and 2 investigator lessons, Inga and Jerry. Inga by the way is now a new person, and Jerry is super awesome. Then of course dinner.  Haha. It was a super hectic day. 

        Saturday we had planned on doing our weekly planning,  and we did, but we mostly did service in getting the church ready for the big Christmas party later that day. And it was super fun. 

        Sunday actually was really the only nornal day after transfers. We had church, and later taught Malcolm, had dinner, and spent the evening with Jason. What fun. Haha. 

        Ok, so for a little bio on Elder Painter. He us barely older than me. He is from Kearns, Utah. Has 4 younger brothers, one of which is in the MTC. He loves to draw and is super sarcastic and funny. I love serving with him already. It's awesome. 

        Let's see, It's been a while since I've sent a spiritual thought. Has everyone seen the "Christ Child" video yet, or have been working on Light the World? They are both excellent opportunities to show our faith in Jesus Christ and spread His love this Christmas season. A quote that I love from President Monson goes something like this. To understand the true meaning of the spirit of Christmas, one only need remove the last sylable, and it becomes the spirit of Christ. That is so true, and I hope that we can all keep that in mind moving forward, approaching this sacred Holiday. 

        I hope all of you have a great day this week, and a happy Holiday season. Stay safe out there, and I will too. Haha. See ya next week!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures: 

Happy Birthday Elder Suckow and Elder Sherwood.

Elder Sherwood and Elder Painter at the Stake President's house for dinner.

Transfer 13, Week 6: Serving With All of Your Heart, Might, Mind and Strength

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we all doing today? How's the weather where your at? From what I hear, there's a lot of snow in many parts of western U.S.. But not up here. We have very minial amounts of snow. Only instead a crap ton of rain, cloud cover, and mud. Haha. Little said, its been a dirty week for us. 

        On the other hand though, we've been hit hard this week with a constant stream of service. We're talking like at least 3 hours everyday this week, Including Monday. It was really hectic. I can't believe it sometimes how fast it went and how hard we worked. I am very tired at this point. Phew!

        Let me go into a little more detail for you on how it went. So, starting on Monday, we went to the Stake center for Preparation day right, and when we got there, we were asked to help set up some Christmas trees for the Big community Concert later in the week. We probanly set up around 30-50 christmas trees. Haha. It was a great way to spend the preparation day. 

        Tuesday was the beginning of the Christmas store for the Klothes Kloset where we do service on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was a long day of helping people out with their purchases and other fun stuff. We also were able to borrow a Christmas tree for the apartment, so now we're all festive.

        Wesdnesday, we helped the Whitefish Elders move into their new apartment. Then we headed out to Eureka for District Council. It was fun. While we were up there, being that close to the Border of U.S.A and Canada, we just had to go and see it. Don't worry we didn't cross the border, but we got some sweet pictures by it. Haha.

        Thursday we also had another day of service with the Klothes Kloset. While we were there, we also were called by some lady who asked for some help from us splitting some wood. So we made an appointment the following early afternoon to come out and check it out. 

        Friday, we went up to that lady's place, which is up in the Canyon, and met with her. We brought the Whitefish Elders and split a little bit of her wood. The problem though was that there were almost 12 chords of Woods to be cut and split. Sadly we couldn't do too much, so we set out to make a plan to bring a whole lot more people tomorrow. 

        Saturday, we finally were able to have a short lesson with Al, but most of our day was spent either helping with a move for a family from here to Kalispell. Then we spent about 2 hours in the Canyon with 18 members to work on the wood some more. I'm very happy that we were able to cut and split up to 5 chords of the 12. I think she will have enough to get through the winter. I hope at least. We set a return appointment too, so we're excited about that. 

        Sunday was great as well. We had a bunch of families, as well as spent some with the McBrides again. They are awesome, and their little boy Malcolm is thinking about being baptized in January, so that's super sweet as well. 

        The Christmas Devotional was pretty great. I hope all of you were able to watch and enjoy that as well. It's always brightens the season when we remeber who the season is all about. 

        Well, I think that wraps up what I have for today. I hope all of your weeks were fantastic as well. Stay warm, and Have a great one. 

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures.....Prepare for overload....

A member sent pictures from the wood stacking service project that the Elders were involved in.

Transfer 13, Week 5: Happy Thanksgiving

Hey Everyone, 

            How are we all doing this week? Too stuffed from Turkey Day? Or are you still looking forward to finishing off the leftovers? Haha! Thanksgiving is Great. 

            Well, I hate to say it, but this week was definetly not as fun as I would have liked it to be. :( Dont get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving, and it was a lot of fun. But the aftermath wasn't so great. But, I'll get to that later, for now the beginning of the week. 

            Now as I get started, I have to say that we are helping put up some christmas trees at the stake center soon, so this may be pretty brief. But without further ado... The beginning of the week we were on Exchanges with the Whitefish Elders. Elder Lunt came to Columbia Falls with me. It was a ton of fun to spend time with and work with him once more. Super cool. Nothing super out of the ordinary happened though. 

            Thanksgiving was sweet, but all around that either Elder Suckow was sick, I was sick, or both of us were sick. It made it quite challenging to do any work this week, but what can you do? That's all in the past now though, so we're all good. 

            Overall the week has been weird, but I'm pretty excited for this upcoming week and the beginning of the Christmas season. Stay safe and happy out there, and have a great one...

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures... 

I have some from exchanges, but I don't have time to add them. I'll do that next week.