Transfer 16, Week 2: Corona Virus Problems, and New Adventures

Hey Everyone, 

        How's it going for you all with all that is going around? I hope that all of you are staying safe from this pandemic that's going around. This week has been crazy for so many reasons. Many of which you are all aware of, as well as, I am on kind of a time crunch today, as it is currently 4:30 pm as I'm writing this. 

        So, where to start. This week is super crazy. We've been working a lot to cope with all of changes that are going on. From Church being canceled, to the possible quarentines, times are getting rougher and rougher. But even with the craziness, the work of the Lord is moving on, and we just need to do all we can to adjust and keep moving forward. 

        Not too much happened the rest of the week. We've been working to find new people to get to teach. Hopefully we can see fruits from that this upcoming week. 

        This is for everyone, but... During this time of turmoil, it becomes all the more important that we rely on Christ, and do all we can to help one another. Ministering, and Come follow Me are huge, and the world can use all the help we would be able to give. 

         On a new note, moving forward with all of the Corona Virus changes, and being one of the reasons why I am writing so late,  part of the change, as of an hour ago, we are now at least temporarily in a trio with a missionary who came back early from Mongolia. Super cool. We're excited to be able to work with him. 

         Well, any other updates, I will let you know as we move forward. Keep the Faith, and stay strong. Heavenly Father will continue to bless us as we trust Him. Stay happy and safe. 

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

P.S.  Elder Sherwood called back Monday night to let us know that in accordance to the updated missionary service guidelines sent out on Monday, he will be coming home next transfer, on April 11, rather than on May 23rd.

Pictures ... Sorry, Not going to give them titles, because of time.

Transfer 16, Week 1: Into the Big City, Up on the Hill

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we all this week? Has the weather been weird, or staying rather pleasant for all of you? I hope that everything is pretty dandy back where you are, for things are pretty great here as well. 

        Speaking of that, most of you are probably wondering what my transfer news was from last week. Well, as the subject of this week's email would suggest, I have been transferred to Billings. Up in the Heights to be exact. My new area is called Alkali Creek, just on the edge of the rim. Super cool.  With this transfer also comes the opportunity to do a couple things. One of which is the temple. Serving in Billings, we are given the opportunity to go to the Temple every Tuesday, and I'm excited about that. As well as the usual new companion stuff. That's always fun too.

        Also with that, there is an announcement that needs to be made, This transfer is only going to be 5 weeks long. Then next transfer is going to be  7 weeks long. No idea why though. ???

        So, my new companion's name is Elder Peterson. He is from Arizona. (I forgot where.) He comes from a family of 7 kids, is 20 years old, and has really red hair. It's going to be a blast serving with him. 

        Being in Billings has been pretty great so far, we've been really busy getting to know people, and introducing me to the area. There has also been lot of unexpected service, and opportunities, it's been great. I'm excited to get down to work in Billings. 

        Well, I believe that this wraps all the fun stuff up for the week. Stay happy y'all, and I'll talk to you next week .

New address is: 

1448 Bench Blvd, Billings, MT 59105

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

Monday video chats are the BEST!!

Transfer 15, Week 6: A Pinewood Lego Party

Hello Everyone, 

         How are we all this week? The sun still shines bright, and life is good. Is it warm where you are? Or is it still pretty cold for late winter there? Haha. 

         This week has been very slow for us actually. With Inga now a member, it's all focused back to the streets all day long which is harder than you would expect. I've been expecting it, but not this fast. Oooff!

         Anyway, something fun and exciting that happened this week was the community Pinewood Derby on Friday. My Missionaries won occassionally, but not overall. Haha. It was a very fun and well attended event. There being many nonmembers from the community there as well. Super cool!

         But that pretty much finishes it off for the week. Transfers and transfer news should be comming today, so hopefully I can let everyone know when it comes, but if not. You'll hear about it next week.  Enjoy the Spring!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

"The Missionaries" car

We were featured in the newspaper.

My car and award.

Transfer 15, Week 5: The Best Sound I've Ever Heard

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we all doing today? It's been a great and pretty warm week for the end of February.  Just for a disclousure, this week's email may be short, for the week didn't have much happen, but hey I actually got pictures for this week's so that's good. 

        Literally to sum up the week, we spent it either getting ready for Inga's Baptism, or advertising for the ward pinewood derby this upcoming Friday. It was super exciting. 

        Inga got Baptized on Saturday which was awesome. We are so excited for her, and the journey she is taking. Super cool. 

        Well, like I said that pretty much sums up my week. I apologize again for the short report, but hey, life is good. Stay safe, and have fun!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Pictures:

Inga and her "church" dog with Elder Painter and Elder Sherwood.

Elder Sherwood and Elder Painter.

Those are some awesome icicles. 

Transfer 15, Week 4: Baptism Preparation

Hey Everyone, 

        How are we all doing today? Weather doing well, or is a rough February for you? Don't get cold. Because it sure isn't here. (knock on wood). Haha. Life is great. And to top it all off, the week flew by faster than just about any other I've had in this area. It was pact full of fun, and we had a blast. 

         So, to start out, the first highlight would be zone conference in Missoula. Super fun! We had some great instruction on self worth, and goals. We also had a great discussion lead by President Larsen about the tree of life and the 4 groups of people that progressed along that path. It is always good to reread the scriptures and pay attention to how they relate to you. I'd encourage each of you to read 1st Nephi 8 again and discover the 4 groups for yourself, and see which one you are in.

         Wednesday we had a lesson with Inga and taught her the final principles in preparation for her interview on Saturday. Super cool and exciting times. 

         Along the same time frame, the ward is putting together a ward pinewood derby. So as you would expect, Elder Painter and I are building cars for that. Haha tons of fun. In the process so far we've met a couple nonmembers doing it as well. My Car isn't finished yet though, so I won't send any pictures of that yet. 

         Friday, we had exchanges with the zone leaders. I got the privilege to be with Elder Jensen once more. We had a blast trying to find in Columbia Falls, even though we didn't have any success this time. 

         Saturday was the interview. Inga passed, and while I'm on that subject, she also came to church on Sunday, filling every requirement for her baptism to go through next Saturday. So now, all we have to do is get it all set up. Super exciting. We are so happy that this is the case, and excited for Inga as she makes this commitment with the Lord. It really boosts your spirits and lifts your soul to see one of God's Children become ready to take this step. 

         Well, I think that just about wraps up my week. I hope all of yours was fantastic as well, and hope that this next one will be too. Keep killing it out there, and have fun!

Love you,

Elder Sherwood

Transfer 15, Week 3: Just Another Week in the Neighborhood

Hey Everyone, 

         How are y'all doing? Has winter finally hit yet, or is it still looking like spring? Haha. Things are pretty good here in Columbia Falls. Although, not much happened this week, so this email will probably be pretty short. 

         Like I said, it was a normal week without a lot of excitement going on regarding pretty much anything. So, sorry for the short one, but I just can't think of what to say. Life is good. Upcoming events though: Zone Conference tomorrow, Inga's baptism a week from this coming Saturday, and more excitement there.  so stay tuned for next week's edition of My Mission by Elder Sherwood. Till next week!

Love, 

Elder Sherwood

Transfer 15, Week 2: What Happened to Winter???

Hey Everyone, 

          My. My. What is going on here in Montana? Am I right? This week being the start of February, and it has been super warm. Up here in Columbia Falls at least, it's been in between 40-55 degrees all week long, and we're not to expect a drastic change at least for another week. But who knows. So much for winter weather gear. Haha! 

          This week has been pretty fast for us. It seems that the closer and closer the end comes, the faster and faster the weeks go. But no it was a pretty good week. let me see if I can highlight a few things that happened...

          As I look at my journal over this past week, I realize that only the second half of the week was exciting, So I'll just go over that part of the week. 

          It all started Thursday. We had interviews with President Larsen for the first time in 9-ish months. And boy did I enjoy it. It was awesome. And then the first month of 2020 ended. 

          We did a lot of visiting senior citizens at either the assisted living home, or the veterans home this week, and that was good. I enjoy spending time getting to know them, and playing games with them. 

          Saturday we did another wood project with the ward. It took about 4.5 hours, an we're super sore in many places afterwards too. 

          Inga was sick for the majority of this week, so she didn't come to church this week. But we're still really pumped and excited for her as she progresses in the gospel, and does what she needs to do be ready for her baptism on Feb 22nd. 

          With Sunday being Superbowl Sunday, and Groundhog's Day, plus it's Sunday ... It was a large combination of weird. We stayed extremely busy that day though, oof. Did you all hear that the Groundhog supposedly didn't see his shadow this year. So, Early Spring?Hahaha! We're still waiting for winter to hit. It's super fun though. Congatz to all the Chief Fans out there as well. We heard they won the Superbowl!

          Well, I believe that wraps it all up for this week. I hope you all are still groovy, and having fun. Stay happy! See you next week.

Love, 

Elder Sherwood