From Silverton to Salem

It's been awhile since I've written anything for the blog 
so here is a bit that went on in no particular order--

Silverton
 I saw miracles, I had rough days. I said goodbye to Elder Shiozawa and hello to Elder Hansel.  I became District Leader, I turned 20, went on hikes to some awesome waterfalls, we had our tires slashed, I passed my 6 month mark, I tried goats milk, we went to the Portland Temple, and I was able to baptize an incredible human being!   
   

 

We had district training I learned so much.  I realized how much there is that I need to work on but I'm getting there.  The important thing is that I'm making changes and applying what I learned.  President Tateoka is so inspired. The whole night was like a breath of fresh air-they also fed us a delicious dinner so that's always amazing.  I said good by to Elder Shiozawa, my trainer and that was sad.  He'll be going home before I see him again.  He taught me so much, I love that man.

Backing up a little, April Fools Day was no joke for us, it was an awesome day.  We met a guy named E.  He is in the military and he just moved to Silverton.  He said he has always believed there is something missing from the Bible and that he believes that is the Book of Mormon!  Our next visit we taught him the Word of Wisdom and he said, "No problem, I already live this."  

Easter Sunday E came to church.  His baptismal date was set for May 1st, it was an awesome day!  He has such a strong desire to follow the Lord and try to be like Him.

May 1st was seriously amazing.  The Spirit was so strong, I was honored to baptize E.  I feel so lucky to be part of his conversion.  Elder Hansel confirmed him a member of Christs true church and gave him a beautiful and powerful blessing.  There is nothing more fulfilling than helping others come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. 

 

Another blessing on May 1st was that we had skipped dinner to set up for the baptism so on the way back to our apartment we went through the Arby's drive-thru.  When we got up to pay the lady at the window gave us $10 off and thanked us for doing the Lord's work.  She isn't a member of our church but she recognized us as servants of the Lord.  

We also met a woman at the park.  She was standing on a bridge and asked if we were Jehohova Witnesses.  We told her we were missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She then told us that she was at a crossroads in life and she had a choice to make.    She told us her situation.  She has been through a lot and she wanted our advice.  What she needed most was to feel the love that our Savior has for each of us.  We shared some experiences with her, taught her about the priesthood, and gave her a blessing.  She believes we were sent to her by God and that we brought her peace.  We also read Ether 12:27 with her and she loved it.  She accepted a Book of Mormon.  It was an amazing experience.  I don't know where she is now but I hope she is happy. 

Elder Hansel is an amazing man.  I'm so grateful to have been companions with him.  We learned so much from each other.  It's cool to see the Lord's hands in things, in really everything!  

I want to share a quote that has impacted me a lot.  
President George Q. Cannon said, 
"If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect."  

To obey this commandment we must apply the teachings of Christ in Ether 12:27.  

Humble ourselves before the Lord so that He may show us our weaknesses and after He shows us our weaknesses if we put our faith in Him and pray for the specific gifts that will make those weaknesses strengths, our faith will be confirmed, our weaknesses will be make our strengths, and our imperfections will be made perfect through the gifts and grace of God.  

SALEM

{well actually Keizer, Oregon}

On June 12th, I was transferred to Keizer but our area is in Salem.  Our area is the smallest but most populated in the Salem mission.  I am now a Zone Leader.  My companion is a very awesome 6'7" Elder that will be going home soon.  I am now in an apartment with 4 missionaries instead of 2.   It was hard to leave the people and area of Silverton along with Elder Hansel but new opportunities and experiences await and I'm excited to see what's ahead 

Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to President and Sister Tateoka.  

In July we will be getting a new mission president. 

President and Sister Tateoka 

I would have never grown this much spiritually if I hadn't come on a mission and I am so thankful for how much I have grown!  I can look back on my life and see how every experience pointed and prepared me to serve at this time.  I love this gospel and I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father.  I love the prophet and apostles and I love being a missionary.

Love, Elder Saunders

We ran into Elder Fish, he was my companion in the MTC