HaPpY WiNtEr!

Hello family! I love you all. This has been a really good week and the Lord has blessed us tons! We were able to set 5 baptismal dates, teach tons of lessons, and have 2 investigators at church. You wouldn't believe the effort it took to get them there. But they were there! Woo hoo. We also found some really cool people to teach. I think I am finally getting the hang of things and starting to find the balance between finding and teaching. I am loving it here. Oh, and other good news - we passed our apartment inspection :D They aren't quite like the Wyview ones, but they still get after you about some things if they aren't pretty clean.

I love the people to death, they are really awesome members. They are helping the branch grow a lot too. I am learning to love people of all different sorts =] I have met some of the coolest/funniest/down-to-earth members I have ever known. Brother B. is a prime example. He and Sister B. are hilarious. They are always teasing each other and laughing and smiling and they are country folk and proud of it. I love the Brays. Their kids are awesome too.

I'll tell you quickly a funny story that happened - Tuesday night we decided to stop by a former investigator's house to deliver an invitation to the Branch Christmas Party. I knocked on the door (it was night and cold so we were wearing our jackets), and their dog inside the trailer started barking like crazy. I figured they heard me knock, and definitely heard the dog, and so we just stood there waiting for someone to open the door. Finally the man came to the door, and he had his shirt off. He was looking down and it was like it happens in the movies or something - he looked up and saw my feet then kept looking up at me and just screamed. I guess I've lost the missionary glow.. ha ha jk. I said, "Hey! Don't worry, it's just me - Elder Beckett!" and he calmed down." Then he acted like it never happened after that, so luckily no bad effects from the experience lol. It was pretty funny and unexpected though that he just opened the door and screamed.

I've been learning the importance of hard work, coupled with enduring to the end. Several times this week we will go out tracting and knock door after door with nothing coming of it. Just at the point when it's time to go home and you are worn out and think it's been useless - the very last house you knock on turns out to be a new investigator. It's funny how the Lord works :) I think a lot of times we need to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and endure and then it's right at the end that He blesses us.

Can I just say that I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK? Yes I can! There is nothing more challenging, satisfying, rewarding, or just plain awesome that I have experienced yet in life. Each day is full of incredible experiences. If anyone around you is debating/wondering if they should serve a mission or not, just do it. You will never regret it. I can't believe how fast time goes by out here either :s Each night as I lay down to go to sleep I feel like I just barely did this ten seconds ago. The days go by way too quickly, so I am giving it my all to make every second worth it. Thank you for you loving prayers and support, because I really couldn't do it without them. I feel the strength and blessings from Heavenly Father to me in your behalf.

I know that the Church is true! How important it is to find out for ourselves the message of the Restoration of the Gospel. And then simply share it! I will help the missionaries out WAY more when I'm back than I did before my mission. That is an awesome way to prepare for your mission - go out with the missionaries a lot. Like once a week if possible. Even if it's just tracting, that's one of the most helpful things you can do. Well, time's up, but keep being awesome everyone! I don't know why I have been so blessed with the great family and friends that I have, but I'm sure not complaining :) I really feel like I couldn't be more blessed. Have a great week!

love,

Elder Andrew Beckett