Elder Pugs

Great scripture this week that's stuck in my mind.  "And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.  And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth." Mosiah 27:36-37

I am officially out of the Gila Valley. It was sad to say goodbye to a place I put so much of myself into. I loved the people, the missionaries, everything. I had a good hug with Elder Brown before I left, it was good being his companion. I have to say, it was harder leaving the Gila than it was leaving home (sorry mom). I can't imagine what it'll be like once I have to leave the mission... I try not to think about it.

I received my new companion Elder Pugmire this week! He is in Tucson waiting for a visa before going to Mexico. We don't know how long he'll be here, but we get along great so I'll take Elder Pugs as long as I can!

We are in a "car share" area, so every other week we will have a car (which will be nice during hot weeks), but I'm looking forward to riding a bike again. Unfortunately I let other missionaries use my bike tools and other bike stuff which seemed to have been "lost" or stolen. So I'm back to square one having to buy tools and stuff... Oh well, that's the bike life.

One funny thing that happened this week. 

We went to our missionary district council meeting in East Tucson at a church building on Wednesday as usual. When we entered the chapel one hallway was covered in some sort of dust or vapor seemed to fill the room. It wasn't smoke, because it settled like flour on the floor. It was white and stung our throats when we would breathe in. Eventually we found a fire extinguisher on the roof. Some chalk boards had some explicit images drawn on them. We learned later in the week that some teenager took a fire extinguisher and put the dry solution in the ventilation of the church building. Eventuality it was cleaned up by some very kind members. Apparently a few weeks ago the building was tagged twice so there has been some vandalism going on in the neighborhood. We will see what happens in the future, but that's Tucson for ya. 🙁

Work wise ... we are doing our best to get in the door and begin the missionary work in this area. We have met some great people out here but unfortunately they not very committal. Wish us luck on the bikes this week!

Love Elder West

Elder Pugs and I during a video chat

A king snake I caught on p-day service project

Vandalism inside the church

Ha...

Outra point .IV

Great scripture I like this week: "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." - Mosiah 4:30

Hello all! Quick update...🐐

I received a call from President Browning on Saturday telling me that I will be leaving the Gila Valley and receiving a new assignment. I'm going back to Tucson and its a bike area; Yay! He asked me to train a new missionary, and I will be "white-washing" an area in the city, which means neither of us have been in that area, it's a newly re-opened area, so we can get a good look and REVAMP the work. I'm so excited, I love biking! And I'll be having another son! I'm soooooexcited! With a greeny missionary, straight out of the MTC, I'll have no appointments, no prior work, and no idea what to do in this area... but it'll be great. I am sad to leave this area and Elder Brown. These past two transfers were probably the best of my mission so far.

On Saturday we had another baptism in our young single adult Ward, our investigator Mianna. She was sooo prepared I feel like we did nothing at all but lead her through the lessons. It was really fun teaching someone my own age, it's a different feel than teaching adults. The YSA Wards are fun and I survived the summer months, so now back Tucson. It should be a ride.

We just started teaching this new investigator, a FLDS kid.  It's interesting how he can have a testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and not believe in the continuation of the priesthood into the Restored Church of Jesus Christ. He's a good kid and he wants to be baptized once he is ready.  We aren't sure when "ready" is.  Unfortunately, I won't get to see him through the lessons nor see his view of the church, but the process has helped me better understand and appreciate my own testimony. I don't think I've ever doubted the church, I've probably just doubted myself; which we all tend to do at some point in our lives. It's a good thing we have a God who is ALWAYS there and we have a Savior who suffered for us. "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen." - D&C 6:36-37  Another great scripture for the week.

Peace-out.  Love ya'll!

-Elder G. West

Gila Valley is on fire!

Hey everyone!  These past 5 weeks of the transfer flew by. I feel like I say that every transfer...

Last week our baptism went great! We will be having another one this upcoming weekend! I'm so excited.  Our Zone has been on fire with baptisms too. In the Gila Valley Zone we had 7 baptisms this month! Elder Brown and I are so proud of our Zone. Things are picking-up out here and we have some great momentum. Transfers are coming up soon, so we will find out this Saturday if I end up staying in the area or not.

A few fun things we did during our last p-day; we went on a hike and then climbed a few watch towers in the "mountains."  And we also found a huge locust!