March 19, 2018 Another week...it was crazy busy and full of more amazing experiences. First, let me say that I am so blessed to be out here, the blessings that have came to me and continue to come as I work hard are unbelievable. It is very humbling meeting the people we do on a daily basis. Many of the people we are in contact with come from some pretty crazy places and have been in some places that they weren't too happy about. But as I get to teach these people and they tell me about what they have been through or are going through I can't help but say a pray to my Heavenly Father as I have been blessed so much to not have had to go through many of the things that others have been. I was reading about trials and enduring to the end for some of the people we are teaching that is applicable to their lives as well as mine and I came across this from The reward of enduring well by President Henry B. Eyring "Our trials and our difficulties give us the opportunity to learn and grow, and they may even change our very nature. If we can turn to the Savior in our extremity, our souls can be polished as we endure. Therefore, the first thing to remember is to pray always (see D&C 10:5; Alma 34:19–29). The second thing is to strive continuously to keep the commandments—whatever the opposition, the temptation, or the tumult around us (see Mosiah 4:30).The third crucial thing to do is to serve the Lord (see D&C 4:2)." This really made me ponder about the struggles every single one of us have been given. We have been given each and every trial for a reason! They are truly here to help us-not bring us down! From these trials we grow and become better! The Sons of Mosiah in The Book of Mormon are amazing examples of people who went through hard times but put forth the effort to become better! But it didn't come easily," they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting" (Alma 17:3) as you can see, this took work and we know "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 1). As they put forth work they gained faith as well as they had faith and put forth the work to build it. Faith and works go hand and hand, without both you won't grow as much. I bring this up because we started teaching a new guy this week. He is in his 20's and has had a pretty rough life. He was a crack addict and very addicted to many other hard drugs and alcohol. His teeth are down to almost nothing and he still stays positive. Some background on him, about a month ago he started to read the bible and decided he wanted more to life then drugs and alcohol. He took a complete 360° turn and reflected and realized what he had been doing for the past couple years and desired more! About 2 weeks ago we got in contact with him and started to teach him. He told us what I just shared with you. Eventually he actually ended up telling us one night he had a bible on his desk and his cat kept on pushing it towards him and finally he got annoyed enough to pick it up and started reading it. He felt this was a sign that something needed to change and he needed something more then thinking drugs and alcohol were it. Anyway we have been teaching him and have been able to truly feel the spirit with him testify the truths of what we believe! He is making steps to better himself and desire to be baptized in a little bit once he figures out some more things. But this is one of the guys I have truly grown to love and he has helped me grow so much. It is such a humbling experience as I said before to see these people change and strive to be better and follow our Savior. It makes me want to be better and I am so thankful for the experience I am having to become better and strive to be more like our Savior, which is amazing because that is one of the big reasons we are here!-To learn and grow from the many experiences and challenges we have. Well the weather took a turn for the worst on one of the days this week but other than that it's getting above zero which is nice! A couple times it got to double digits which was extremely nice haha. Today we are going caving as it is our p day once we get our tire fixed because we got a flat the other day. Anyway hoped you liked the story of this guy wanting to better himself, I invite you all to do the same. Look at the things you do on a daily basis and see how you can do better. Anyway love you all keep being awesome 

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Dec 3: Going to the big city of Toronto!!...excited!
Well another transfer has gone by. It's crazy I'll be headed off already. But legit I'm so excited to head up to the big city of Toronto. I'm going to be in Don Valley and be watching over the North York zone as a zone leader. It's going to be a blast honestly am so excited. My companion and I will be white washing (so we both are new) just like this past transfer. He is such a sweet guy so I'm so pumped to serve with him. It was great to be able to train and be district leader these past two transfers though because honestly its helped me grow so much. For sure have truly gained a strong testimony of following the spirit, being obedient, diligent and patient (mostly with myself ahah). Honestly am growing so much and know there is no other way I could be growing this much if I wasn't here serving the Lord. Its truly been a massive testimony booster for me and has given me joy like no other. I felt joy back home but I now realize that it was more just immedia...


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