A week-end worth remembering!

This past weekend was Halloween. We were invited out to Bill's home for a Halloween/Birthday party for their son, Hunter. Cory Garst shared his party with him too. There was about four families with all of their children, that came, besides us. They had rented a huge bounce house, had their four wheelers going, and also a miniature horse with a saddle that all of the kids could ride on. Put that with a major amount of every kind of food possible and tons of candy in the Pinata!!! It was really great party. Oh yes, Elder Whiting and I made Carmel popcorn balls that were very yummy, (with Reeses Pieces.)

Given the fact that Bill and Michelle are so new to the Branch, and Bill is about to be baptized, we have done everything we can think of to help them to become acquainted and supported by the Branch!!! They are good people and just need to incorporate the Gospel into their lives completely with their love for the Savior. They are so good for this Branch because they bring new life to everything!!! We were out there again today and taught them the first family relations class so they can be a part of it. They planned a special lunch for us. They are just always doing things for us.

Today was our Preparation day and it was so good. Good because we got to go out to Bill and Michelle's and teach them; and also because of our experience with Alyssa. After leaving Bill's home, we drove up to Alyssa's home to teach her. Even though she has had most of the lessons, we still go to teach her because we are waiting for her to get her own testimony.

Today after we had prayer and we were reading a scripture with Alysa, she started to cry really hard. The tears were pouring out her eyes. I didn't know what to say, except to ask her what was going on. She kind of covered it up a little. But we realized it was the Holy Ghost she was feeling. It was very strong. She cried all through the lesson, which was on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and being one with them.

As we finished we tried to help her understand that the Holy Ghost was witnessing to her of the truths of the Gospel and the truths we were teaching. She is such a wonderful person. She is taking her three days this week and going to camp and read and pray about the Book of Mormon. We really didn't set a date for the next appointment because she said, "I'm sure I will be calling you." She already knows but is afraid of how it will change her life.

Alyssa is dating a man she wants to marry, who is not too interested in the church. That scares her, even though we have mentioned having the young missionaries teach him. Also she lives with her family: mom and dad and about 6 brothers and sisters who are not members. I can understand that this is really hard for her. We sure love her and pray for her daily. What a privilege it has been to teach her.

Erik and Alyssa are being married this Saturday. We hope to be able to finish teaching him after this. We are helping with the food and set up for the reception. It is taking place at President Sant's home.

Tomorrow is district meeting. We have a new district leader as well as new zone leader. It makes it fun, but we miss the former ones too.

We hope that our climb up the hill here in Sulphur Springs is accelerating and not quite so difficult now. We do love these people and will continue to serve in whatever capacity the Lord needs us. It is such a privilege and a blessing in our lives. I am so grateful that I could learn and grow, and serve here.