Conference Capers

Spiritual: Oh goodness. This week was such a personally spiritual week. There was such a strong spirit that abounded all week long. We were able to go to the Oakland temple this week due to conference and it was so so so cool! The blessings that we had when we were there were so powerful and just so simple that it was incredible. It was really nice of  Brother Jensen to take us and we actually got to do some sealings as well as a session! (witnesses.) haha This and conference were the spiritual highlight of the week and the mission. Conference is like the duel between Darth Maul and the Jedi in Star Wars Episode 1. It’s the climax of the entire thing. We got to use it in tons of lessons through the week. Priesthood was so cool to see my brothers! Oh goodness! It was quite the adventure just getting there! We were taking a member who was baptized about a year ago and still struggles with the word of wisdom and he was super excited to go. I think this was his first one. To start things off, our ride was 10 min late. I was freaking out so I said a quick prayer and I just felt okay. The ride finally came and as we got into his car, my companion ripped his pants. This was not just a broken thread; this was more along the lines of the Grand Canyon! Right down the rumpus. Poor guy! haha So we stepped out and took the walk of shame and suit jacket dress to the apartment where luckily he had another suit. We finally got to conference and it was way into it. I saw most of it and what I did see I just loved. I really wanted to see Jonah and Caleb though and I was really sweating it that I wouldn't be able to see them! So I did what missionaries do. I prayed. Then the final song came on and I saw Caleb at the very end of the song. My heart was so full. I realized that it was perfect. I am where I needed to be sitting next to a man who smelled of cigarettes and in a place where I didn't know more than 5 people and I was happy. The Lord knows where I am and I am where I am supposed to be. I love it!

Funny: Yep pants ripping was funny, but not as funny as the yummy treat we got from a Chinese member. Yep. Green Bean Ice Cream. Yuck. This is the first time I have not finished an ice cream bar in my life. Oh! The yellow things are not jelly beans by the way. :)

Where I am at: So I keep meeting a lot of member of the ward and finding out what their story is. The other day I had dinner with a rocket scientist. Who works for NASA. Can’t actually talk about his job or he literally would have to kill me. He can’t even tell his wife about his work! Crazy right!? Things are going really well here! We found two families who are so close to baptism and its going so well. We have a church tour set up with them this week and they are getting dunked, I can tell! Our other family is progressing great as well! They will be baptized on the 19th and it’s great. They have changed so so so much of their life to be to this point! We have a total of 12 investigators and the work is about to explode with Baptisms! I love this area!

Family: I am doing really well and am super excited for everything. The Spirit is so strong when you are a missionary and I love it. I have finally been able to teach by the spirit and I am baffled at how incredible it goes over. I love getting mail from all y’all and I enjoy hearing about your experiences. Life is good here! Can’t complain! Love you all! Elder Ammon Black

Oh! one more thing, here in Pleasanton we don’t just go out to Apollo burger after priesthood, we go to Outback Steakhouse. :) and yes. I did have crepes for breakfast Sunday morning. Love You!