Skydiving and the Book of Mormon

This week has been really revelatory for me on how to be a better missionary. I went on exchanges with an assistant this week and really learned a lot on how to talk to everyone; how to speak the Californian language and be well versed in the ways of the Cali. Unfortunately, the way people listen to us is by making a joke and usually providing them a reason to stop. It’s so strange. I have tried to avoid being sarcastic and a little blunt but its proving a really good way to open a conversational door. The first two lines are generally a comment that will make them stop then the next few are general conversation. Compliments, can I share this or general pleasantries are not working. I have found several good potentials by starting like this. It’s a totally new way for me to talk and I try to get away from it as fast as I can after the first few lines but it’s a strange development. 

Spiritual: This week Bill Wentworth’s son, David, was admitted to the hospital from a heart attack. This was quite the traumatic for the 91 year-old recent convert. We went over to visit him and while there we felt inspired to tell him that he could give his son a Priesthood blessing. He was absolutely terrified. One of the members was giving him a ride over and he really wanted to give his son that blessing. He was concerned about what to say and we promised him that he would know what to say when the time came. We followed him over to the hospital and watched him wheel over to his son and say "David, I have the priesthood authority of God. I can give you a blessing. I have been waiting my whole life to finally use my hands for something for you." What a moving statement. David obliged and sat up in his hospital bed. His 60 year-old body strained to sit up. Bill wheeled over and then placed one hand on his head and gave such a powerful blessing. David, against all odds was discharged that night. When we were there earlier in the morning we were told that there was no chance that he would be getting out any time soon. It was incredible. The Priesthood is real. The power and authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ is not something to be taken lightly. Its real and it does provide blessings. 

Funny: This week we have had a goal about talking to everyone. One of the people we talked to was a super old codger who was a professional weekend skydiver. He had done over 4100 dives and was so funny. He was a retired electrical engineer and just went and jumped out of airplanes all the time. His name was Mr. Nobody. Strange things happen to old people who have too much money and too few kids. 

Where I am at: I met my cousin. What a crazy day. Brian Black. It was a crazy meeting. He is in the high council and we had talked before about our common ancestor William Black. He asked me where I lived and I told him Murray. He said "That’s next to Holladay. My grandparents live there." I asked him what part and he said "Right next to the Cottonwood Mall.” I then asked him what their names were. He said “Ed and Alice.” I replied “That was the name of my great grandparents.” He said "Wait. What? Seriously?" It was a funny meeting. It’s so strange the people and the connections that you have. No baptisms yet but some should be right around the corner. This is definitely my last transfer in Pleasanton. I love it so much here, it’s going to be way hard to leave. The ward is really stellar. I am very happy. It’s getting warmer here. It’s gotten up to like 80 degrees. So hot! hahah for California... I love you all and appreciate your love and prayers. I love you all!