Brian, Ryan, and Getting Your Hallelujah On

This week was crazy. There was a lot of intense biking, lots of working hard and a lot of success. We had two baptisms this week and it was very good. Jake and James just got baptized and we are very happy for them. In other news, I really am liking Fort Ord. This is such an amazing place to be a missionary. It’s great. It’s just my companion and me and the work. Oh and the two elders who live with us. We are not burdened down with having to go to the mission office for so many meetings or have to plan a p day every week. It’s great here. I love it. The work is going well.

 Spiritual: We taught a man by the name of Brian this week who does not look like he would ever be interested in the church. He has two lip piercings and a sleeve of tattoos. He was a high school dropout and just a tough character. In and out of jail and juvie all his life. He needs a fresh start. When we told him that the gospel could change his life and give him a fresh start he was almost in tears. He is going into the army and is looking for some sort of stability to support his family on. I started to tear up when I told him how my Savior, and his Savior suffered and died so that we could all have a second chance at life. I know that the Atonement is real. How incredible it is to know that despite my strange and somewhat unusual inadequacies the Savior will support me through them. Not only will he cleanse us from sin, but he will also help us endure through some of the non-spiritual consequences of our actions. I love both Brian and my Savior both for the lesson that everyone needs the gospel. Not just the good looking people. 

 Funny: When we were riding around Seaside we saw a man who looked like a total gangsta. His pants were saggin’ and he was riding low. Of course the first thing out of my mouth is a friendly "Hi! How are you doing today?" Trying to be as friendly as possible. He looked straight at me then ran over and yelled “I need to talk to you!” We were a little freaked out but we listened as he proceeded to tell us that he in fact wanted to come closer to God. He said that he was really feeling the Spirit and loved God and wanted to serve him. He asked if he could come out with us some night next week and we said yes! We set up a date to go visit people (in reality we are just going to take him with us to member’s homes and teach him) He was very happy and told us about how he went to church that day just to "Get his Hallelujah on." That has become the joke of the week. Let’s go tell people to go get their Hallelujah on! 

Where I am at: Fort Ord is a great place. I love it here. I am so happy to serve here! I might come home with the habit of saying my Yes Sir! and No Mam! I am happy to be here. It’s hilly, windy and sunny here. It’s a great place to serve. I love this mission. I love the Lord. I love you all!