Draper 11th Ward Newsletter Update

 Ward Newsletter Update 

This is the first time I’ve done an update for the ward newsletter so I thought I’d just start from the beginning. I was called to the Florida Jacksonville Mission under President and Sister Elbert. I arrived in Florida December 7 with my head spinning but felt ready to serve. 

 Picture with the Florida  flag.

My first area was in Tallahassee Florida. Elder Ezra Walker was my trainer. Having Elder Walker as my trainer was my first experience knowing God was aware of me and knew what I needed. Elder Walker was awesome! We worked hard and had a lot of fun. He taught me how to be a missionary in the real world. He also gave me a lot of responsibility right from the start. He only had a few months left and he knew his new trainee would do whatever he was told. It worked out nicely for both of us. I learned a lot from Elder Walker. He taught me the importance of having a good balance between having fun and working diligently. 

 Picture with Elder Walker

I served in the Tallahassee 4th Ward. My area had a very strong, loving ward and lots of areas to work. One of my favorite people we visited often was Brother Rollins. I think he has given me at least 5 Elvis gifts already. 

Elder Austin Mohler joined me when Elder Walker went home. Together we taught several people and I had the opportunity to be a part of Eric Allen’s baptism. This was only my 2nd time baptizing someone in the mission. I’m not sure Eric knew I was joking when I asked him how long he could hold his breath. But it went well. The Lord knew I needed to be in Tallahassee. Maybe not for the people in Tally but more for me. I loved the people and the area. 

 Picture with Eric

In April I got transferred to a tiny town called Alma Georgia. This is where I learned patience. Alma Georgia has a lot of crime, very few people to teach, and basically no internet. If you have ever tried to FaceTime your family with no internet, you’ll understand why I say Alma Georgia taught me patience. I’m not going to sugar coat this area. I spent 18 weeks with two different companions and it was a long 18 weeks. 

Picture with Wengreen 

My first companion was Elder Easton Wengreen. He was our district leader and we worked well together. He had a love for the work and we learned that even though we may not see the fruits from our labor we can still find joy in the journey. Even though we were only together for six weeks, we remain good friends.

Elder Samuel Webster was my other companion in Alma. We spent 3 months working and praying to find just one person who was willing to listen to our message. He was a great guy and I learned everything it takes to be a discus thrower at Rigby High School from Elder Webster haha. 

 Picture with district at the temple

The best part of Alma Georgia was meeting the elders in my district. These guys will be life long friends and I can’t wait to hang out with them all after the mission. 

Alma Georgia was tough but it taught me the importance of members. Our branch had some of the greatest and strongest members. They prayed with us, they prayed FOR us, and kept our spirits up when we got stood up every week at church. Alma Georgia will someday be an awesome place with a big ward… someday.

Picture with President Trusty

A few weeks ago, my mission split and I am no longer part of the Florida Jacksonville mission. I am now part of the Florida Tallahassee Mission under President and Sister Trusty. This is another example of how I know God is aware of me and knows exactly what I need. President Trusty has renewed my desire to serve with all my heart, might and mind. 

Today I am serving in Bainbridge Georgia with Elder Peyton Bailey and Elder Nathan Rencher. I am loving this trio and have had a lot of fun. In the short time I have been here, I can definitely say that I have seen and felt of God's love as we diligently work each day. 

 Picture of Natalie’s Baptism

I have a testimony that God notices and loves effort. This church is a church of action, and I know God rewards his children for taking the action to serve others. I know that as we look for ways to better one another or even ourselves, we will all feel of God's love and the spirit he gives to us even stronger.