Two In A Row

 September 22, 2025

Nothing too crazy happened this week but I did have my final zone conference, and it was held in one of my past areas that I spent most of my mission in. So it was great to reconnect with some old members. Full circle moment.

 

At the end of every missionaries duration, they get to share their “departing testimony” in their final zone conference to everyone. It's a great chance to reflect on the past 2 years and see all the change. I still remember some of my first zone conferences and they don't feel like they were that long ago. Time flies. Anyways.

Anybody that has read my emails from the start knows I haven't loved my mission the ENTIRE time. But I have loved the change I've seen in myself throughout the duration. I was able to share my testimony about how this is a gospel of action and in order to activate the blessings and see change for yourself, you have to act. If you expect change, you have to change. 

Afterwards we were able to go home and put one of our friends on baptismal date for in a few weeks. I'm only about 60% sure he was high as a kite so I'm excited to see how much he remembers tomorrow! Despite the jokes- I love those experiences. I love my mission, I love the people, and I love the change the gospel brings into lives. Including my own. 

On another note, I got some sad news that my best friends dad, Mike Johnson, passed away. I think I've spent more of my childhood at the Johnsons house than my own so naturally they have always been my 2nd family. Therefore Mike was a 2nd dad (even when he was “upset” that another kid was always at his house after work lol)- So it was some hard news. Anybody that knows the Johnson family loves them, especially Mike. I am grateful for Mike, Ann Marie and Oliver's example and kindness they've shown me my whole life and know God will be strengthening them more than ever at this time. Keep em in the prayers.

3 Weeks Left

 September 15,  2025

Okay it's been 4+ months since I sent an email so here's the rundown because a few things have happened. 

In my last email I talked about how Elder Kupu and I were teaching a woman named Marian. Well Marian was able to get baptized! Her baptism was incredible. Marian struggles with mobility so we were able to improvise her baptism with the help of 2 elders in the font, a metal folding chair, and enough anxiety to go around the building. However it was a successful baptism and when she came up out of the water she was hollering “That was amazing! Thank you- thank you so much! Hallelujah!” It was such a cool experience to see her have so much joy that came from being baptized.

I finished training Elder Kupu and briefly became companions with Elder Griggs, still in Dothan AL. They were awesome companions and I definitely miss those guys. 

About 2 months ago we got our transfer news and I was told I'd be training a missionary (Elder Olson) again but this time in Bonifay Florida. I was definitely confused about this assignment at first. I anticipated the exact opposite of this assignment for the end of my mission. It's a much smaller town than what I have been used to lately. In short, I was sent back to the boonies and wasn't thrilled. However in our first 4 days together we doubled the original goals of the area and have created an awesome teaching pool of friends.

In the first few weeks, we were able to help our friend Mary be baptized and commit even more to being baptized as well. I was not thrilled upon arrival here but have quickly gotten the lesson again to trust God because this area has quickly become one of my favorite and most funl areas. 

I have about 3 weeks left on my mission (but who's counting), so I will do my best to have enough happen to write 1 last email but until then 🫡 .