4/4/16

3-28-16

We went out to eat with a less active lady and her mentally handicapped son. We went to a seafood restaurant (The Mayflower) and I had fried catfish! Her son, Jake is such a funny guy! He cracks me up with the stuff he says. Before that, we went and played some tennis with Frank. When we got back to the apartment, we went out to proselyte. We rode our bikes by the church and there was someone sitting in their truck just in the parking lot. It was a less active member. We talked to him for awhile. He's going through a lot right now including a divorce. I'm glad that we saw him and was able to talk to him. My throat has been bothering me quite a bit. I hope I'm not getting sick...

 

3-29-16

Yep, I'm sick... We went out for awhile, but I just didn't have any energy. Every chance I could get, I just laid down. My throat has a bunch of white spots including one on my uvula! So it was not a very good day. The appointments we had, cancelled. They cancelled without telling us, so we rode out there to be disappointed.

 

3-30-16

We went out a saw a less active outside her house reading. We stopped to visit with her for a little bit. We talked about the importance of the BoM and committed her to read it. She was a really sweet lady. She offered us a bunch of snacks for us to take. After that, we biked over five miles straight one way to a person's home whole requested a Bible. They weren't home, so we rode all the way back.

When we got back into town, we saw another less active and visited with her for a bit. She doesn't talk about the church very much if at all, so we just talked to her. I feel like she will open up sooner or later! We just have to show that we value her more than just getting her back to church. We have to be there for her. We have exchanges tomorrow with the Cheraw Elders. Elder Griffin had to get emergency transferred to Columbia because he has to get surgery on his finger. He broke it playing catch with a football. Haha and the Cheraw doctor gave him a brace that didn't even cover the broken area. So it made it worse. He could definantly sue for malpractice.

 

3-31-16

After DDM, I went to Cheraw with E. Webb. We went and taught a guy that I referred to them because E. Rose and I had taught him in Hartsville with his daughter. The lesson went really well. We put him on date! We also got two referrals and contacted them, then set set up appointments to come by another day. There was also, a Bible referral we met with and we put her on date as well! We had a really good day, but I am exhausted now. My throat is killing me, so that's the downside... We ended the night with a victory frosty from Wendy's!

 

4-1-16

We finished up exchanges and I got back to Hartsville. On our way back, Bro. Edwards took us to the Society Hill LDS Cemetery. It is where the first LDS church in South Carolina was built! There were all kinds of names that still run in the churches here. I really feel like poop today, so I decided to finally give in and go to the Doctor. Bro. Haney picked us up and said that I don't need to be riding the bike today. Haha he took me to the doctors office and picked us up when we got out. We waited about an hour and a half to get in. I went back finally and they swabbed my throat for strep. We waited around for the results for that. The test came out negative and they said we could go... I said; "Well there's something wrong with my throat, so can I just have someone check it?" Which is what I asked for initially. So we waited longer until someone could check my throat. Sure enough, the lady said I have over 5 ulcers and they're pretty big. The black lady doctor said; "OH LAWD! Don't those hurt?!" Haha so she ended up giving me antibiotics to treat strep because she thinks that's what it is. She prescribed some stuff called "Lidocaine Viscous" for the pain which is a nasty gel like stuff that makes my tongue and throat numb! We missed a dinner appointment because of the long wait, but they dropped off some awesome steaks anyway!

 

4-2-16

Conference starts today and I am super stoked! We called it the Super Bowl for missionaries. David A. Bednar had such a good talk. He talked about how we can always continue to retain a remission of sins. He touched on baptism, the Holy Ghost and the Sacrament. I thought it was funny that he said you might as well baptize a "bag of sand" without proper authority. With sacrament, we shouldn't just go through the motions, but prepare ourselves with a broken heart and contrite Spirit.

The priesthood session was so good as well! They have really talked about being worthy of priesthood power and being a good father/husband (in the future). Stephen Owen had a really good talk about being a follower of Christ and a leader. He stated; "The greatest leaders have always been the greatest followers." He talked about how Christ was a follower of his father and is also a leader. That talk has really stuck with me. I have such a great appreciation for General Conference. Especially, on my mission. We have the amazing opportunity to listen to prophets and apostles called of God. There's nothing better than that! I am so honored to be able to sustain them as the Lord's servants and church leaders.

 

4-3-16

The Super Bowl continues! Another theme that I have found is that they are really talking about temples and the ordinances that follow. We now have 150 temples that are open. There will always be temple work to do! The church is growing a lot and that is such an awesome thing. I know that this is the only completely true church on the face of the earth. There are truths to some, but they lack the priesthood authority which is vital. I am so honored to be a servant of the Lord and to be on my mission right now. I don't know what I would do without this gospel.

 

-Elder Mitchell

3/28/16

3-22-16
We went to visit a less active's house and while we were there, a guy showed up and we jumped on the chance to teach him! Then he left, so we asked Sis. Mason to go and visit a couple of her friends in the neighborhood with us. We taught two other friends and invited them to the ward activity this weekend. The ward is having a big Easter egg hunt and potluck! Towards the end of the day, we met with a lady named Keisha. We gave her a BoM and committed her to read and pray about it.

3-23-16
A member (Bro. Solomon) took us out today to see some less actives. We saw three people. We went and got some lunch at Cook-Out before we went teaching! He's a really nice guy, but will talk to you for hours if you let him! He spent about an hour talking about his dream to open a local restaurant. Haha So to set the scene of the story that I'm about to tell you, Bro.
Solomon is about 400 pounds. Before one of our appointments, he said he had to McDonald's just down the road to use the restroom. He said he didn't know if he could hold it that long and might have to pull over. I kind of laughed because I THOUGHT HE WAS JOKING. We were in the middle of downtown and he pulled over to a little road behind the outfield of a baseball field. He climbed out of his car and pulled his pants all the way down to go! Haha the road seemed like it could be busy, but luckily no one drove by! I was in shock at what had just happened! He's such a funny guy. After that, we saw a less active and investigator.
When we got back to the apartment after that, we headed out to the Harvey's and had dinner with them. They made waffles, bacon and potatoes! Yes... I requested waffles. Haha they're my favorite family here! I could sit and talk to them for hours and "cut up" with them.
Earlier this week, there was that attack in Brussels and missionaries were injured. We have been praying for them each day. I heard that they even included them in the prayers at the temples. One of them was in Boston during that bombing, in Paris during that attack and now this one. Someone is surely watching over him!

3-24-16
We have done really well this week! We had some more member present lessons today. Towards the end of the day, E. Rose's bike crank popped off. We were heading back from an appointment, so we stopped by the tennis courts where Frank was playing. We talked to him for a little while and then, had to head home. It was a little ways back and E.
Rose was still missing a crank (the whole pedal arm). I came up with the idea to tie our scripture bag straps together and make a little tow rope. Haha so I biked and pulled him along behind me! We made it back in pretty good timing.

3-25-16
It was pretty hot out today! We met with a lady that had told us yesterday, to come back and she was really nice. We taught her a little bit and enjoyed it. After our closing prayer, she grabbed us and hugged us. Haha it's always so funny when people do that, but I don't make it awkward. I just hug back. At that point, we don't have a choice and it's too late anyway! Haha For dinner, we ate at the Tingen's and had Stir-Fry with steak and chicken. It was soo good! We shared a message with them and they took us home. We went and stopped stopped by the softball game for Hartsville. We met up with a nonmember. The Hartsville softball team is undefeated and shuts most of the teams out. The pitcher has been working with from USC and has been recruited since 7th grade. We saw her pitch and she's really good! They won by quite a bit. At the game, I made a little bet with the nonmember we sat with that Oregon was going to beat Duke in March Madness. Now he owes me lunch since Oregon won. Haha so now we are going to go and teach him while we get lunch!

3-26-16
It was an awesome day! We got a request from the church headquarters of a lady who wants a Bible and BoM. We went over there and her dad was there as well. She has three little kids and she asked us a lot of questions. She wants her 11 year old son to learn more about Christ.
Her dad met with missionaries awhile back, but wondered why they stopped seeing him. They were really interested! We ended up basically, teaching them the Restoration and Plan of Salvation. We committed them to baptism, but haven't set a date yet!
Speaking of baptisms... The sisters had a baptism today! E. Rose and I stood as witnesses for it. The guy's name is Mark. He randomly showed up one day with a member at church and was interested! It's amazing how affective members can be! And how prepared he was for this gospel.
All the sisters had to do was set up a time to go visit him and teach him. Then, one thing led to another!
After the baptism, we stopped by a less active's work at a flower shop. We visited with her for a bit and talked about her son. He's in the Army and is going through training to deal with being captive from terrorists. So they can do basically, anything to these guys except break their bones. Pretty crazy stuff! Then she told us that a guy in Hartsville died the other died while riding his bike. Someone hit him with their car and just drove off. Eventually, someone found him in a ditch. There is a $25,000 reward for any information on who did it.
Kind of made me nervous being out on our bikes, but we aren't usually out in the country where he went.

3-27-16
It was packed at church! We had an investigator we did service for a while back randomly text us saying he's coming to church! He brought his family with him.
After church, we went out to a member's home and had an Easter lunch with them. I ate so much! I was so stuffed. Their grandson has been living with them and after lunch, their grandson (Emory) made me read a book to him. Haha we read a book about the Incredibles. When we got back to the apartment, it was pouring rain and we accidentally slipped into a short food coma. We got up and it was still raining and we went over to a member's home and visited with them.

-Elder Mitchell

3/21/16

3-15-16
We had DDM today and it went really well! After that, we had exchanges
and E. Griffin came here to Hartsville with me. We haven't been
knocking lately, unless it's around members' homes. We found a new
investigator by doing that today.
Towards the end of the night, we went to an appointment and taught
this lady named Amy. She's very stubborn! Haha anyway, E. Griffin and
I had fun and got a lot done. He's a funny guy.

3-16-16
We met with a couple less active's today and taught them. When we got
back for dinner, I saw a guy run past one of our windows of the
apartment outside. I didn't think much of it because it's in town and
we have people who come and take care of the yard. Then, an old lady
who lives right above us came down and told us she had just gotten
robbed! A black guy went in her room because she left her front door
cracked so her cats can get in and out. He held a gun up to her and
took all her money. A little later, a ton of cops showed up and
brought bloodhounds to smell around. They interviewed us and I told
them what I saw. That was pretty nerve-racking! There are only four
apartments in our complex, so luckily, we lock our doors. They
could've to get in while we were gone! We eventually, left the
apartment and taught a lady we've met before. I think she's a legit
germaphobe. She's always wearing gloves and her whole car was filled
with them. There was one even over her doorknob. I felt bad for her...
She said she gets really anxious. She seems to be interested in our
message though! She read the last pamphlet we gave her. We gave her a
BoM and talked to her about how prayer has helped us get through
things. Then, we went to go and visit the Laffidy's. They always feed
us even if we say we're not hungry! Haha we had bacon sandwiches and
ice cream.

3-17-16
We taught Dequan today who is a football player for USC. He's a BIG
guy. We showed up at the end of the Duke game, so we got to watch a
little bit of that. A lot of people have been keeping me posted on how
KU is doing! We talked to him about the BoM and he had a lot of good
questions. We spent most of the day in the ghetto. While we were
riding down the street, we saw a lady we've taught before. We stopped
and talked to her and taught her a little bit. After that, we rode up
to some little kids playing catch with a football, so I had to stop
and join in. They were funny little black kids. One of them caught the
ball and ran, then for a touchdown celebration... He hit the "whip!"
After a little bit, we went to a lady's house named Rosa. She has been
on date before, but hadn't been to church. She's a really nice lady.
For lunch, we went to Sonic and got milkshakes for half price! I got a
bacon milkshake and it was really good!

3-18-16
My testimony strengthened a lot today. There was a time after dinner
where our appointment fell through. I had a prompting to go and see
this guy we've been trying to contact for a couple weeks now. Every
time we stop by, he's not there. I still decided to just listen
anyway. Sure enough, he was outside washing his car when we got there
and we got to teach him for a bit! I've been making it a focus to
follow the promptings that I may receive. It's working well so far!
Another prompting we had today happened at the end of the day. We went
through all of our plans for the day and didn't want to go in early.
We got the prompting to stop by a kid we lost contact with. Right when
we got there, his friend drove up and dropped him off at the same
time. He left early from work that night, so we caught him. I thought
that was really neat.
So a funny thing happened... We were in a parking lot where I didn't
think anyone was around us. I ripped the loudest fart! Sure enough, a
lady came walking around from the front of her car a little ways away.
She was holding her kid while she just stared at us silently judging.
Haha I just looked back at her surprised. When she went into her
apartment, we busted up laughing. I was laughing so hard I was crying!
Before we went home, we stopped by a little store to get syrup for our
waffles. We saw a guy in there that we've met before right in the same
isle we had to go down. We talked to him for a bit and he just opened
up talking about how his wife just randomly left him... He has no idea
where she went or why. He can't get in contact with her at all. My
heart went out to him because he's such a nice guy we had a little
lesson with him in the store. He was really glad to see us and kind of
vent to us. He doesn't really have anyone else to talk to. I think
it's pretty amazing how the Lord crosses our paths with people for a
reason. And that was so that we could be the Lord's vessel to comfort
him and assure him that Heavenly Father loves him and is there to
answer his prayers.

3-19-16
One weird thing here is that there is so much pollen in the air that
it covers everything with a light yellow layer. It gets on everything,
like yellow dust! Supposedly, it gets worse than it is now too! We
went to a less active lady's house (Sis. Bolden) and we helped her
clean out her garage. We stopped in on her while she was in the middle
of it. She had a guy helping her who was really nice. We taught him a
little bit about our church while we were helping. After that, we
helped her plant some flowers! She was very grateful that we stopped
by.

3-20-16
Sis. Bolden showed up at church today! We must've made a pretty good
impact on her for her to show up. After church, we went to go meet a
lady who requested for a free Bible and BoM. We taught her about the
BoM and set up an appointment to see her again on Tuesday! Then, we
saw this family who is wanting to get sealed in the temple together.
We are working with them for a bit. If we can get them to go, we can
go with them! At the end of the night, we went over to visit the
Thompsons. They fed us hamburgers and hot dogs!

-Elder Mitchell

3/14/16

3-7-16
P-day today was nice and relaxing. We went to the church and hit the
tennis ball back and forth. Then, we played basketball. After that, we
got lunch at Huddle House which is like Waffle House. When we got our
food, we said a blessing (like usual) and an older lady came up to us
after and said that she noticed us praying before we ate. She said
that her son is in the hospital right now and asked that we pray for
him. I thought it was really neat that she had approached us just
because we were doing what we're supposed to be doing and praying. You
never know who may be watching!
After we got our groceries, we did a tough workout! I've been making
healthy smoothies with frozen mixed fruit and sometimes spinach.
Occasionally, I'll put breakfast essentials in there as well to add
some chocolate. I learned how to skinny a tie today, so we got some
cheap ties from Goodwill to practice on. We ate with some members at
Nueva Villa for dinner and visited with them for a little while!

3-8-16
A really neat thing happened today. While we were planning last night,
I planned to stop by this house where an investigator had already
moved out of. His sister and niece still live there though. I guess I
just thought we could check in on them and see how they're doing.
Little did we know, the niece is getting ready to get married! She
talked to us for awhile a out how they had previously, lost a child
together. She wants a family that is centered around Christ. We had s
really good lesson with her and invited her to church. We also,
invited her to pray about what we taught her. In return, she asked us
to pray for her and her family as they have been going though some
trials. It's so awesome how the Spirit directed us to go visit them.
Even when it doesn't always make sense. I had no idea at the time why
I planned it, but now we know! It goes to show how important it is to
have the Spirit with us while we are planning and trying to focus on
the promptings we receive.
We stopped by and saw a less active lady who we haven't met yet. She
was really sweet! We helped her trim some of her trees. Then, we
shared a message with her. Her husband passed a little over five years
ago, so we went over the Plan of Salvation with her. She invited us
over to her house on Thursday for dinner! She is always out of town
visiting her grandkids, but said she would come to church if she's in
town.

3-9-16
We had zone conference today and it was so good! Pres. Turner came and
talked to us about the "South Carolina Initiative" -which is a plan to
reactivate less active's.  He stated that we shouldn't have to be
doing anymore knocking/tracting if we do this correctly. We should
just be working through members to seek referrals. Whether that be
active or less active's. I'm excited about that because that is easier
and more likely to be successful. The only downside of the meeting was
that we can't eat meals with members anymore unless they have
non-members or less active's over. So we can't seek referrals during
dinner time unless that is the case. I trust that this was enforced
through the Spirit, but it makes it a lot harder to build trust with
members without being able to eat dinner and spend time with them. I
think he's just noticed everyone gaining weight here in the south!
Haha

3-10-16
We met with a couple potential investigators today and taught them. We
saw a couple less active's as well. Including, the lady who invited us
over for dinner. We are with her and another member. She made really
good food! Then, we shared a message with her. After that, we went to
a member's home and taught their non-member grandma. She made comments
that were so far beyond relevance of the lesson. I was baffled at how
she said the most random things that didn't even pertain at all!
E. Rose and I have been working out every day. I've gained a little
bit of weight, but most of it is good weight! We workout our legs
everyday because we ride bikes, so for workouts, we usually workout
our arms.

3-11-16
We did a lot of service today. We helped a less active lady from the
ward rake her front yard. After raking, we went to the tennis courts
with Frank and his friend Jody. We got special permission from the
Zone Leaders to play tennis with them since we taught Jody afterwards.
Frank and I beat Jody and E. Rose 7-5 and 6-4. So awesome news...
Frank is on date for baptism! I really hope he follows through with
it. Please keep him in your prayers! The zone leaders and us have been
working a lot with him. Unfortunately, we can't teach him because he's
not in our area. Just the Florence Elders can (zone leaders). We still
spend time with him and he does a ton of stuff for us. Then, we helped
another member pack because he's moving.
After that, we went over to visit Patti and Dave. They fed us pizza
and cheesecake!

3-12-16
We stopped by to see Rickey today. His brother who is on date was
there and said he's been reading the BoM! We taught him a short lesson
on the BoM and the Holy Ghost. There was a lady who walked in later
and we taught her a little as well. We are trying to get Rickey back
to church and earnest to go with him.

3-13-16
We taught gospel principles today and it went pretty good! We got a
lot of interaction with the people in the class. After church, we went
to go locate some less active's. One LA we stopped by didn't live
there anymore. We talked to the guy who moved in and was pretty
interested. We set a return appointment with him so we can sit down
and teach him more!
For dinner, we went over to the Tingen's and had ribs! Sis. Tingen is
the Relief Society Pres. Her husband, Pete isn't a member but we're
working with him! He's the one we helped install the sprinkler system
a while back. We talked to them about prayer and the importance of it
since he struggles with that.

I love you!
-Elder Mitchell

3/7/16

2-29-16
We went to Florence and played the Zone Leaders in tennis. We beat
them pretty bad. Tennis is actually fun to play! Frank is good, so he
gave us some pointers along the way. Then, he took us all out to
Cracker Barrel after! We headed back to Hartsville and got our
groceries. When we got to the apartment, a less active member called
and literally, talked to us (me) on the phone for 3 hours and 26
minutes!! I probably said a total of about 15 words the whole time.
She wouldn't let me go when I said we had to either. I was stuck on
there and it was frustrating.

3-1-16
Well, we ate lunch with the Mayor today! His name is Mel Pennington.
I've worked out a couple times with him when we used to get up at
5:30am for F3. It's a bunch of guys from the community who get
together and do military workouts. It stands for Faith. Fellowship.
Fitness. Anyway, we were biking down the street and he pulled up in
front of us. He asked if we've eaten lunch yet and then told us to
meet at this Mexican restaurant. We got there and there were a lot of
people who I have worked out with before. We all get funny nicknames
when we go. Mine us "Todo" since I'm from Kansas. I know, real
original. Haha but Mel paid for our lunches! He's a really nice guy.
We met with a guy later on got into some deep doc with him. It's not
always advised for missionaries to get into that, but the questions he
had caused it to lead to that. It was a really neat conversation and
got us thinking! He was a pretty intelligent guy.
For dinner, we ate pizza at a park with the Beckett's. After that, we
shared a message with them and went to go see Patti and Dave. They
were really happy to see us!

3-2-16
Today was a really slow day... Nothing seemed to go our way. Our
appointments all cancelled.  So we did some tracting. People were
really rude today for some reason, so that hurt my pride a little.
It's hard not to just reach out and strangle someone after they tell
us that we are going to hell in front of their kids. I just have to
remember that I'm a missionary! Haha
We taught s couple people today, but they were just doorstep lessons.
We had ward council and visited with the ward mission leaders. After
that, we went over to the Solomons. They're such nice people! Bro.
Solomon will talk your ear off.

3-3-16
It was a pretty busy day! When we were heading back to the apartment
for lunch, we drove by Ruth's. One of Frank's friend we know was
walking in, so we stopped to say hi. He invited us to eat lunch with
him, so we did and he paid for us! He's a pretty nice guy. We went out
to the "Alphabet Streets" (ghetto) to teach Rickey again. His brother
Earnest was there who isn't a member. I am surprised about how much
Rickey still knows about the church. We had a really good lesson with
and put Earnest on date! While we were heading to go see an
investigator, we noticed two kids playing baseball. They were a less
active's kids, so we stopped and played a two on two game. They had a
blast! After the kid, "Jr." And I won, we went to go see the
investigator and taught her husband. They seemed pretty interested, so
we will have to swing by later on!

3-4-16
We had ZTM this morning and it went really well! The Spirit is always
so strong in that room full of missionaries. At ZTM, they outlawed
member meals starting in April... Unless they're less active or have
an investigator. I think that is ridiculous. We are supposed to work
with members so how are we going to be able to do that without going
to eat dinner with them and build their trust. There is a whole
section in Preach My Gospel about working with members. We should be
able to eat meals with them as long as we are staying on purpose and
seeking referrals. It's better than going to the apartment for that
hour and not interacting with anyone. Oh well, still have to be
obedient to it!
After ZTM, we went on exchanges. Elder Webb came to Hartsville with
me. We got to teach quite a bit of people! While we were tracting, we
knocked into a nice family who's daughter has been to church a couple
times with the Thompsons. They are looking for a church to go to as a
family. We've been wanting to teach the daughter, so I'm glad that we
found them!
For dinner, we ate at the Carroway's. They have been members for about
7 years. We found out that they have gotten their endowments, but
haven't been sealed! We talked to them about that and getting their
patriarchal blessings. If they go and get sealed, we can go with them!

3-5-16
Before we finished up exchanges, we got special permission from the
Zone Leaders to go play tennis with Frank. He brought a friend, so we
played doubles. E. Webb played tennis in highschool. It was Frank and
I against him and Jody. We beat them 6-4! It was a lot of fun. Tennis
is nice because it can only take about to people to play. It's a good
workout as well. I picked it up pretty fast! After that, Frank took us
to Cook-Out to get some burgers.
When we got back from Cheraw to finish exchanges, a member of the ward
asked us to help them move the wife's grandma in. After we finished
that, they took us out to eat at Applebee's. It was nice to visit with
them! Then we went to go teach a guy who turns out to be flaming... It
was awkward and even more so when he started hitting on us. He was
wearing just a robe and I thought he was going to rip it open any
second. We got out of there pretty fast!

3-6-16
We went on probably the longest bike ride I've been on yet. We covered
a lot of miles! We were trying to contact some less active's we
haven't met. One out of six were available to talk to. The others were
either not home or moved. We taught a couple other people while we
were tracting out there. That long trip was exhausting because we were
fasting until dinner, so we didn't have any energy!
I made some hamburgers for dinner when we got back, so we chowed down.
It was a good day today! We are going to go play some tennis tomorrow
and just relax!

-Elder Mitchell

2/29/16

2-23-16

We had DDM today and it was really good! They trained on keeping the vision to baptize. Afterwards, the Cheraw Elders, Zone leaders and us went to eat at Ruth's Drive in. Later on in the day, we taught a few people and put one on date! For dinner, we ate at Fuji (Japanese Steakhouse). It was misting outside most of the day. All of our plans and appointments fell through, so we decided to just knock some doors. People go to bed at like 7:30-8:00 here so it's hard to tract at night. At least it didn't start pouring on us like it did yesterday! We met a younger guy and taught him a quick lesson.  He seemed pretty interested, so we will have to try back later.

 

2-24-16

Today was interesting. After lunch, we went to go give a member a blessing at her work. When we got done with that, we got a text from the ward mission leased saying; "Sisters just had a wreck, corner of Fifth St. And W. Carolina Ave. Can you go there and give a blessing. I'm at a funeral." ...so many thoughts ran through my head: what am I about to see? Are they okay? Who needs a blessing? The Bishop called us telling us about it as well. We were already on our way. I had never biked so fast in my life! My adrenaline was going crazy for some reason. I was just praying the whole time we were riding over there.i We got there and the police, a fire truck and ambulance were there. We were looking all over for the mission car and didn't see it. One of the sisters popped her head out of the window of a Chrysler and waved us down. They were all okay! The lady from Florence who was driving was really shaken up. I reached my hands in her car door and gave her a blessing. They were riding back to the church and someone ran a red light and hit them on the side. The Florence and Hartsville sisters were in there. There was a pretty big dent on the side, but none of them were hurt. The lady in the other car has a daughter who broke her arm. The other car was pretty torn up. After that, we taught a couple lessons and then had to go in because we are under tornado watch.

 

2-25-16

We went to go see a less active today. He lives in the ghetto (he's the drug dealer). We had a really good lesson with him. He had a friend over who is actually a member as well. He's a less active that we've been trying to locate. We taught them the Gospel of Jesus Christ and about repentance. His friend had to leave, but we talked to Rickey about going to the temple. He remembers going and wants to go again. He's been sealed to his family there. I'm not sure where his family is right now... We invited him to come to church and that it would be how he can end up back in the temple. And a couple other changes. Haha. He was all excited when we started talking about the temple. It was really neat because I could see the Spirit working within him. He asked E. Rose to give the closing prayer. Now, here in the south people like to give something called "prayer help." They'll say; "yes!" "Yes Lord."  "Amen" or "Hallelujah!" The first time it happened to me it really threw me off. But he started giving E. Rose prayer help. I got the clever idea to join in too! He said thank you for us being able to sit down with Rickey and I chimed in and said "yes!" Haha he just paused during the prayer for a little bit. I could tell he was try I got really hard not to bust up laughing because I was about to as well! We kept it together well, but I could tell it threw him off when Rickey did it, and especially when I did!

Later tonight, we had an appointment to meet with someone. Unfortunately, he was admitted into the hospital. He told us that he still wanted to meet with us, so we went up to the hospital to visit him and teach him a little bit. He's an awesome guy. He had a lot of questions for us. The lesson went well, but he was pretty loopy after he took some pain pills. Towards the end, he started falling asleep while we were talking to him. But I could tell the he is really searching for the truth! It's amazing to see how the Lord prepares certain people to learn to the Gospel. The hard part sometimes is their agency! A lot of them don't know what to do with these new feelings they're getting of the Spirit, so they might just brush it off. Some will also feel it and be sucked right into what we are talking about. It's just really neat to see how the Spirit works within others.

 

2-26-16

Today was a pretty good day! We taught quite a few people today. Most of the. We're doorstep lessons. For dinner, we went to a members house to eat chicken and dumplings! It was really good. Then we had peach cobbler.

We had planned to go teach someone and bring a member with us, but the investigator cancelled. Instead, we went by a couple other people to see if they were home. Most of them were already in bed, so we went over to see Bro. Haney. We talked to him for awhile and then he took us home! We finished planning and now we are listening to some Christian gospel rap prepping ourselves to go tracting in the ghetto tomorrow!

 

2-27-16

We went and ate lunch with an old lady from the ward today.  After that, we went to tract in the ghetto for a bit. We met a couple people and taught them. Our dinner plans fell through because they've had a bad week, so they cancelled. I also wrecked my bike.. Again. There was a curb that I was going to bunny hop onto from the road to ramp off a spot where the cement angles up. My tire caught the curb and three me off the bike! I didn't get hurt because I landed in a soft pile of leaves luckily, it was a night so no one witnessed it except for E. Rose. I just didn't jump the curb soon enough. That's my second wreck. The first one happened the other day. I went to cut through a bush thinking it was a shortcut and my bike found the only parking block in the lot... I hit it straight on, so my crotch quickly, met the handlebars and I flipped over the front. That one didn't feel very good. Haha they were both caused by myself and my stupidity trying to do cool things! Hopefully, I won't have anymore any time soon. Nevertheless, I've gotten pretty experience pad at riding a bike now! We found a little area where there is bamboo growing, so I cut a piece off and made a blow gun. It works really well. Haha E. Rose cut a big piece off and is making a walking stick. It was a pretty productive day! I am looking forward to church tomorrow because there should be some less actives coming that we met with during the week.

 

2-28-16

Today, we taught a lady who seemed pretty interested. She enjoyed hearing about Joseph Smith. I felt the Spirit so strongly during that lesson! Hopefully, we can sit down with her and her husband and kids soon. They seem like a really neat family! We planned to eat with some members, but they cancelled last minute due to a family emergency. They still dropped off food which was really nice! We taught quite a bit of lessons this week. The only thing is that we need to work on getting them progressing now by helping them follow through with commitments. I have been having E. Rose take the lead in door approaches and some lessons now. His confidence is starting to increase a little which is good! Frank dropped off some nice tennis racquets yesterday because we are going to go play tomorrow for PDay with the Florence Elders.

-Elder Mitchell

2/22/16

  2-15-16
  Bro. Tadlock (Frank) took us out to eat along with the Zone Leaders
  for my birthday! We call him Bro. Tadlock because he's basically a
  member. Just hasn't got dunked yet! After that, he took us so that we
  could go get groceries.
  For dinner, we are at the Harvey's. We had a really good visit with
  them! I was talking to Bro. Harvey about how much schooling he had to
  do for dentistry. It's only two more years than chiropractic
  schooling. It is better pay and easier to find a job. He said that he
  had initially wanted to be a Chiropractor as well. I've been thinking
  about dentistry and I think I would enjoy that. I might go into that
  instead! Maybe a pediatric dentist. I love the Harveys. Probably
  because they remind me so much of Kaylee and Roger.

  2-16-16
  Today, we had interviews with the President! He was impressed with how
  we are doing in Hartsville. The topic was goal setting and how we can
  achieve them. We brought all of our key indicators from the past four
  weeks and discussed them. We set the goal to use faith as a power to
  get four member presents this week.
  When we got back from Hartsville, we got some lunch at Cook-Out. Then,
  started our day proselyting. We taught a less active and committed
  hoer to come to church! After that, we taught a lady named Lisa. We
  out her on date! We taught a couple other lessons as well. We stopped
  by Juwan and he told us that his mom doesn't want him to make that big
  of a commitment to join our church. He's 18, but is still living under
  her roof. It was very heart breaking to hear that. The whole ward was
  so excited for him... Maybe someday, he will decided to join when he's
  moved out.

  2-17-16
  Today, we went to go see a less active in the straight ghetto. It is a
  pretty rough neighborhood. They're called the "Alphabet Streets"
  because they didn't even bother to name them. It's just A-L streets.
  The less active member lives on G street. I was very surprised to see
  how much knowledge of the gospel he still has and how strong his
  testimony of Joseph Smith is. He's a drug dealer which is pretty
  awkward! Haha his brother came over, so we were able to teach him as
  well. Later on, his goddaughter came over and we taught her too! He
  got offended by someone in the church and hasn't come back since.
  Elder Nielson from the seventy told us that we have the authority to
  apologize for the church and say; "As representatives of the LDS
  church, we solemnly apologize that you've been offended. Will you
  please consider joining us again?" I think just saying that meant a
  lot to him. Hopefully, he comes to church this Sunday.

  2-18-16
  Today went by really slow... I can't stop thinking about Juwan and how
  heartbreaking it is for him to cancel. His mom isn't even in a church,
  but doesn't want him to join one. It's sad because I know how much it
  could bless him and his family. He knows that too. He's the oldest
  sibling, so he would be setting a great example for his siblings.

  We met a lady at the public library to teach her a lesson and it was
  very interesting! She talked about how she thinks God is "lashing out"
  on us for using so many chemical for medicine and things. Those
  chemicals are hurting the environment, so God is mad at us... We just
  taught her about prophets and how they would've said something about
  that. Then, we talked about the authority needed to be a prophet. This
  led into the Restoration. We also, helped her know how to pray and
  recognize the answers she gets. We taught another lesson after that
  and then, went to eat dinner with members.

  2-19-16
  This morning, we helped a potential investigator year floors up for
  his house. They've been living in a small camper trailer until they
  finish the home. Cory has two kids and a wife. They have a pretty
  rough life. I feel bad for the kids... He was very thankful that we
  came to help. He was an interesting guy to say the least. Haha! We
  taught him a short lesson after that.
  During the evening, we went to visit the Laffidy's and talked with
  them for a bit. I love that family! They crack me up.

  2-20-16
  Today. Oh boy... I had no idea what I was getting myself into. A less
  active member texted us yesterday asking for help moving. I've never
  met them before, so I thought it would be a good idea. Oh I was so
  wrong... We got there and walked to the back of the house where the
  Uhaul truck was. The first thing I saw was a kid helping carry s
  mattress and on his back was a big COCKROACH crawling on his back! I
  didn't think too much of it until I walked in the house... My heart
  just dropped to my feet. There were cockroaches literally, everywhere.
  I have never seen so many in my life. Picture a horror movie with
  roaches and add more to that. There were reaches crawling all over
  their beds, pillows, food and everywhere else you could imagine. When
  we were moving stuff, they would just scatter and some would start
  running up our arms! I didn't want to freak out in front of them and
  be rude, so as I was dying on the inside, I quickly but calmly brushed
  them off. That wasn't even the worst of it. The walls were covered in
  mold and the air was probably harming our health. A guy that was
  helping them move, picked up a portable toilet that was by the bed to
  move and it WASNT EMPTY. It spilled all over the floor and his shoe!
  It smelled like death after it spilled. We had to take a "lunch break"
  to go buy gloves. When we got back, it was time to move the washer,
  dryer, oven and refrigerator. When we moved the fridge, the floor
  underneath looked like it was moving. You couldn't even see the actual
  floor. They scattered towards us, in the air vents, and up the walls.
  While we were moving the fridge, it opened and there was moldy stuff
  and roaches in there. The oven was even worse. We finally, got
  everything moved over to the other house. We tracked more roaches into
  their other house, so that's not good... They didn't clean off
  anything. We tried our best to clean everything off before we got
  inside. Once everything was moved out of the truck, the bed was
  covered with roaches that had fallen off the furniture. Let's just say
  I'm scarred for life. It made me want to deep clean everything. I am
  so thankful that I haven't had to live like that. It didn't even phase
  the people living there anymore. I just kept thinking about how many
  of those they've eaten in their sleep... I feel like breathing in that
  air took off about three years of my life. My breathing was really
  shallow afterwards. They were very thankful that we helped though. It
  was a very humbling experience.
  On the bright side today, we got a member to go out teaching with us
  for a little while. We also, put a lady on date for baptism! The
  member bought us each pizzas from Little Caesars after. He also talked
  about some experiences that his wife has had. His wife has lymes
  disease and it got to her brain for a little while. He was telling us
  about how there was an angel that used to come and help her when he
  couldn't. We talked about how it could've been a family member from
  way back. His wife used to know the angel's name, but forgot it.
  Imagine that! The veil must've been closed again. To end the night, we
  met with a couple less active members and shared a message with them.
  One hasn't been to church since she was just a little kid. She seemed
  pretty interested, so hopefully we can visit with her again!

  2-21-16
  I had to give my talk today, but I think it went pretty well! It was
  about faith and how it works. I related it to football! Frank came to
  Hartsville to listen to my talk. It was such a nice day today. It was
  about 67°. We reached the goal we set with President Turner when we
  met with him to get four member present lessons this week. We ended up
  getting five! We met three of the Standards of Excellence for this
  week! We've been working with some less actives as well. It was a good
  day today. I am looking forward to P-Day tomorrow. We're going to go
 play some tennis, clean and take a nap!

  -Elder Mitchell