5/9/16

5-2-16

For E. Rose's last P-Day here, he decided he wanted to go to the tennis center in Florence. Frank took us there and we met up with the zone leaders. We played a couple games of tennis and then decided to head back to Hartsville. On the way back, we stopped by a Waffle House and Bro. Tadlock got dinner for us.

5-3-16

Bro. Tadlock came into town today, so we helped him with some service. We went to go help Jody clean out a house that he rents out. He had to evict someone for now paying their bills. We didn't get to teach very much today and we have to go to transfers tomorrow morning. I'm going to miss Elder Rose. We got along really well! I asked him to give me a blessing. I am going to try and get a blessing from each companion that I have before we transfer out.

5-4-16

Transfers! The Edwards took us to transfers in Irmo. When we got there, I got to see Elder Webb, Arnoldsen and Goff before they left to go to the mission home. They are heading home! Elder Webb and I related so well and we were really good friends. I will definantly, want to see him after my mission. He is a convert to the church and none of his family members are members. He joined the church around 15 and decided to serve a mission!

My new companion is Elder Staley. He is from SLC, Utah. He seems like a pretty cool dude. E. Rose went to an area named Greenwood. He's in a car now which I don't think he's very happy about! On our way back to H-Ville, the Edwards took us to go eat at Chick Fil A and then took us by the temple. The Columbia temple is so small! But it's a really pretty place.

When we got to Hartsville, Tammy Barefoot and Jake took us out to eat with them. She's a less active who we are getting prepared for the temple! After that, we went to go visit another less active elderly lady named Essie. She works at Walmart, but we were able to catch her at home.

5-5-16

For lunch, I took E. Staley to Ruth's. Ronnie and Jody were there so we sat and ate with them! We went and taught a lady who has been on date for baptism before. Her name is Rosa and we are trying to get her to come to church! Bro. Krein was able to go with us to teach her. He is the stake patriarch and a very nice guy! He tries to make himself available each Thursday to go out teaching with us. The lesson went really well and she said that she is going to be at church next Sunday!

5-6-16

Sis. Laffidy (Grandma Laffidy) invited us over for dinner tonight. She hasn't been to church in awhile because she can't get around very well. Before we went over there, we saw her pull into the grocery store, so we stopped to help her get groceries. Then, we followed her home and helped unload them! Her grandson Jeffrey picked us up later and we went over there. She made "hamburger rolls." She would hollow Italian bread out and stuff hamburger in there with a really good sauce.

5-7-16

We went to go help Jeffrey move his sister, Mary out of the dorms at Coker College. Once we moved all of her stuff, he took us to go get some lunch at Yogi Bear. We had some southern fried chicken! Then, he dropped us off to get our haircuts. After that, we went to go visit Sis. Mason. She's an interesting lady.. Haha

I get to talk to my parents tomorrow and I'm so excited! I miss them a lot.

-Elder Mitchell

5/2/16

4-25-16

We played a lot of tennis today with Frank! It may seem like we play tennis a lot... Well, we do... But it's the only fun thing to really do on PDay here! I played E. Rose in singles and beat him. Then, Frank and E. Rose teamed up against me. It's called "Australian Doubles." I beat them in that too! It made me tired though!

After that, he took us to Ruth's to eat. When it was time to proselyte, we tried a couple people and taught a lady named Heather. She wasn't on the plan, but we were prompted to go over there. She as outside working on her yard when we got there. We had a bomb lesson with her. The Spirit was really strong. I know she was feeling the Spirit, so I called her out on it and helped her realize what she was feeling. Then, E. Rose bore testimony and it was awesome. We gave her a BoM and committed her to read it. Then, we went over to see the Laffidy's after that and Jeffrey (the son) took us out to eat. They're such a nice family!

4-26-16

After DDM, we had exchanges. I stayed in H-Ville and E. Larsen came here from Cheraw. He came out on his mission at the same time I did. We went over and saw Dequan (the football player for USC). He's funny! He was playing Pac-Man and Galaga. It's funny because he's just this big guy playing those games. We had a short lesson about the BoM and committed him to read it. We taught another lady on the street. We were supposed to meet a less active member at Shoney's to eat, but I guess she just forgot... So we went to the apartment and ate. Later, she called us back and felt really bad, so she dropped off money so that we could get something to eat another time. 

After dinner, we went and taught Jason with Bro. Lillian. He hasn't been available to meet with us in awhile because he's been sick. He lost his job because of it. After prayer from him and us, he got his job back! The lesson went really well. We taught him the Restoration. We started talking about the BoM. He said, "So where can I get a BoM?" Haha! Well.. We brought him one! After we got back from that, Frank picked us up to get some milkshakes at Sonic. 

4-27-16

It was really hot today. We went on a pretty far bike ride too. We taught the lady that cut our hair the other day. She is in her late 20's. She's a nice person and fun to talk to! After that, we stopped by a lady we are teaching named Gina. She has an 8 year old son named Dorian. He's a cool dude! We play football, basketball or baseball when we are over there. We are going to go to his baseball game on Friday. During our Companionship studies this morning, some Jehovah's Witnesses knocked on our door. Haha when we opened, the door they laughed. The asked to come in and talk, but we told them we were studying. They were told old black guys. He proceeded to ask how old we were and said that E. Rose looks 13 and was like making fun of him? You're not going to get into very many doors by insulting them! Haha people hate the Jdubs here. Haha he gave us "homework" to read Pslams 72 about the government. So I gave him some homework to read 1 Timothy 4:12. 

4-28-16

We went over to visit with a less active. We talked to her out on her porch. She's very kind! We talked about the importance of the BoM. She said that she needs to read it and that she will! She gave us a bag of boiled peanuts that were really good!

After that, we went over to see grandma Laffidy. She wasn't on the schedule, but we felt like we should just stop by and see her. She was having s rough day... She was pretty lonely and having some trouble with her breathing. She is the sweetest old lady and I felt bad for her. Especially, because she kept crying... We gave her a blessing and that seemed to help a bit. It was hard to say goodbye and leave.. Haha whenever we go over there, she gives us Pepsi and Zebra Cakes. 

4-29-16

So during personal study this morning, I got a call... From President Turner. He was calling me because he wants me to train another greenie again. I'm having another son. I will also, be staying in Hartsville still. Now, I will be here for 9 months! I'm so ready to switch it up and go somewhere else. BUT this must be where the Lord needs me. I'll find out why sooner or later! 

While we were out biking, we went to see a member. They weren't home, but their neighbor was outside. We went to talk to her and she told us that she locked her keys and her two year old son in the car! Her car was running with the AC on, so she was just waiting for her husband to get there from work with the spare keys. We kept her son entertained by making him laugh. He was so confused as to why he was still in there. We taught her for a little bit too. We made them both laugh so she wasn't so stressed or embarrassed about it. Then, we agreed to help Sis. Thompson move some things. Little did we know that we were moving things into her boyfriend's house. That was just a little awkward that you would ask missionaries to help with that. Haha!

After we helped them move, they took us to get food at Cook-Out. Then, we headed out to Dorian's game. They were happy to see us there. 

After the game, we stopped by and saw Patti & Dave. They found out that Dave has skin cancer. We visited with them for a bit and it was good to see them!

4-30-16

Today, we had a ward community service project called "Christmas in April." The city donates money for supplies and churches in the community go out and do service for people who need it. We helped a guy by painting the outside trim of his house. We also, painted his window frames. It was a nest experience! He was very grateful. We got to teach him a little bit as well. When we finished with that, a less active called us needing some help win her yard. It was nice because we were already in our service clothes. We rode up there and helped her. She still isn't very happy with us for telling her that she needs to come to church. 

I have been pretty stressed out today… I guess I am just trying to figure out my purpose here in Hartsville. I was told earlier in my mission that if I still feel the Spirit working within me, then I know the Lord is pleased with what I'm doing. I might be a little hard on myself. When Pres. Turner called me, he said, "you did such a good job training the first time, the Lord wants you to do it again." That made me feel a little better!

4-31-16

We fasted today and I was starving! Haha but we were blessed because of it. Daniel Thompson brought a friend to church and he seemed to really enjoy it. After church we met with them in the Scout room and taught him about the Restoration. The lesson went really well. The Spirit was really strong in there. We started talking about the BoM and the kid wanted to read it. We didn't have one to give him... After we closed our prayer, I turned around and there was one sitting right on top of the file cabinet. It was completely blank too! Keep in mind it was just a scout room! I thought it was a neat tender mercy. 

For dinner, we went over to Sis. Thompson's boyfriend's house to have some BBQ. He makes really good food. He is going in for surgery tomorrow, so he asked for a blessing. He isn't a member, so that was neat. I gave him a blessing and it went really well. I could tell that he felt the Spirit afterwards. Then, we shared a message about Faith. They're the best family! After we got back, we went to go and see the Laffidy's.  We visited with them for awhile and shared a message. I love them too!

-Elder Mitchell

4/25/16

4-18-16

PDay was a lot of fun today! We went to a new big tennis center in Florence. We played the zone leaders. They struggle when it comes to tennis... Haha Frank was joking and making fun of them. He said that they just need to stick to handing out copies of the Book of Mormon. After that, we went back to H-ville and played a little more tennis with Frank and Jody. We played some doubles. Then, he took us to get groceries. He bought us some ribs!

When it was time to proselyte, we went up ton a ways to go watch a kid play baseball. We have been teaching him and his mom. He supposedly, had a game today, but there was no game going on! That was kind of frustrating...

 

4-19-16

We had DDM today and I prepared a training/testimony of something called the South Carolina Initiative. The mission president proposed it to the stake awhile back and they're implementing it. It is an effort to get members and missionaries working together for strengthening wards through ordinations, temple ordinances and baptisms. We are focusing on less actives and part member families. So, I talked about how it has already affected our area. Then, we talked about using faith as a principle of power! We are setting the goal to get three baptisms by the end of this next transfer.

After DDM, Bro. Anderson took us out to lunch. He took us to a really nice Thai restaurant called the "Bow-Thai." We talked a lot about his mission and he told us the story about the cat food sandwiches! Later one, we went to a lady's house to teach her and she gave us free haircuts while we taught her! We had another appointment where a member went out teaching with us and the guy stood us up… Then, we left to give a lady a blessing. She is a hoarder, so we couldn't even find a place to sit down!

 

4-20-16

It is starting to heat up quite a bit! We stopped by the Barefoot's . They're an older couple who are the parents of Tammy Barefoot. Taking care of Jake so we got to see him! He was happy to see us. After dinner, we had Ward coordination. We showed up in jeans and a T-shirt. They were surprised! Must've thought we are going apostate. Haha but we had service right after. We helped the young men with a lady from the ward's yard.

 

4-21-16

We went and saw Dequan today and talk to him for a while. We talked about the BoM. He's been reading a little bit of it! We met with a couple people after that. Then, we stopped by a less active. After we talked for a bit, the Spirit prompted me to get to the bottom of why she's not going to church anymore. It was really intense and the Spirit was so strong in there. She was offended by someone in the ward and said that the Lord was there and understands why she doesn't go. I was strictly following the spirit… I asked her, "If the Lord was with us right now, would He tell you to go to church? Because He is here." Then, the Spirit just filled the room. That didn't come from me! It was really neat. We were being pretty bold because we were prompted to be. We proceeded to tell her that the sacrament is a saving ordinance. We used scriptures and testified. I was sad when she said that she didn't care where she ends up after this life, but can't go back to church. Dang agency… Now she doesn't want to see us again. I feel bad that she didn't listen to the Spirit and follow it. I called it out and said that I know she feels the Spirit right now. I feel bad, but I knew that we were following the Spirit. She needed to hear it no matter how much she didn't want to. We met with her quite a bit before that and we needed to make sure she knows our purpose as missionaries.

After that, we came home for dinner. I had stuck some ribs in the crockpot earlier and they were amazing. The meat fell off the bone so easy.

 

4-22-16

We had exchanges today with the zone leaders from Florence. Elder Dillree came here with me to Hartsville. Bro. Harvey took us to Florence and got us some smoothies before the exchange. It poured rain there. We got out of it when we got to Darlington and Hartsville we started biking and it dumped on us. The raindrops were huge and we couldn't even see. Frank's friend Ronnie asked if we wanted to get out of the rain for a bit, so we followed him across the street to his house. We talked to him until the rain died down for a bit. We couldn't catch anyone at home. Eventually, it was dinner time. We threw our clothes in the dryer and then, had to leave and go to an appointment. We taught a lady named Deloris about coming to church she's a funny lady. She said, "listen to yo black mama!" Haha. We had a member go with us. We were going to see some less actives too, but they cancelled... We stopped by a couple potentials that weren't home, so we went and got milkshakes. Then, it poured on us again. Our shoes were just full of water all day.

 

4-23-16

We finished up exchanges today. Elder Dillree is planning to go to Weber State! That's probably where I would like to go. He thinks that I'm going to stay in Hartsville after transfers and become the district leader. So we will see what the Lord has in store for me. We went to go see a less active member and talked to her for a little while. Then, we went over to a potential's house where her daughter was having a birthday party. They had a bouncy house obstacle course, so Elder Rose and I went through it of course! Haha. It was a lot of fun and they gave us a bunch of snacks!

 

4-24-16

Church went pretty well today. We fasted today for our District goal. There was quite a bit of less actives at church! Tammy Barefoot was there and so were the Johnsons. They are the people we helped put the flooring in.

 

 

-Elder Mitchell

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