Week 23 (Week 6 in Michigan)

 

Elder Christiansen and I

Yet another week has gone by! This week has actually been quite fun, with exchanges, funny videos, and zone conference!

On Wednesday the Elders from the Caro area drove down to our area for tradeoffs (exchanges). Unlike last time that we had tradeoffs, we did our studies together, all five of us. It was fun to have input from so many of us rather than just two, and we ended up addressing some things that had been troubling me. It was a huge destresser and was definitely an answer to some of my prayers. Later after getting lunch and eating at a park just down the street from our apartment, we decided we wanted to make a video. We walked around and crossed a bridge, when the other Elders thought of making a gospel video themed after Monty Python. I've actually never seen the movie, but I agreed to give it a shot nonetheless. We walked back to our apartment, grabbed a couple things, and met up with Elder Huntsman and Elder Earle down the street to film the video, making us a group of 7 missionaries, strolling down the street. And yes, we did get some looks, and even some questions like "why are there so many of you?" rather than the usual two. We spent the next few hours filming a video or two, and it was super fun! After we were all worn out and hungry, we went back home, and ordered pizza. Let's just say, it was a super fun day. Even when walking back to our apartment we found a new person named Jerryl who accepted a pamphlet about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and exchanged information with us.

A couple days later, on Friday, we had the chance to attend zone conference, down at the Midland stake center. It was only half of our zone, in order to stay under 25 people inside, but it was still awesome. I even had the chance to sing at conference, although it was sort of a last minute thing. I ended up just singing "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus" from the Childrens' Songbook, along with my companion, and though it was nothing spectacular, I'm glad we were able to do it. We actually sang right after our lunch break, a break in which we had about 40 minutes to drive out and get food ourselves. We decided to get Panda Express, and realized too little too late that there was some road work, which made it difficult to get to the restaurant. We made it, but by time we ordered our food and raced back, I could hardly take 2 bites before zone conference resumed. Overall though, it was a great conference, and a fun opportunity to meet together, even with masks. This was the second time I met my mission president, President Heap in person, and boy, he is awesome, and tall... I believe he is around 6'7. But he is very kind, funny, and motivating, which is exactly what this mission needs right now.

After we returned from zone conference, we got dinner, and had a deep conversation for a couple of hours. Elder Huntsman shared how hard it was for him to change from a mission in the Netherlands, biking everywhere and being among the great people there, to working completely online, even now. He also shared how much he has already changed on his mission and how he wants it to make a lasting difference in his life and who he is. Eventually I was brought to tears and apologized for any unkind words I had said to any of them. I'll admit, there had been times thus far where I had been lifted up in my pride, thinking myself better than these Elders. But such a thought is just not true, and I apologized, letting them know that I love them and will continue to work on being humble, in word, deed, and thought. It was an amazing spiritual experience, in which I felt a literal weight lifted off my shoulders, where each literal step back to our apartment felt lighter. I can testify that all those who repent and seek to make amends for their wrongdoing will be forgiven, and the Lord will make your burdens light. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). 

Midland Zone Conference!

Our District and the Saginaw brethren down the street!

This week as well we showed up to help another member move, a new sister in our branch named Sister Hicks. We had been asked to help, and all 4 of us showed up. When we arrived sister Hicks had a huge family already there, and a few minutes later around 5 other members arrived too. My companion exclaimed "Well, the more the merrier!", but it was way more than needed. The job got done quick, and we returned swiftly back to Bad Axe.

My companion and I also have been trying to go out for a walk each day for about an hour to two hours, so we have been getting a lot of sun. And we both have terrible tan lines from our collared shirts. But one day upon walking, we decided to call up a guy we had met a couple of weeks ago named Dylan. He was doing well, and asked if we wanted to meet up. We gladly said yes, and after an hour of walking we met up with him and his girlfriend. We simply walked a sort of nature trail and talked. It wasn't even much about the gospel, but just small talk, getting to know them. At one point Dylan asked why we wear such nice shoes all the time, to which we responded that we just try to look our best as missionaries, as we are representatives of Jesus Christ. But that was definitely not the first time I had gotten that comment. He's a good kid though, and we hope to continue to meet with him and get to know him better. 

This week was awesome though, and as we near the end of the transfer I am curious to see if my companion or I will leave or stay. We shall see! Anyways, I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I'll talk to you next time!

~Elder Kasey Lightheart

Selfies after service.

Elder Hughes and I while filming a video.

The Caro and Bad Axe District!