Week 68 "It's been one heck of a Sunday"

Dear people,

Tuesday 

Transfer Tuesday was a success. I think it was our smoothest transfer in awhile! The rain moved people right along and it was good. We got to spend the evening with the departing missionaries which is always a little weird, but fun. We usually just play some games, have dinner, and do what the Johnson's need. It works out. We got some solid ping pong going and Sister Johnson is super good. She'll beat you if you're not careful. 

Wednesday

We woke up far before the crack of dawn to take the departing missionaries to the airport. The saddest thing was saying goodbye to my mission papi Elder Renteria. We served together a year ago and you really grow to love and respect your trainer. He was super patient with me as we started out and helped my Spanish improve a ton! He's an awesome Colombian that's definitely apart of the Halls family! We spent most of the rest of the day working in the office. We've fallen behind a little bit since we had Zone Conference and transfers so it was good to get some work done! 

Thursday 

We had district meeting with our new district and it's weird to start my fourth transfer here with my fourth district leader. Things change... we had a little adventure going to pick up some new cars. Elder Clarke got sick so we got called in to go pick up some  2017 Chevy Malibus. These things are ridiculously nice. I'm not sure why they give them to missionaries, but hey I didn't complain.  It was supposed to be a quick thing but Elder Haroldsen (our fleet coordinator) ended up taking us for a lap or two around Pittsburgh trying to find the dealership... haha he was pretty flustered. If you can find your way around Pittsburgh you can make it anywhere. After that little fiesta we wrapped up some office work and finished our training for MLC. We trained on dealing with uncomfortable/difficult situations which made me a little uncomfortable. A lot of the time people have weird ideas on our beliefs so it's good to be prepared for when those times come!

Friday 

Had a nice MLC meeting in Altoona! It was solid. We talked about lot of the issues we've been having and created some plans of action! Our training was kind of weird.... Our 90 minutes was cut to 25 so we had to do some improvising... It all turned out alright! I think that was my last MLC so it's been a good ride. I've learned a ton at those meetings! We also had a mini miracle and got to eat at Burgatory. Blessings. 

Saturday 

We had the ward Christmas breakfast in the morning which was great! We had a pretty good turn out and it was nice to relax and enjoy some time with the members! We got all the left overs which was awesome. These people are saving me.  We did some weekly planning which was definitely needed. This coming week we will have a lot of time in the area so I'm pumped! Elder Parke and I have been trying really hard to leave no blank space in our area book when we plan. We're trying to be as effective as possible and I love it. It feels good to see your week all planned out and to know what you're doing. Hopefully things go well!

Sunday 

We had a little adventure for our dinner appointment with the Greenwalds... We got to their place and they had an awesome fire going, after a few minutes it started to get really smoky in the house so everyone was pretty concerned. Bro. Greenwald tried to push it further in so the smoke would go up the chimney, but no dice. After smoke filled the house he decided to throw the logs out in the snow... That sure solved the problem! Long story short, it turns out the flue was closed haha. We ended up smelling really bad, but it made for an interesting dinner appointment!  I'm just glad that the house didn't burn down. After all the ruckus Bro. Greenwald said: "Well boys, it's been one heck of a Sunday." 

Random thoughts 

• I'm now the only person from Utah in our district. #diversity 
• Driving without Tiwi is the greatest. 
• "If you go to a Mexican restaurant and you're not waited on by someone who speaks Spanish don't you feel a little cheated?" -Bro. Ferguson 

I hope everyone is continuing to light the world and spread the love of our Savior! I love this time of year and how hearts are softened to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the mission and I'm trying my best to take advantage of each day. Thanks for your support!

Stay warm out there,

Elder Halls

1127 Highfield Ct. Bethel Park, PA 15102