Week 98 Rrrrrrrrodriguez

Hola, 

The 4th was sweet. One of our investigators does this Freedom Train thing at the Presbyterian church every year so we went to go see his display and talk to him for a bit. He was passionate about America and I loved it. From there we went and saw a few people and then I got a flat tire. 😔 That was unfortunate but luckily the zone leaders picked us up! This sweet member family (the Ogden's) had us over that night for dinner and celebration and it was awesome. There was a ton of people there from the ward and neighborhood so not only was it a missionary success but there was great food and fireworks at the end. Let freedom ring. 🇺🇸 

Cindy's doing great just in case you were wondering. She quite simply has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and because of that so many other things are falling into place. She knows she's received her answer so things are going well! Her mom is starting to catch on too which is awesome! We listened to President Monson's most recent talk about the Book of Mormon and right after she told us she would be starting to read the Book again. Yes. 👍🏽 I can't wait to see how everything shakes out with this family! 

One of the Elders in our district asked me to give him a blessing and that was quite the spiritual experience. All I can say is that the Priesthood has been restored and I'm grateful for my good family. I've been blessed. 

We had exchanges on Thursday and I went with Elder Segon here in HBG. Nothing too crazy to report, just the average day! We did have a good lesson with Bert! We set some new goals with him to live the Word of wisdom so we're excited! 

We finally met the Bednars on Friday which was good for me. I feel like I've almost been in denial that we have a new mission president since the Johnsons left. I really was tight with them. The Bednars are great though. Very kind, loving, and funny. President Bednar is definitely different than President Johnson but it's all good. I just wish I had more time to get to know them better but hey, that's how it goes. 

Saturday was fun! Cindy asked me to baptize her so I was super excited about that! It's an honor for sure. We wrapped up the commandments with her and her family and they all thought tithing just made sense. I admire their faith! We also had the Muniz family with us for a team up which definitely helped. They're both converts from México and you can't beat having Hispanos teach Hispanos. Hermana Muniz didn't hold anything back when we were teaching and she straight up invited Dianamantina to be baptized with Cindy and do a two for one. 😳 We had invited them with Cindy and they didn't really accept or start to prepare so we've been really focusing on Cindy and then hoping to try and get the family with her. It looks like it's working because her brother has started to read the Book of Mormon and Dianamantina has shown more interest as well. Honestly I can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out. I feel like one day they will all join the church and it'll be amazing. 

Sunday turned out well because the whole Rodriguez crew came to church! The whole family was there which was sweet! They seemed to enjoy the meetings and Elder Gray and I were stoked. After church we had dinner with the Novitski family and we had a cookout over the fire. I felt like it was the closest we could get to camping on the mission and I was excited. 👍🏽 We had a marshmallow cook off and there's some talent here in HBG. 

Random Stuff

• A member asked us if we could help her walk her pitbulls while she was out of town. One of the more interesting services I've done. 
• We got this referral for a lady that wants help getting back to Indiana. After we told her that we couldn't really help her, she texted us this week asking for help buying two new tires and a gas card. I don't understand some people's thought processes. 
• Elder Holdaway beat me in pong twice which is equivalent to losing to the 76ers. Time to step up my game. 

Well I feel like this letter is all about the Rodriguez family, but they've been awesome and are progressing! I'll keep you posted about what happens in the coming weeks! I know that following the commandments and doing what the Lord asks us to do brings happiness. I've seen it so much this week with those we've taught. Those that do the simple things repeatedly have their faith strengthened and are able to take on the challenges of the world. It's the truth. 

Keepin' On, 

Elder Halls
Pictures: King of the PA ramble: Richard "Freedom Train Pfeiffer", My comp wouldn't let me leave until we took a picture. Get it? I'm dying soon they say.