12/26/16... Christmas was a lot of fun!

Christmas SKYPE!!

Dad!

It was so awesome seeing y'all yesterday.  Everybody looked so good! I'm glad that everybody is happy!  I don't feel grown up yet haha I still feel like a little high schooler.  I hope you all have an amazing time in Hawaii and be safe!  Christmas was really fun actually!  We went to the Dewsnup's for breakfast and opened presents then went to church. After church I Skyped y'all. Then we went to dinner at the Johnson's and it was a lot of fun! There were 3 other families all with little kids, then we did the nativity with the kids. It was great. After that we felt we should go see Larry. We brought him food and he was really happy to see us, he was really lonely and sad before we got there it seemed like.

Tell mom I said hi and that I love her

Love you

Elder Morgan

Larry always showin off his trophies haha 

Mom!  

Hey it was so good talking to you yesterday! You all look so good! It was so nice seeing your faces.   I hope yall are having a blast in Hawaii right now.  

This week was pretty slow but really fun. Christmas was a lot of fun! We went to the Dewsnup's in the morning.  They're a pretty hip couple in our ward.  ...Then church...Then talked to y'all. ...Then went to our dinner later at the Johnson's, with the Bennions, Evans, and Brother Joey.  It was really fun.  They all have a bunch of little kids and we did a nativity at the end.  Saturday night we went to Waffle House which is just a breakfast place.  It was our Christmas dinner and our last dinner with Elder Craig. 

Love you so much it was great talking with you!

Elder Morgan  

Did the keyboard work for your tablet!?

Ya the keyboard was perfect! Thank you! The case was the wrong size but I just took it off and use the keyboard and it works awesome. 

-Who can we specifically pray for?

Sister Davidson and her son Jacob, and her boyfriend Jon. They have so much potential and are going through a hard time. 

-Did you get the money in the card?  Just want to make sure you saw it and don't throw it away. Use it for yourself or to help someone in need. 

Yeah I got it... thanks... you're the best! 

Love you all so much! 

Larry gave us a knife and a zippo lighter 

12/19/16... Lots of training meetings this week... but it has been neat seeing improvement from lesson to lesson.

Heyyyy    

This week was really fun! 

Tuesday we had our Trainer Trainee meeting that it felt like I was just at the other week with Elder Leavitt. It was really good.  We had a lot of trainings...President spoke mostly about the trainees and not being homesick and some other stuff.  But we role played a lot, practiced teaching the restoration and inviting someone to pray, read, and be baptized. Elder Montandon is improving on a lot of things. Our lessons are getting a lot better.  It's been pretty neat seeing him from lesson to lesson and how he improves. 

Then on Wednesday we had zone meeting. We had a couple really good trainings on teaching repentance, and then baptizing, and how to begin teaching.  

A lot of our investigators are super busy and had some pretty rough things come up. One couple, the husband fell down a flight of stairs and broke some ribs. Then that same day they got in a wreck, hit and run. So they are set back pretty far.  Then our other investigators got robbed and their house flooded. It's been crazy and kinda rough.  We have had to do so much finding lately because all of our investigators are busy or out of town.

We were able to find 3 new investigators though which was nice.  We were going to find one of our new investigators from a couple weeks ago named Alex.  He wasn't home so we knocked on his neighbor's door--wasn't home...Knocked on his other neighbor's door and before we could say anything he let us in. We went in and told us he had talked with missionaries a while back.  We were able to teach him the restoration and Elder Montandon killed it.  It was crazy how much he has grown since his first lesson. 

What else do you want for Christmas?

I love the penguin ties those are so sweet. 

Have you had any cool experiences with #Light the World?

Not really, we just have been serving at Habitat a lot lately and the guy we work with says he gets emails a lot asking who we asking who we are. It's nice seeing good things come from doing simple service.

How is the weather there?

It's FREEZING! it's supposed to get really cold soon, but it was really warm today which was really weird, it was like 60 almost. And when it rains and it's cold, it freezes and the whole city shuts down. No one works. 

What week do you ride bikes? 

We have a car this week. We switch every week from car to bike. 

Do they do anything cool for the holidays there?  

Not really, just Christmas like the west pretty much .

Is there anything unique about North Carolina that is different from here? 

Yeah there's a lot of trees, and Cook Out which is a fast food place.  The weather is a lot different. The people are different. 

Love you mom, sorry it was a little short today 

Happy to see you soon! 

Elder Morgan 

12/12/16... We didn't see a lot of success finding anyone...but it was just a good week and I was happy.

Brother Bello

This week was really fun.  We didn't see a lot of success finding anyone or didn't really get to meet with any of our investigators, but it was just a good week and I was happy. 

Monday we played basketball like usual which is always so fun! We play 3 on 3 on 3 so it's not exactly playing full court it just makes you run more which is good because we don't get to run much. And I played catch! it was great my arm was sore the next day it felt good, I miss that feeling. 

Wednesday was really fun one of the new members of our ward will take us out to dinner every couple weeks, she took us to PF Changs last time and she took us to this little Italian diner which was really good. After that we went and visited a couple of less actives.  We have been visiting less actives more lately--just sharing Light the World with them.  But we go up to this lady's door and I had to pee worse than I ever had....only it was bad. We get up there and I wasn't going to make it through the video so I had to pause the video and ask her if I could go in and use her bathroom...it was a little awkward but she didn't mind and was nice.  I guess we are making it up by raking her leaves this next week.  After that we went to another less active guys house and he talked FOREVER!  We couldn't get out of there haha it was a little annoying because it shot all our plans that night.  Wedensdays we also had district meeting in the morning and we had to pick up the Bethania Elders and we were about 30 minutes late because of traffic--it was bad. 

Thursday and Friday we do service at Habitat for Humanity restore and we move furniture and stuff for them. Friday after service we had to take the other Bethania Elders home so we went to lunch with them at East Coast Wings which is super good.  I love wings! So Elder Harrison and I split 25 and he wanted to put 1 habanero wing mixed with the others. We were both super scared it was like Russian Roulette with wings, so I eat one and I was like oh that was it for sure...couple wings later he gets one and he was like nope this is it and we were both about the cry from the heat. Turns out the habanero sauce got on about 5 other wings and it killed me! It was so hot, about as hot as the time Kirchhoff made me eat a ghost pepper...

Saturday was also a great day, sometimes Saturdays feel like the longest days because you proselyte for like 9 hours. But it flew by, we were a little bummed we didn't find anyone but Elder Montandon and I made it fun still. Then we went to Taco Bell I think for dinner-- That's the go to. 

We visited Brother Bello, who is the guy Elder Leavitt and I gave a blessing to before he left.  Well we walked in and he was perfectly fine!  All of his health problems had gone away in the 2 weeks! 

Also last Sunday we gave a blessing to a lady in the hospital. We got a call later that she was leaving the hospital that day. It was amazing to see the power of the priesthood work in lives around us. It truly is the power of God. 

Sunday we had Stake Conference which was really great!  I guess President talked about Huan Huan during the Priesthood session Saturday night. But they talked about being a light on a hill for others to see and how by being an example to those around us we can share the gospel. 

Love y'all

Elder Morgan

Qs

Do the members feed you dinner every night?  if not, what are you making?

Ehhhhh...we get fed 3 or 4 times a week sometimes 2 sometimes 5. 

What types of things do you cook?  or make for yourself?  

Taco Bell. I make sandwiches sometimes or chicken and rice was probably the biggest thing I've made. 

How is Elder Montandon?  

He is good he has learned a lot in the last couple weeks. We get along really well.

Who are the other two elders living with you again?

Elder Murray and Elder Craig.....Elder Craig know Elder Hutchens who was in Dad's YSA Branch. 

How are you on money?

Pretty good.  I've budgeted better this month but we got out to eat a lot so no telling how long it will last.   

How are you on warm clothes?  

Good I want to get a jacket that most of the missionaries wear. I  can get it on p- day one day at Marshalls probably.

Do you want your black snowboard jacket?  or the black North Face?

No its fine 

Do you need snowboots?

No it just gets icy and not much snow 

Christmas List?  

T-Bell card, sock suspender-shirt tucker thingy and WHAT ELSE?!?!

Yes can you get me one of those wallets called a Thread wallet.  It's super small. 

Is there anyone there who could use anything for Christmas?   If you send us the names and ages etc, we could send you money or presents...  

Not that I can think of 

Any missionaries who need support?

Not that I know of. 

Are you wearing your retainer??  WEAR IT!!!  at least to bed...

Yeah I wear it every night. 

Elder Montandon always taking selfies

12/5/16... Huan Huan's Baptism!

This week was soooo slow honestly, we worked hard and didn't really talk to anyone that was interested which was kind of a bummer. I am learning a lot every week. I can't explain how much I've learned just from training, I'm convinced that this was for me to learn as much or more than the guy I'm training.  

Monday was really fun P day is always a blast with the other Elders in our district and the other district that we play with. Elder Montandon is a baller, he can dunk pretty hard. He gets out of control sometimes and it's funny to watch. 

Highlight of the week was definitely Saturday though so I'll just talk about that. Tuesday we had met with Huan Huan and went over some of the details of the baptism and planned it out. He is so awesome. Then Saturday came and the baptism was at 9. It was so awesome to see his face after he came out of the water.  It was the biggest smile I've ever seen, and then he waved at everyone in the crowd. I was so happy for him. I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost after and then he gave his testimony. It was amazing that he wanted honor God by doing this, he has such amazing faith. 

Also President and Sister Alexander came to the baptism which was a nice surprise. 

It rained a couple times this week which was nice because there are some wild fires in NC right now. But it has been getting really cold. Biking at night in the cold is rough especially because you cant do anything about your face and it just freezes in the wind. But the hand warmers and other winter stuff have been life savers. 

I also got to play catch today! It was soo nice, to be able to throw. My arm felt good and everything.  It was just in the gym so I just threw pretty light. 

Fast Sunday was also yesterday which was really great. I had been thinking about patience and wondering if I had patience or if I was just telling myself that i think I was pretty patient. So I fasted that I could be more patient with others and also just with life, and also charity. I think I will be happier as well as those around me if I can get better at both of those attributes. 

How was your interview with President Alexander?  What did you ask him?  What did you learn?  Tell us all about it.  

It was really good, he is so great. I just asked him how I can be a better trainer pretty much and how I can help Elder Montandon because a lot of the time I don't know how to help and He just told me to lead by example and love him and the Lord will do the rest. 

You said you got to throw last week... How did your arm feel?  How did you do?  

Felt really good it was fun. Tell Tim the changeup is going to need some work asap when I get back to get it back to where it was. 

Tell us the funniest thing that happened this week... (I love hearing these! )  

 Umm thats a tough one I cant think of a super funny thing that happened. Probably just how big of a smile Huan had on his face after he came out of the water. 

Other than investigators... What can we send you for Christmas??  Is there anything that you've see other elders have that you would think would be nice?

Hmm there are these things that attach to your shirt and your socks and go under your pants and keep your shirt tucked in and your socks pulled up-- thats nice. 

T bell gift card maybe? 

Also shout out to Nate being a State Champ! Thats pretty sweet that he got to be a part of that and get there I am super happy for him!........I still hope you all wore your Southridge baseball gear to the game though haha jk 

Love you all 

love you mom

Elder Morgan! 

11/28/16... This week was awesome! A lot of great and crazy things happened.

wreck wasn't bad at all

Hey!

This week was awesome! A lot of great and crazy things happened.

I'll start with Monday, so we played ball like usual, and you can probably guess that I balled some kids up. But we got done and ate dinner at Dairy Os which is a burger place here--really good.... except I almost threw up.  

But the adventure was after we ate. It was my first day driving since I got here.  We go park in a parking lot to check our plans and how to get where we are going. So we pull out of the spot and we are waiting to pull into the traffic of the parking lot and BAM this guy rear ends our car. We get out and he is nice, we get his information, but weirdly the guy just kept telling me not to call the cops. So I call our mission office car guy just to make sure I have everything, and if I need to call the cops. He said I had to call the cops.... I hang up and call the cops and the guy runs over and I tell him I was calling the cops. He yells, "Hang up!" and then tells me he is going to jail if they come.....sketchy. So he runs to his car and drives off. The cop came and we give him all his information and stuff ...it was pretty funny. The cop was a member which was nice.

We met with Huan Huan Tuesday night and he is getting baptized this Saturday! He is so solid! His only concern is tea which is super cultural in China but he said he could stop. Then we talked on Sunday and he said he is going to go home and share it with his family and get them baptized in Hong Kong and then get married in the temple there. He said he wants his son to go on a mission too! ...and go to BYU. It was so amazing to hear him tell me this because he is going to have such an impact on the rest of his family and family to come! 

We had gotten a bible referral last week that we had set an appointment with for this Friday and we go to see him.  You never know whats going to happen with bible referrals-- Like a couple weeks ago we went to a bible referral and she wouldn't take it because she didn't believe that it was King James version. ...Some crazy people here.)  But this guy is awesome, his name is Eligio and he said he has just been searching for guidance his whole life. We taught him the restoration and he was so happy, he also came to church on Sunday and said he LOVED it! He loved that people would come and introduce themselves to him! He is so solid! He is a truck driver and said that he might not be back on Friday for our appointment but he said that he knows that God will make him be able to see us Friday! So that was a miracle this week!

One bad thing that happened this week was Huan Huan on his way home from church got in a car wreck, but I think he is okay.  I haven't been able to talk to him but we are seeing him tomorrow. 

Thanksgiving was really fun also! We went to the Hiat's house.  He is the one that took us to play  laser tag. They are awesome! They have 2 little girls and we played freeze tag after haha. They made a turkey and Mexican food. haha  It was different, but really good!

The Christmas initiative is awesome! I encourage everybody to visit mormon.org and participate in the 25 days of service. I wish i could do Dec 2nd. But i cant call my parents ):

Tell us about your companion!  

Elder montandon is from California.  He is really athletic.  He played football and basketball. We are going to play catch today which im excited about.

How's training going?  ...For him?  ...For you as the trainer?
It is a little rough. Its harder than i expected just having to really do everyrthing at the start.

What are you studying now?
Studying the book of mormon. Just started the war chapters in Alma. Moroni is amazing to read about, he got all of his battle tactics from the lord. It is amazing.

Who should we pray for specifically?
Just pray for Elder Montandon and I that we can continue to see miracles.

Tell us the funniest thing that happened this week....
Funniest thing that happened we went downtown on saturday, we pass these kids playing  basketball on this outdoor court. We went and asked these guys to play 2v2, and if we win we show them the Christmas video. So we are waiting for out turn to play, and we notice that all these cars keep pullling up and then they walk to the car and exchange some stuff. We realized we were in the middle of a drug deal hot spot. We played and won, gave them a pass along card, and booked out of there. 

Have you played catch or thrown yet?
We are going to play today!

What is on your Christmas list? 
New investigators. 

Oh yeah... did you make the pie yet?  (just add two eggs)  
no but we will soon!

Love you all so much im glad that Yall had a fun Thanksgiving with everyone!
Love you mom!
Elder Morgan

a couple of pics from the end of last transfer--

P-DAY!

11/21/16... I was really nervous and I had a lot of butterflies when we went to pick up our companions.

Heyyyy   

This week was very interesting. I was really nervous for it and I had a lot of butterflies when we went to pick up our companions. My companion's name is Elder Montandon.  He is from Riverside California. He is a nice guy, he plays basketball and football. We picked him up on Tuesday and it was an interesting ride back......but what was even more interesting was our lesson we had right when he got there. It was my first lesson I was really leading and his first lesson period haha. But we got a new investigator and all that matters is that the spirit was there. 

Elder Montandon...??  (Since Brad didn't send any pics, I had to search for one on Facebook...
I'm assuming this is Elder Montandon from Riverside, CA!)

We did a lot of finding this week, we were biking a lot. Bike week is always rough, we try and go to different places every day, and it's kind of hard to get 8 hours of productive proselyting in a new area every day. But it's soooo nice to have a 4 Elder apartment--it makes it a lot of fun when you are in back home relaxing at night. 

Biking in the night is really cold now, the sweaters, gloves and beanie you sent were perfect! I even broke out the thermals haha. I'm a wuss biking at night though. Especially because my pinky stops moving when it's cold! 

Today is pday and we just got done playing basketball at the church, it was so fun and very much needed! We play 3 on 3 on 3 continuous and then 5 on 5. It's fun and Elder Montandon is actually pretty good, he almost dunked a couple times. He's just super cocky so it's hard not to get super competitive haha. 

The highlight of the week was definitely Sunday, it was the primary program and it was the best! The kids are so funny and a couple even threw a shout out to us . It's always funny when the kids grab the mic and yell right into it haha. 

Our ward goes backward so Elder Quorum and Sunday School are first, we taught Huan Huan during Sunday school, and it was solid, he will be baptized in 3 weeks most likely! I'm super pumped and we are meeting a couple times this a week and next week! He is solid, he just told us how he wants to honor God by following him. He has a concern with tea but it shouldn't be a hold up. Jon and Jacob both came to church, we weren't able to meet with them after but next time we meet with him we will probably put him on date! 

This week is car week so it should be a lot better and a lot warmer haha. Elder Montandon has already grown a lot this week and hopefully we can continue getting better and working in unity. We have a lot of good things happening this next week. We got a lot of bible referrals that wanted to meet with us. It's going to be a great week, and a great couple of transfers.

Love you all so much
Love you mom!

11/16/16... Congratulations on your recent call to be a trainer of a new missionary... (Letter from President Alexander)

11/14/16... This is going to force me to stretch and grow a lot... I will probably learn more than the elder I'm training.

Random hats in the mall

This week was Soooo fun! 

A lot of fun things happened this week! We knew Elder Leavitt or I would be leaving so the whole week we had butterflies. But transfer calls weren't coming until late Saturday night so we had a lot of time to think and guess where we'd be. 

Thursday we had zone meeting and President and Sister Alexander came to ours. It was super good we focused a lot on finding and better ways to find. We practiced short powerful statements for short contacts. 

We did a lot of finding again this week which can be really boring but we try and make it fun. My favorite thing to do when we are walking around a neighborhood and  kids are playing basketball or football in the streets is to stop and play catch or something with them its super fun. I played catch with a couple kids and one time I told them to pass it to me and the dad on the sidewalk was egging him on to throw it thinking I would drop it and theyd laugh, I caught it and threw it back and he was going crazy he was like "woah! This boy play football" (with some ghetto terms mixed in there). 

We found a couple new investigators this week.  We met Anithia right after we played catch, and we talked about the Book of Mormon and stuff.  She was sorta interested so hopefully when we come back this week it will be good! Saturday night we were finished looking for the people we had planned for, some appointments fell through and we were thinking of what we could do. A name popped into my head that we should visit, she was a past bible referral (someone who orders a bible on mormon.org ...It's super common here.) So we went there and her husband opened the door and just let us straight in, he was interested in what we had to say. We ended up teaching the most solid lesson we have taught so far.  We just were in unity and it felt so nice, the last weekend elder Leavitt and I have together and it felt like the last 12 weeks paid off. 

Earlier Saturday right after our studies, we got a call from President, and we had no idea what it was for, either Elder Leavitt was gonna be a District Leader or I was going to train. But it was neither, President asked for me and asked how I was doing and everything. He said he got an email from you about Grandpa Don. It was really nice of him to care like that. 

Then later that day we get another call.....I guess he already gave you the news but I am training a new missionary now. I didn't know what to think, I am pretty scared for it honestly, because it will be my first time taking over an area and I am training, so it is going to force me to stretch and grow a lot. I will probably learn more than the elder I'm training. So transfers are this Tuesday. Elder Leavitt is heading to Gastonia and I pick up the new elder on Tuesday in Charlotte. I don't know who it is yet but it will be interesting how this goes. 

Sunday was good also, Jon and Jacob and Sister Davidson came to church and went to Sunday School.  We had a great lesson on priesthood that I think he liked it a lot. We will probably talk about baptism the next time we meet with them. Then this morning I go into our study room after I wake up and look at the phone. We got a text from Brother Jorgenson, our ward mission leader. He told us he got a text really late last night from Huan Huan, which was random and he told him that he just wants to go ahead and get baptized! We were so hyped, Elder Leavitt and I were really excited. 

Today we went to the mall, shopped for a bit, because elder Craig is going home really soon so he wants to look fly when he gets back we have spent a lot of time in H&M haha and anyone in my family knows that I HATE shopping!!! 

LOve you all so much
Love you mom!!

PS...Will you send my Southridge watch?   I gotta represent over here.

Zone activity!

Didn't take many other pics than these....

11/9/16... Elder Morgan's grandpa, Don Van Slooten, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2106

Grandpa Don Van Slooten December 22, 1927 - November 9, 2016

Letter to Brad's Mission President regarding Grandpa Don's passing and President Alexander's response...

Hello.  I am Elder Morgan's mom, Chrissy Morgan.  I am saddened to write to you to let you know that my father, Elder Morgan's grandpa, Don Van Slooten, passed away on Wednesday, November 9.  I have been getting things situated for the funeral and am finally writing this to you...  I wasn't sure if I should wait to tell him in his letter, but I think it is good that you are also aware.  

My dad suffered for the last 10 years from Parkinson's and it gradually took his ability to walk and lately his mental acuity.  We moved him to a care facility at the end of September.  I wrote to Elder Morgan last week informing him that he wasn't doing well, but we did not expect him to go downhill so fast.  I flew down to Salt Lake on Sunday and was lucky enough to be by his side for the last 4 days of his life.  It was very sad, but so wonderful that he is now with our Heavenly Father and freed from his frustrating limiting mind and body.  

Elder Morgan's grandpa was an amazing man.  He loved Brad and enjoyed watching him play baseball and sports, but he was especially proud of him as a missionary.  He was a mission president himself when he was first married in the Netherlands Mission in the early 60s.  He loved reading and then hearing Elder Morgan's letters.  It gave him so much joy that his grandchildren chose to serve the Lord.  Elder Morgan was built just like his grandpa--tall and lean.  He was athletic just like Brad and they shared the same peaceful demeanor--both gentle giants.  Thankfully Brad got to go to lunch with him on the day he entered the MTC. 

My emotions are close to the surface these days, and I am reflecting so much on the love I have for my family which makes me miss Elder Morgan more than ever.  I am so proud of him, his service and his ever positive attitude.  When you tell him about his grandpa, will you please give him our love? 

Thank you for all that you do for our son, the other missionaries and the people of North Carolina.  He only has positive things to say about you and Sister Alexander and his testimony of the gospel has grown immensely from what he has learned from you.  

Please let us know what we can do for you or if there are any missionaries in need of any clothes, bikes, supplies or anything.  You, Elder Morgan and all of the NC Charlotte Mission are constantly in our prayers.  

Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Chrissy Morgan 

chrissymorgan@hotmail.com

509-947-4233

Dear Sister Morgan,

Sister Alexander and I are so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing.  Please accept our love and condolence.  We can feel that your father lived the life of a true disciple of Jesus Christ and how  his example of has influenced many people for good, especially his children and grandchildren.

Upon receiving your note yesterday morning, I called Elder Morgan.  He was already aware that his Grandpa had passed away.   He told me what a great influence his grandfather has had on his life and how grateful he was to spend time with him before leaving on his mission.  I feel that his faith in the Savior and the promise of eternal life is giving him great comfort.  And I do know that the Lord gives his missionaries special attention during times like this.  I shared with him that I believe that during his mission, there will be times will he will be able to feel his Grandpa’s presence to assist him in this great work.

I also spoke with your son again yesterday afternoon and called him to be a Trainer.  Even though he has only been out for a few months, I trust him to train and mentor a new missionary.  This will be a great opportunity for him to continue growing in his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and also his skills and capabilities as a missionary.   I am sure Elder Morgan will tell you more on his weekly letter tomorrow.

Again, may God bless and comfort you during this time of loss.  We are so grateful to serve with your son here in the North Carolina Mission.  We love your son and he is growing to be a true disciple and powerful missionary.

With our love and prayers,

President and Sister Alexander

11/7/16... Birthday Week... We had so much fun the whole time...

This week went by so quick!

Monday was super fun we played basketball for a while then we got Taco Bell for dinner! It was Halloween and we couldn't go out so we just hung out at the apartment. We had so much fun the whole time ...it was a great day!

Then Tuesday morning was our miracle! We had just gotten ready for the day and getting ready to study at 8 when we saw we missed a call from Sister Davidson, whose boyfriend we taught 2 weeks ago. We called her back and she told us an experience that he had the other day.  He told her that he had heard a voice tell him that what we taught was true and that he needed to continue to come to church and watch over and protect Sister Davidson and her son Jacob! It was such a great start to a great week! She then invited us over for dinner and another lesson for this Sunday....We were pretty hyped after we heard that. Then we went and helped someone move on Tuesday and nothing else really happened the rest of the day... we just tried to find some people.

Wednesday (B's Birthday!) was the same we didn't really have anything exciting happen just tried to find people and talk to people but it was mostly a bust. But we did find 1 new investigator who they'd previously talked to and she had been listening to the Book of Mormon.

Thursday was zone conference and it was amazing! They had given us stuff to prepare for zone meeting and the zone leaders that live with us had to do a certain role play. It was getting someone who hadn't read the Book of Mormon to know the importance of it with only asking questions so we practiced that the whole week.....It was pretty tough but it was fun and a good practice. President emphasized kneeling in prayer with investigators. President and Sister Alexander are the best.  They're seriously the kindest people ever!
They also introduced the knew Christmas initiative which Elder Leavitt said they're the best so that should be fun for the next couple months.

zone conference with the MTC crew--Elder Zesiger and Elder Fife

I forgot what day this happened but Elder Leavitt and I went to these super sketch apartment to find a less active.  We had to go through security when we got in. Then we get up to her door and she opens it and she couldn't breathe! She was gasping for air so bad and Elder Leavitt and I almost called the ambulance! It was crazy! She just had some super bad athsma and only 40% lung capacity.....just a weird place all together. It was the same apartment complex the other Elders went to the other night and there was a dead body that stunk up a whole floor!

Friday we went and did service at the Restore for Habitat. Then Friday and Saturday nothing really happened. We had a member home lesson set up with Brittany but she canceled sadly.

But Sunday was awesome! Jon and Jacob, Sister Davidson's son, came to church, and we had dinner and taught the plan of salvation after. They're awesome and Jon is well on his way to be baptized soon and Jacob can't yet because his dad won't let him but I'm sure it'll all work out!

We just got done hiking pilot mountain which was really fun but it wasn't as good as I was hoping, we drove almost all the way up the mountain and then just hiked a circle around the top, sorta lame but it was a good view, I'll send pictures.

Overall it was a really fun week and transfers are coming up this next week which is a little scary! I'm almost done with training already...I've already been gone over 3 months that is so weird! I'm not sure at all what is going to happen whether I'm staying or leaving so we'll all just find out this next week I guess.

1)Tell us about your birthday..
B day was just a normal day, except we did get Coldstones at night which was Soooo good...of course I got cake batter! 

cake batter! 

2)Did you get the packages??!
Ya i got them thank you so much! I loved the ties and the winter stuff it was perfect I'll need them soon.

b day ties! 

3)Did you get the special delivery?!
I got the pizza! We were so excited when it came! Except it had Carolina Panthers all over it...

Panthers? 

4)Have you gotten to know President Alexander much?  How often do you get to meet with him since you are so far out?
Yeah I've gotten to know him a little bit... He is an amazing man! I even heard a lot of crazy stories about him, he is such a good guy. 

5)When do you find out about transfers?
This Saturday 

6)I need to get your plaque made for the church--What is your favorite scripture you want on there-I think it can be three lines. 
3 Nephi 5:13 is a good one. Our mission scripture.

7)what is your favorite thing about North Carolina?
Hmmmm that's hard I would say just how green everything is everywhere.  It's pretty amazing, especially after our hike today which I'll send pictures off in a bit.

8)What is the most different thing about NC compared to here? 

Everything! It's almost a foreign country haha. The culture is way different. 

9)Is there anything you want or need?
I'm all set for now! 

.....we're going to Golden Corral for dinner on Friday which I'm hyped for, just thought I'd throw that in.

Love you all so much 

You're the best and thanks for the birthday wishes! 

That's so sad to hear about grandpa I am sorry.  I really hope everything goes well with him, I'm just really glad I got to see him before I left and have lunch with him.

excerpts from Brad's letter to Jeff...

Heyyyy 

That's sad to hear about grandpa I really hope mom isn't a king that too hard. Thanks for the updates on Nate and the family I love hearing about those. I heard the Cubs won....Our ward missionary leader was at the game!  It was crazy... He gave me a bunch of details which was kinda fun to hear about. 

I've been reading in Mosiah lately and it's amazing to see how fearless some of the missionaries and prophets are. Abinadi was such a fearless man... same with Alma the Younger and sons of Mosiah after they converted. Fearing no man is a trait I'll be working on....probably for the rest of my life.  

...It'll be hardest to not play baseball for 2 years probably.  But I heard Jake will be playing a lot this year which is exciting. 

Anyway love you so much! 

Elder Morgan 

 

Hiking Pilot Mountain   (Elder Shultz)