This week went well. We were able to get many things accomplished and saw a few of our investigators. But the biggest news came on Saturday night: I'M GETTING TRANSFERRED!
I was so upset to hear it when Elder Nate (one of the assistants to the President) gave me a call, but after prayer and listening to the feelings of the spirit, I know it's the right thing to do. It's going to be really hard to leave the people here in Little Elm and The Colony, but I know it’s the right thing at the time. I've started packing, but I forgot how much stuff I brought with me...it's been 4 months since the MTC (can you believe it?).
I also forgot my planner, and since I'm constantly tired I can't really remember what happened this last week except for some of the big stuff, so I'll try to relate those experiences to you. The week started out normally with P-day and basketball (I've gotten a lot better...it's pretty surprising) and the next day we went on splits with The Colony 1st ward High Priests. We were able to have some good visits. Elder Hatfield taught Jack Rea, and that one will be a tough one to crack because we're not entirely sure if he has a desire to learn or if his wife and daughter are pushing him. Wednesday we went on splits with the Little Elm ward Elders Quorum Presidency and Elder Hatfield went and saw Daniel Mattoon again. We're still waiting for permission from his mom, but his aunt and uncle have moved in which will be good for the family. Both nights I went and saw some less active members with the members I went with and had a good time. Thursday was planning and tracting and active member visits. Sadly, we didn't have anyone to go teach that night. We did come up with a new idea, however. Here in this area, it's really hard to remember everyone because we're over three wards (most missionaries are over 1 or 2), so Elder Hatfield and I came up with an idea that will allow us to remember everyone. We are going to try to see every member of each ward, share a quick spiritual thought, and then take their picture and put it in a big book so we can know who everyone is. It's genius, no? =)
Friday was a fun night. We went and saw Kenneth again and had a really good lesson with him. He is what we missionaries call golden. He really wants to be baptized but he's a little worried that if he tells his parents that he wants to be baptized or is even meeting with us, they won't let him anymore. He's 17, though, so right now we are planning on waiting for him to turn 18 in March, but at the same time we are preying for him and his parents that he will be able to tell them and they will be ok with it. After his lesson, we went to The Colony 1st ward Halloween party! I was able to find a jacket in the back of the closet in our apartment that's made by Wrangler (so it looks like a "Texan" suit jacket) and wore my cowboy hat and belt buckle...it was awesome. I should have gotten a picture. The members loved it and we had a great time.
Saturday was way sweet as well. We went to Grand Prairie, Elder Hatfield's old area, to baptize a person we knew there. It was a really spiritual baptism and we were so happy to have been able to come back for that. On the way home, I got my transfer call. I have no idea where I'm going or who my companion is going to be, but I find out tomorrow. It should be exciting.
Yesterday was the Primary program in the Little Elm ward and it was so good! I teared up a few times and I felt the spirit so strong. I love hearing the testimonies of children because they are so pure and simple. After Church we went and dropped by people I wanted to see before I left, and I realized how hard it's going to be leaving this area. I've gotten so attached to people here, especially my converts! We went and saw the Warners because that's where we taught Korea and we really had a good time there. They are one of the families I'm going to miss most. We went and saw Delia and her whole family, and are planning on stopping by there again this evening for a few minutes. We went and saw the Lewis' and that was pretty hard. They are one of the best families I have met and I have love being a part of their conversion. They are now shooting for a goal to be sealed in the temple next September, and hopefully I'll be able to go to the temple to be with them for that. I love seeing the way the gospel blesses families and hope to bring many more to the knowledge of the happiness I and many others have. I testify to each of you that this is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ here on the earth, that the Priesthood authority of God has been restored to us through Joseph Smith, and that the Book of Mormon is not only the word of God, but truly another testament of Jesus Christ. I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that he atoned for us so that we may one day live with him again.
I love all of you. May God be with you is my prayer.
Elder Grondel