2019-02-04

Hi everybody!

Not much happened this past week but what did happen was most wonderful!

If you remember last week's email, I talked about how we met Steve-o and how super receptive and welcoming he was towards us. Well, he's continued to be that way! We met with him two more times and he came to church yesterday! When he first came in, he was super nervous and freaking out a little but by the end of it, he was so peaceful and put at ease by the Spirit. In fact, he called us afterwards and told us how blown away he was by the peace he felt but couldn't put his finger on it. We were so delighted to hear that and explained that it was the Spirit he felt. He is honestly a Silver Investigator. He has been prepared of the Lord and I am so grateful that I get to watch and help him progress.

Another great highlight was an email I got. This last week, my good friend Cole Steiner emailed me that he had started reading from the Book of Mormon. It was such a joy and an answer to so many prayers that my friend has started reading that stellar book. I know so many blessing are in store for him and it honestly makes me so happy.

Yesterday we had branch conference and the whole stake presidency came. What is interesting is that the second counselor is President Bednar, Elder Bednar's son. Apparently Elder Bednar comes to Champaign Stake quite often so maybe I'll get to meet with him. Also, there are several members out here that were actually taught by him and joined the church. That must be in interesting experience, being taught by an apostle of the Lord.

As for the weather, it's been an adventure. On Wednesday it got to -18 with a windchill of -45. We ended up not being out in it cause we got slammed with a bunch of missionary meetings. Blessings right there. Then starting Saturday, it was up in the 50s which was honestly the best. All the snow started melting fast so we got an incredible fresh water smell which combined with the fertile soil and tons of plants out here, made a smell so delectable that it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. It's so wonderful being out in the middle of open farmland where the horizon stretches on forever and everybody is laid back and taking things slow. What an enjoyable experience to have this taste of spring!

I love this world so much. It is such a beautiful creation. I am so grateful to live and learn and grow on such a place as this. I am grateful for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for sending me here to such a beautiful world. I am grateful for all the blessings they send my way. I know that they are REAL and they are so wonderful and I love them so much!

Love, Elder Wilson