September 15,2014

I've never been persecuted, or shot because I was a member of this church. I can go and knock on that door one more time. That's not a big deal.
The afflictions that I have bore while serving the Lord are nothing compared to the burdens of other people. I'm very blessed to be a part of this Gospel and to serve in a place that is accepting of the message that we share. I know that as we "come unto Christ" that he will bear our burdens and make then light when we "take his yoke upon us". The Lord and Heavenly Father do not take away our burdens, but strengthens our backs and what our strength increase.

It's good to hear that all (well, most) is well. I get to go to the Temple on Friday. There is a recent convert couple in our ward that are receiving their endowments and President approved for us to go. I'm excited because maybe I'll be able to gain some revelation that I've been looking for, and boost my spirit for transfers. I find out if I'm staying or going this Saturday. Everyone is saying that I'm gone, but I've known Elders who have stayed in areas for 10 1/2 months. We'll see what the Lord wants. It's too bad that Kylee's back is messed up, but I know that the Lord will be there for her. Scripture Pun: Mosiah 24: 14. Hahahaha, hurr, hurrr, hurr. #MissionaryJokes. Ask Jared and Mikey for a blessing of peace and comfort, then if surgery is a must, everyone get one, then after the surgery give one to Kylee with oil. Hopefully all is well with Tyler and Allison. Tell them I think of them often and pray about their well being. That may not mean much to them, though. Anyway, the work is going. We found a family and they believe everything and believe that the Book of Mormon is true...but just don't want to leave Catholicism. Ugh. We'll get them, though. 

Anyway, that's kind of what's going on here. 

Love, 

Cody

We freaking hiked Mt. Rubidioux a couple of weeks ago. It's gorgeous up there. 

Everyone that was in the photo was: Westenskow, Frost, Merriman,

Murray, Peterson, Williams, Knudsen, Anderson, Passmore, Greenburg,

Camper, Snider, Higashi, Barton, Mecham, Nielson, and Spanderson!

 Then there is David, Passmore, and I. David just left for BYUI. I miss him. He went out with us 

every night. 

That's Sister Soto and I. She has got to be one of the strongest members of the church I've ever met. She grew up in Mexico/Texas/New Mexico and when she was 15 she kidnapped and raped. She had her first child from that and her mother forced her to marry the man. He didn't want the responsibility of being a dad and abandoned Sister Soto and the child. After a year, he came back and decided that he wanted her to be with him and told her that she had to leave the church. She refused. One day after giving a talk in sacrament meeting of her little branch in New Mexico, she was leaving and he came and shot her 9 times. As she was laying there, blood running down the sidewalk, she said that she felt no pain and left her body for a short time. She said that she felt the love and the embrace of the Saviour. As she left to go back to her body, she was clinging to his robes begging to stay. She still has shrapnel in a lot of her left side, and a bullet in her stomach still that is not causing her some health issues. But she bore the sweetest testimony of Mark 11: 28-30, Alma 31: 38, and Mosiah 24: 15.  

Check out this dope freaking shirt I got from a recent convert. The dude is in his 70s and wears stuff like this!