So
we went on eight exchanges this week! It was great. It was pretty
draining and I loved it. First I went with Elder Peterson in Vancouver.
Have I ever mentioned Elder Peterson? I'm sure that I have. He is from
Heyburn, Idaho. He was serving in the Sunnyside ward long ago when I was
there and we have become very good friends so it was great to be with
him. I also exchanged with Elder Reinwand from Rexburg. I think he is
the closest one to Driggs in the mission. He has been out for six weeks
so it was great to be with him. He is serving in Vancouver, too.
We
had another exchange in the Alameda ward in Portland. Then we did three
exchanges in Gresham over the weekend. One of those I went with Elder
Child who I lived with for a few months while I was serving in Crown
Point. He is a is a good friend of mine. We wrapped up the week
yesterday in the Cherry Park ward. The Cherry Park ward has been by far
my favorite ward that I have served in (I counted it up and I have
served in 11 different wards so far). We didn't go to church there, but
we picked up the elders after their church and I saw a lot of people
there that I grew close to. Remember Sister Hansen? Grandpa Reiley's
cousin? I saw her and a few others. the elders there are both new to the
area so I got stopped by a lot of people that I knew. The best part was
I was able to talk to the B's ! I haven't seen them since Kate's
baptism in March. We had a great visit with them. They are still solid
for the most part. Steven is the first counselor in the elder's quorum
presidency and Kate is a primary teacher. Kate received her patriarchal
blessing and she gave a talk in stake conference. They have just been
going through a little slump with the gospel, but they are on their way
out of it. Any prayers for them would be great. I will send some
pictures. I loved being in the Cherry Park ward again, even if it was
only for a day.
I will be exchanging with Elder Brown in a couple of weeks! I am excited to make some more connections with him! (From Marilyn... Elder Brown is from Ririe)
Did
everybody hear about the announcement of the change in church policy
regarding gay and lesbian couples? That was probably partly a result
from a couple that the missionaries in this mission are teaching. This
lesbian couple wanted to be baptized and they have several children and
their concern went to President Taylor. He asked the area 70 and he
asked a general authority and the next thing we know, their situation is
being the main topic of discussion among the quorum of the twelve. It
is pretty ironic. People are leaving the church even though this
announcement doesn't affect them at all. This couple is demonstrating
amazing faith. They completely understand and they still love the
church. Their ward is totally rallying around them and loving them. They
know the Book of Mormon is true and that doesn't change for them. One
of them posted something on Facebook that President Taylor read to us.
One quote that stood out to me was, "This is a heart-breaker, but this
is not a faith-breaker." If they understand that a prophet of God still
speaks, then I should be able to understand that too.
Thanks
for the updates! We had a bunch of exchanges in Gresham on Thursday so
we stayed the night with the zone leaders and one of them is totally
into sports. We stayed up late talking about all the sports updates so
that was so good (I'm not sure how he gets them, but whatever). The Cavs
should be looking pretty good this year. Hopefully they can just hold
off for one more year! The browns seem to be the same Browns. I can't
even remember who their coach is. He just got put in right before I
lift. People talk about college football all the time here so I stay
pretty updated there.
Nice job on the bucks!
I'm glad that both Austin and Carson were able to harvest big bucks!
Nice job Carson on the wrestling tournament. I'm so glad Shelley got
pounded. How the heck does Sugar get so lucky all the time? I sure hope
Emmett pounds them this week. Do they still run that stupid sniffer
offense?
I
wish Tanner the best of luck! He has no idea the happiness and joy that
will come from experiences that will come on a mission. He will never
regret it. I am so thankful that I decided to serve a mission. It has
blessed me so much. I have met some incredible people here. I have Felt
Heavenly Father help me in times of trial. I know of the enabling power
of the Atonement. I am so thankful for President Taylor. He has changed
my life. I couldn't have asked for a better mission president for me. I
have learned something from every companion I have had. Each one
demonstrated a lot of patience with me as I tried to overcome my
weaknesses. A mission really is the best. Today is my 16 month mark. I
have completed two-thirds of my mission. As much as I want to be back in
Idaho and be with my family and friends, part of me will always long to
be here. This is sacred ground to me because this is where I came to
know my Savior. Everybody just remember that Jesus Christ lives and
everything in your lives will be okay.
Thank you for the great email. I love your support. I hope everybody has a great week.
Love,
Jaxon
(The Brewers)
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