Week 60

It's been more than six weeks since I last wrote an email, which means that an entire transfer has come and gone already. I have less time to write lately but here are some of the things that have happened. 

I've been transferred back to Glendale, though not back to Zone 4. I spent the first three months of my mission in Zone 7, then seven and a half in Zone 4, then I went back to Zone 7 for 3 more months. So this is the first time I've gone to a truly new area in a long time- although funnily enough when I was in the Glendale YSA our area extended out of Zone 4 and into Zone 6, so I have been in this area before. So actually I guess it's just more of the same. 

I'm over by the Cardinals stadium, which would probably be cool if I cared about baseball. 

My studies have been good, I haven't had a lot of time to study the Old Testamrnt because this area is so busy. We usually get at least one referral a day, which might not sound like a lot but it definitely adds up. The other day we got like 4 of them within the span of a few hours. For the first time in my mission I find myself with more outstanding tasks to do then I have time in the day. I find that I very much prefer having too much to do rather than not enough. 

This last Sunday our friend Jean came to church. He moved to the US six years ago, he's got a family back in Rwanda that he wants to help emigrate. He speaks 7 languages including French, but he would rather go to an English ward. He said "one thing at a time" when we told him about the Glendale French Branch. He showed up to church in a snazzy suit and had a great time. Everybody was complimenting his bright blue silk slippers, they were quite fashionable. He said he'd be back next week too which is nice. 

I'm companions with an Elder Simpson from Carrie, ID. He's 5'3"; My last companion was about 5'5". My next companion is probably going to be 5'1" if the trend continues. By the time I go home I'll be carrying my companion around in a backpack while I do flips though the jungle, á la Luke Skywalker and Yoda. 

I'm probably the most hopeful and happy right now that I've ever been. Its not that I don't have problems anymore, but I'm beginning to learn how to be happier and have a better attitude in the midst of my problems. I have learned much better how to commune with my Father in Heaven, how to recieve answers to prayers, and I have received direction that I believe will help me to live a happier, more fulfilling life. I'm beginning to really believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that They are real and that Their promises are sure. 

Yours Faithfully,
Elder C. Calder

- - - - - - - 

Our last district photo before transfers. I'm pictured with my good friend Elder Bright. 

We be crabbin.'

Me, pictured with the very nice new set of scriptures that the Schadlu family gave me. Notice the name they inscribed on the cover 🙂

A nice view of the mountains on the way to Fountain Hills (a wealthy community on the far outskirts of the Scottsdale YSA area).

I got to see my trainer Elder Cook at transfers before he went home. After much tribulation and sanctification in the wilderness, he has returned home with honor. It was very nice to see him again, we plan to go get lunch after I finish my mission.












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