A baptism! And transfers turned into a long week...

First thing first! Henry Ryan finally changed his name and got baptized Wednesday night just before Shelton left! He was a member referral the morning I first got into this area and he has loved everything! His only hold up was that he wanted to change his name to Henry Ryan so he could be baptized with a new name as well as a new start to life (and also for brand purposes). Elder Shelton and I have had a blast going and sharing the lessons with him and getting it all planned out! 

We had transfers this last week and I get to stay in my area for a 3rd transfer! The longest I've been in an area! 

Sadly though, I had to say goodbye to Elder Shelton so he could finish his training over in Gooding. But I got Elder Adamson! He has been out 6 months longer than me and is extremely bold! I've learned to just talk to literally everyone and not feel awkward. Half the time, it's just our agency whether or not we extend invitations! And I've been trying to use mine the best I can. 

Now, the part where the week got long. Elder Adamson got sick Sunday morning before church started. So we had to stay home all day. The other Elders in the apartment moved out that night which made it VERY boring. Elder Adamson was sick and kept me inside for 3 days to do whatever I could to not be bored...

It started with trick shots. But those were too easy and I got bored quickly. I decided to clean the kitchen (twice) and vacuum. I rearranged the apartment and was still bored (all that was over the 3 days). Then, our P-day got moved back to Thursday because of Thanksgiving so we had to wait an extra 2 days for it. 

We had exchanges on Wednesday and I went with Elder McGee. He is only on his 3rd transfer but is good. He knows how to be a missionary and get it all done. We also had a car for the day! We got to drive everywhere which I actually didn't care for. When you drive, you pass everyone on the streets. When you walk, you can talk to all of them! And the more people you talk to, the more fun you have! 

Now the thing I wish I did more of while at home was study. Well, more than what I did. In one of the church buildings around Pocatello, there were books on the teachings of Presidents of the Church (for free). So I took one on Joseph Smith and then one on Heber J. Grant because I'm named after him. When I studied, I studied the Heber J. Grant one and it is amazing! He focuses on the commandments and the importance of following them. It all starts with a question. Do I love the Lord? If you do, then Do I have a testimony of the teachings of the prophets? Then it goes to Do I strive to keep the commandments? .

I've reflected a lot on those questions and how they apply to me and how strong my testimony is of these things. Now, I'm not perfect. And I don't have the strongest testimony of these things, but I'm trying to follow the commandments and build my testimony. I know that the commandments are here to bless us. They allow us to learn and grow and obey the Lord and become more prepared to live with God and Christ forever. They have changed my life and have made me a better person and I know that they can do the same for you guys too. The commandments aren't for a few people or those who want to improve, but are here for every person on the earth. We all have to follow them and learn for ourselves the benefit of living them. As we live them, the Lord will bless us with all the blessings he can.

And because it's Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for Commandments. 

Love you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

(We are trying to start up Facebook again so if any of you want to follow the Facebook page it is called Finding Christ in Southeast Idaho!)

Mailing address (because Christmas)

135 S 7th Ave Pocatello ID 83201

Grant Williams

Photos:

A meme!

The Baptism of Henry Ryan! He's as broad as I am tall!

Elder Shelton and I in our last picture as companions.

Before and after of the kitchen.

A care box for Elder Adamson the best member family gave us when they dropped off dinner!

And a cool icicle!