In Minne for Christmas

Ryan and his new trainee, Elder Birrell

Another week and Ryan continues to be given opportunities for growth and trusting in the Lord.  He is happy to be staying in Minneapolis where he has worked hard developing good relationships with the members and the people he is teaching.  Being a trainer will certainly allow him to stretch, continue to strengthen his Spanish skills, and challenge him in ways that he couldn't have imagined 6 months ago when he left.  We are so proud of him and the work he is doing as a missionary.  We look forward to speaking with him on Christmas day and hearing more in detail about all that he is doing and learning.  We sure miss him, especially during this holiday season, but we know that he is sharing his testimony of the Savior Jesus  Christ with those that need to hear it and helping change their lives.  That is the greatest gift he can be giving at this time and we are willing to be apart from him for this short time so he can bless the lives of others.

Group Email:

Hello everyone! 

So here I am back from another week here, and his last week we had transfers, which always leads to some interesting new situations.  So I was asked to train this transfer, and I get to stay in my same area.  So Elder Terry was here, and then left a transfer later.  And I am here for the long haul and training Elder Birrell.  He is from South Salt Lake, and straight out of the Mexico CCM.  So lots of new adventures and interesting days to come from that here.  

At transfers I was able to see Elder Smith who is serving here from my same city, Saratoga Springs, and it is always fun to see a familiar face when you have been away for a while.  

So there isn't a whole lot crazy to talk about this week, because we are working on training Elder Birrell and getting him introduced in the work.  We have a very new district right now, where half the people are trainees and just came out this transfer, so that is pretty crazy. Our ward is getting to try and recognize a bunch of new faces now.  I am very excited to be able to stay here for another transfer at least in this area, and be here for Christmas, it should be a blast.  That being said as well, my next P-day will not be until Christmas day, so don't be expecting any emails on Monday,  I know that it will be hard for you all to wait that extra day to receive my thrilling group email, but you will just have to.  

Well this week here, the work has been hard.  We are working hard everyday, but there isn't always a lot that comes from it.  But I am here in this area for a while longer, so I am excited to see what it is I have to do here. I will keep on enduring to the end and keep working just as hard.  Because blessings comes from enduring to the end, and to those who endure it well.  There are plenty of hard times in all of our lives, but they pass, and its after the trial of our faith that we are able to see the blessings and miracles.  So for those that are seeing those difficulties of life and are stuck in that mentality, push through it, and endure it well!  

Well talk to you all next week on Christmas!

Enjoy the holidays!

Elder Pickering

Elder Pickering and Elder Smith reunited from Westlake High School