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President and Sister Ocampos

Hey Everyone.
Back after another crazy week here in Minnesota.  Well we had transfers this last week and I have returned back to my first area where I spent 6 months already, although this time as zone leader so I am working with the English ward that covers the same area.  It is super weird being back in the same apartment, but this time being the zone leader rather than the Spanish missionaries here. But  it will be good.  I sure missed all the crazy that goes down here in the cities.  For example in my first couple days down here the crazy has been nonstop.  We were driving past a McDonalds here and saw this police drive up to it with his lights on and so we were watching as we were passing, and in one fluid motion the police officer gets out of his car and pulls his gun on all the people outside of the Mcdonalds.  We have no end to this story because we had to keep driving, but man that is the kind of crazy that you just miss out on being in Morris in the middle of nowhere.  

Also we got a self referral from this guy and we texted him and he wanted us to visit him like that moment, so we get up and go and get to know him. We learn he has been to jail multiple times and then when he was looking for something he lifted up his pillow and there was a big ol knife under it, you know "just in case, you never know when someone will try and rob you" so that was an adventure, but hey he might come to church this week!

So another fun time is the very first day of this transfer, before I could even unpack my stuff is I had exchanges with the zone leaders.  So I headed off to their area and worked with the YSA for a day, it was a good time, a bit of a culture shock after working with Hispanics for 16+ months and then next day going and doing work on the college campus, but its always a good time and it was good to jump into the deep water and start swimming.  Church also this week was a crazy opening into not only a ward, but a ward in the middle of the cities haha.  We had one guy speak on dinosaurs and how they prove the bible and were on the ark that Noah built and whatnot, and following him a member of the 70 who lives in the ward had the chance to speak, so quite the contrast.  I also had the chance (being volunteered by the sisters) to sing in the choir here as well, so it was just a full Sunday.

So I am super excited to see how this next while goes in a new area, I will miss Morris, but there will be plenty of miracles and blessings that come here. Thankfully Christ knows what we go through and can help qualify us for any situation and help us to not only make it through, but make our weaknesses strengths, and help us move forward with a new hope and lasting joy!

Love you all and hope you have a great week!

Elder Pickering

Ryan loves President Barney

Ryan visited Pickerina's grave, the bunny that was named after him.

A warm welcome from a gracious host.