Week 74

 It was a great Christmas week, and it was sweet being able to talk with y'all!   Well I probably told you most of what happened this week, but I will write a few other things that happened this week.   On Christmas Eve we were able to go over to one of the senior couples in the ward.  All of us Elders went (seven of us) and we had a nice night at their house.  They wanted us to go down to sing to a less active family that lives right by them that they had been working with for months.  We were able to sing a few Christmas carols and it was a great experience.  The spirit was very strong as we sang and you could tell that they were touched.  At the end they even invited us to come back and visit them whenever we are up there!  On Christmas Day we had a great Christmas breakfast, and there was a baptism held which was really nice!  We had an awesome dinner later on as well!  

  Later on in the week we were able to visit one of the Recent Converts that lives in the area.  We had tried him a few time but this time we were actually home.  He was super cool guy and he said that he had saw another member at the store earlier on in the day.  It's amazing to see how the lord will send people to those are in need, and those who need to come back to the gospel.  We only saw him for a few minutes but he asked us to start coming over more and going over all the lessons again.  As well he promised to come to church in the morning.  And sure enough in the morning he made it to church, and was able to enjoy a great Christmas program that we had.  

The Perez's

Other than that were went to Memphis this week to open a new apartment, and deliver a  bunch  of things to other missionaries. We basically played Santa Claus this week delivering packages and all that good stuff.  The Memphis trip was great, and on Christmas Eve morning we were able to eat with Presidente Perez y his wife which was sweet!  We are always busy and constantly on the run as office Elders, it has been fun getting to see all of the areas in the mission!  Other than that just another great week on the mission!!    Have a great week, love y'all!

Con amor,

Elder Geddes

Week 73

Transfers/Leaving  Jonesboro

Jonesboro District

Oscar and family

  

The Lopez Family

   This week overall was just really crazy!   It all started off saying goodbye to everyone in Jonesboro on Monday and Tuesday.  Oscar (Claudio's son) y his wife took us out to dinner on Monday, and then Claudio y his family took us out on Tuesday night.  It was so sad to have to leave them, and they were all super sad that I was leaving! They are seriously like my family here, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to be part of their family.  It was basically Christmas for me that day with them!  We  were also able to say goodbye to a bunch of other members and as well say goodbye to the Ester kids, as well as Tina y Takiya.  It was hard to leave all of them as well.  Seeing their progression was amazing, the spirit no doubt touched the heart of each and every one of them.  Then on Wednesday Sister Boudrero drove us down to transfer meeting, she was so amazing and helped me so much while I was in Jonesboro! There were just so many amazing people in that place.

Ester family

At transfers President had asked that all missionaries would attend the meeting.  He announced that worldwide this would be the last transfer meeting ever.  So for now on it sounds like we will get a transfer call and then have to find a ride to our next area, should be pretty cool!  When President started announcing the transfer list he said that "Memphis Spanish North Area" would be closing down.  I was pretty shocked and had no idea where I was going at that point.  Then he announced that I would be serving in North Little Rock as an Office Elder.  I was pretty surprised, and I my new companion Elder Lundell was at the Memphis transfer meeting so that's why they had me go their first.  Also in my new area Elder Geddes and I are in the same ward, it's pretty awesome!  Everyone was all confused when I introduced myself.  

  Basically since that time we have been on the road all week delivering furniture to missionaries, closing down several apartments, and do other similar stuff to that.  We have already had to go to a ton of areas in the few days as an office Elder.  I'm actually replacing Elder Hunt (from Cedar Hills) who started his mission in this area and had been here for almost a year.  So far we have been to Glenwood, Quitman (twice in one day), Dardanelle, Morrilton, Choctaw, Jacksonville, Maumelle, Conway and passed through many other mission areas.  It has been cool kind being able to work with all the missionaries and getting to know them.  I'm also looking forward to working a lot closer with President Wakolo.  This week it looks like we are going to Memphis to do more moving, opening an apartment, and all sorts of other fun stuff.  My first Sunday here was good and Javier Ramirez (former Elder Ramirez) surprised me and visited me at church which was awesome!  Well that about sums up my week, this new responsibility is going to be completely different from what I've been doing before, but it should be good!  I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas, and I'm looking forward to skyping with y'all!

Love ,

Elder Geddes

                        

                Boudero Family

My man Freddie!

 

      

    

         

Week 72   
Happy Baptism!

Well as you can see from my title that you probably can't understand, it was officially my last week here in Jonesboro.  Even though it was the last it was an amazing week to end off my time here!  I'm sad to leave, but I'm so grateful for the oportunidad I have had to serve in this area.It has been amazing!  I have seen so many miracles here, and the people here are awesome!  I got the transfer call this morning, and I'll be going back over to the Memphis side!!  From the looks of it, I'm most likely going to the same area that I was in before.  I'm sad to leave here, but I'm looking for to what's ahead on the other side of the river!!  

For the week it was a great week filled with seeing Claudio about every single night!  He was really looking forward to the baptism, and excited to make this great change in his life.  Elder Heaton and Elder Doty came out for the interview!  It was great to see Heaton as always.  We planned the baptism for Saturday night, and on that night Claudio entered in to the waters of baptism!  I was able to baptize him, and it was an amazing experience.  His whole family came out to support him which was awesome!  As well as former Elder Hernandez came out from Texas for the baptism.  That was really cool, because Hernandez and I found him.  The next day Claudio was confirmed como miembro de La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos dias!!  It was kind of funny, the person who was confirming him didn't realize he was doing it until we all started walking up.  His wife told us that she had told him, but he had understood that he was going to be a witness hah!.   At the end of the day all went well, and the baptism was well attended by the Spanish members, and Claudio was really happy.  

 It's been an awesome journey with him, and I have no doubt that the spirit can change anyones heart.  When we first met Claudio he didn't even want to touch a Book of Mormon, or know anything about Jose Smith.  Now he is reading the Book of Mormon daily, and knows it's the word of God.  It has been a testimony builder for me of being patient, and waiting for good things to come.  As we became friends with him and the family a constantly sharing the word with them, the spirit filled their home and they could very clearly see a difference.  We are so grateful for him and his family.  They honestly feel like our family, They even have Christmas presents wrapped for us under their tree! haha!  I'm going to miss them, but I'm looking forward to the progression of the rest of them, as they see the example of Claudio as he receives blessings from living the Gospel!  We are so excited for them, and I'm glad I was able to see him Baptized before I left.

  On another note we had our Christmas Zone conference in Little Rock which was awesome. We watched a really good video on the Cokeville miracle of the bomb that exploded at the school but none of the kids were hurt.  President Wakolo was late getting to the Zone Conference because he was called the week before to go to a special training for mission President's in Salt Lake.  He was 1 of 6 Mission Presidents out of the whole world who was called to go to that training.  That training will go out to train the rest of the mission president's.  I know that President Wakolo is a man called of God, and I'm so grateful to have such an amazing man like him as my mission president.  

Sounds like you had another great week, and I hope the next one is the same!  I love y'all!!  

Con Amor,

Elder Geddes

  

Week 71

Made ties with Sister Maples (She's in her 90"s)

  Just another amazing week here in the great city of Jonesboro!!  The week started off on a pretty good note when we went over to see Cla.  As you are know we are really good friends with him y his family.  Well in the last week he hadn't been to church, and we hadn't seen him very much.  So in this lesson we decided we were going to ask what has been going on, and what are some of his doubts that are holding him back.  When we get there we talked for a little, and then we went to start the lesson.   He then told us how he saw the text inviting him to come see the baptism last week.  He told us that he had decided that he wanted to be baptized on the 28th, but hadn't told us, and he felt that he had missed the ship.  We then let him know that we have another baptismal date for the 12th and asked if he would prepare for that date. He was really excited about that, and said he knows he needs to take this step of faith because he hasn't seen grand changes in his life.  That was a huge answer to many fasts and prayers and we have been seeing him basically every night reviewing all of the lessons.  I can already see a great difference when we are teaching him, and his desire to learn has skyrocketed.  One of the nights he told us that since he decided to be baptized, and has had us over every night, there is a lot more peace in the home.  They have been able to sleep well which they hadn't able to do.  That was so awesome to hear, and it's been a great experience seeing him progress in the Gospel.  He came to church this week and it went really well!  I know that the lord answers prayers, even though it might not be instant, but he always does.  We are excited to see him every night this week, and keep preparing him for his baptism.  

  For other things this week we were able to see a ton of great people, and we saw a lot of success on our "super Saturday".  We were able to set two baptismal dates with next door neighbors, one house after another.  It was pretty crazy because the lessons ended up being super similar and the teaching situation was almost identical.  Also Lin. y Jo. were able to come to church for the second time which was awesome!   Also Robert and Andrew gave their testimonies in church yesterday, and when Robert got up he said "I'm thankful for Elder Geddes, he's always there for me when I'm down or feeling sad"  It was the sweetest thing ever!  They are doing great they came to the ward Christmas party, church, and even the First Presidency Christmas devotional on Sunday night.  They are such humble kids, and are just soaking up the gospel.  We are seeing many miracles each day as we work diligently!  I love y'all and hope you have a fantastic week! 

Con Amor,
Elder Geddes                    

                                                       Sister Smith and Elder Geddes
                                            (They received their calls the same day at BYU-Hawaii
                                                              to the samie mission)
                                                                              

                                                                            The Zone

Week 70

The Ester Families baptisms

  It was an amazing Thanksgiving week here in Jonesboro, Arkansas!!  Throughout the week we were able to see many people, and as well continue preparing the Esters kids for baptism this Saturday.  As we were helping them prepare for baptism, there were a few small obstacles in the way, but we just kept teaching them and exciting them for their baptisms.  Earlier on in the week we wanted to confirm with their mother if this Saturday would be good for them.  Before she had always said that she wasn't sure if they are ready, but this time she could definitely see the desire of her kids to be baptized and she said Saturday would be good!  We continued teaching them about every day for the rest of the week.  Then the Zone Leaders drove out from Searcy to do the Baptismal interview.  They all did great, and were so excited for their baptisms! They were more than ready to be baptized, and they are really nice and a lot more obedient than other kids their age.  

  On Saturday night we had the baptismal service, and it went super well!  We had  great support from the ward, When their mother walked in she saw Robert, Andrew, Aaron, y Eddie all in white and started crying, and went to hug each of them, it was a really cool experience.  We then did the Baptismal ordinance, when I was baptizing Andrew I had to baptize him five or so times, because his knees keep popping up, I guess the stubbornness comes naturally with the name (Love you brother ;) ).  After that we had asked a Sister from the ward to give the talk on confirmation.  She gave an awesome talk, and talked about how she vividly remembers the day when their mom (Miranda) was baptized three years ago, and how wonderful it was to see all of her kids being baptized.  The spirit was so strong during that baptismal service, and some of our investigators Linda + Johnson were able to come and see it.  I am so grateful for another November miracle that the Lord has provided us with.  It's really cool, Exactly a year ago was when we had the miracle of baptizing three siblings, and one of their names was Eddie as well and had the same age!!  The next day all four boys were confirmed in church, and Elder Cameron Green was able to do two of the confirmations which was great!

  That was definitely the highlight of our week.  Thanksgiving week was great!  In the morning of Thanksgiving we played a traditional Turkey bowl, and we got to play it on the Turf at the high school football field, It was pretty awesome, and the weather was literally perfect!   Later on we had a wonderful dinner with the Lewis family on Thanksgiving.  And as well later on that night we ate Thanksgiving dinner with Claudio and his family which was super good, but we were stuffed!! Now I'm excited as we go into this Christmas season, it seems like people open their hearts a little more this time of year.  It should be another great week this week!  

  I hope y'all have a great first week of December!  Thank you for the updates, and I love you tons!  

Love,

Elder Geddes

Week 69

Building in Harrisburg

  It looks like winter has begun here in Arkansas, It started getting a lot colder this week.  Earlier on in the week it was raining a ton, but luckily since the day we started bike week it hasn't been the whole time!  Thanksgiving is almost here which is crazy, because It felt like yesterday that November was just starting.  

  It was another solid week here on the mission field.  We had the opportunity to go on  Exchanges with the Zone Leaders.  I stayed here in this area y Elder Ceron went over to Searcy.  Elder Cunningham and I had a really solid day., We were able to talk with pretty much everyone, and find some cool people out of it.  One guy who's door we felt like we should knock on told us "I don't know much about Mormon's, but I know they are always happy!".  We asked him if we wanted to learn more about that happiness y we were able to teach him about the BOM, and he seemed very interested.  It was nice when people realize that the rumors aren't real. He had only known about us from South Park and the Book of Mormon play, but wants to learn more about our religion.   

Elder Geddes and Elder Cunningham

  We were also able to go see Lin.y Jo. a couple times this week!  The second time we had a super good lesson on Temples, while talking about Baptisms for the dead y eternal marriages.  It was a really good lesson, and she was super interested in being able to do those things.  I asked her what she needed to do to be able to partake of those blessing y she told me "become a member and be baptized again!" That was cool to see that she really understands why baptism is so important. It opens the gate for eternal blessings. She is getting a lot closer as she learns more and more about the church.  As well Jo. was able to come to a YSA dinner/devotional that we had last night, and he really seemed to enjoy it!  

  We are still visiting the E. kids!  It is going really well, and we were able to teach them several lessons this week.  The grandma has been listening in the whole time, and she seems to be interested as well.  All the kids were able to come to church again this week and seemed to love it!  They also came out to the Thanksgiving dinner that we had.  All the kids wanted to help clean up, so they all stayed after the activity to clean up tables and chairs.  We are really excited for them as they continue to prepare for baptism. They are such great kids!  

  Another cool thing that happened this week was that Tina y Takiya were both able to give their first talks in Sacrament meeting this week!  They did very well, and their testimonies were awesome.  After they were both able to get their Patriarchal blessing, and the cool thing was that it was Patriarch Williams who gave me my Patriarchal blessing.  It was really cool to talk to him again, and as well he gave an awesome talk in sacrament meeting.  It's been amazing to see the continual progression of Tina y Takiya, and how much happiness and blessing that the gospel has brought into their lives.  

  The mission life is going great, and we are excited for this Thanksgiving week.  We might end up turning into turkeys with how much food we are going to eat!  I know that as we live in Thanksgiving daily (Alma 34:38) we are truly going to see how much the lord blesses us each day.  I'm so grateful for all the blessing that I have, and the wonderful life I have been blessed with.  I hope y'all have a great week! 

Love,

Elder Geddes

Week 68

   This week was an awesome week, especially this past weekend!!  Once again we were able to see Lin. y Jo. a few times this week with Elder Cameron Green.  We had  some really good lessons with them y then on the second lesson with Linda we were asking her a few questions y she told us that when we first came God told us that we were his servants y that she needed to listen to him. Then when she came to church she told us that God had told her that this was his church.  With that in mind you would think that everything is super solid y that we are good to go.  She has some obligations in her other church that are holding her back from being baptized into the church. She knows that we are there to help her realize  there is only one true church.  Hearing what God says to our investigators is always a testimony builder for me, y just amazing to see the work of the Lord in the work and the realness of it.  We believe this is just a small hurdle, but that soon she will be able to make the proper decisions in order to receive all the blessing that God has planned for her!  We are really excited to continue to teach them. 

 The highlight of the week was this past weekend!  On Saturday we were able to see an inactive/lost member (Mir.) that we had found just last week.  We had a really good lesson with them on Saturday y we talked about the importance of the hope in God y applying the principles of the gospel in to our lives.  Even more importantly having her kids grow up int he gospel to give them a great environment to grow up in.  She said she definitely wants that for her kids, y then she called them out to the living room (5 of the 7) y asked them if they wanted to go to church.  They all raised their hands, and were super excited about going.  The next morning a member picked all 5 boys up, y brought them to church.  At church they loved sacrament, y they were thrilled to go to their classes!  One of the boy's (Andrew) was so excited when I told them that they get to go with other kids.  They are such good kids as well as super behaved.  After church we talked to them, y they said they loved their primary classes y that they already met new friends.  As well as their mom Miranda was able to make it to the last hour even though she had worked early that morning.  

  I was talking to her after y she told me that when she walked in she could just feel peace, y that the spirit was just so strong.  It was the first time in 3 years that she had been to church.  She went to Relief Society y shared her experience, y how grateful she was that the missionaries found her y that she was able to return.  After church "Elder" Green y I took all the boys back, y when we came back Miranda was still there.  She was talking with a member y then she was telling me later that she just didn't want to leave, because she felt so good there, She said that she didn't want to be anywhere else.  She ended up staying for a while after, and we were able to set up an appointment with them tomorrow so we can start teaching her kids.  It's amazing the miracles that the Lord provides in the mission work.  We are looking to help them prepare for baptism, and receiving the countless blessing that come from living the gospel.  

  The work is amazing and there is no doubt that the Lord is fully involved in all aspects of missionary work, Especially as we strive as a mission to reach our November goal.  I love being a missionary and to be a instrument in the hands of the lord.  I hope y'all had a great week.  We are looking for an even better week this week!  Have a great day!

Love,

Elder Geddes

    Week 67
  

Elder Geddes and Elder Geddes

                                             

                                                                        Sister MacFarlane and ELder Geddes
                                                                            (Both from the Cedar Hills, UT West Stake)

  

                                 
   Transfers were this week and it was another great week here in Jonesboro.  I am very glad that I get to stay in this area for another transfer!  We were able to go to the transfer meeting in Little Rock which was super awesome.  While there was reunited for Elder Heaton!!!  

Elder Heaton and Elder Geddes reunited!

 It had been over 4 months or so, he got transferred to back where we started in Little Rock, and is now a Spanish Zone Leader where he will go on exchanges with the Spanish Missionaries in the mission.  I was called to be District Leader, so I will be over the missionaries here in Jonesboro!!  I'm really excited about that, and looking forward to the opportunity to lead and guide the members of my District.  Jonesboro is an awesome area, so we should be seeing many miracles in the month.  It will definitely be a great opportunity for me to learn and grow even more!  I also was able to see Elder Zickella y Croft, the trio was reunited!  I saw Hermana Ashley Macfarlane from our Stake and as well as the new Elder Geddes.  I'll make sure to send some pictures with all of them!  

Old companions meet again with Sister Johnson

  Another cool thing that happened this week is we were able to see the family from Ghana again.  This time Elder Cameron Green (the one who just go back from Ghana temporarily) wasn't able to go with us, but we decided to see them anyways.  We finished teaching the restoration, and really focused the lesson more on the daughter Lin.. She had some really good questions, and as well as answers. You could tell she understood most of the lesson.  We invited her to church, and she said that she needed a ride. We got Elder Green y his family to give here a ride.  On Sunday she was ready to go, and she even got her brother Joh. to come with here.  The church went really well, and Elder Green told me that while she was in Relief Society she felt the spirit super strong and just felt good inside.  After church there was a Ward Potluck because it was Ward Conference, and Lin. y Joh. were able to sit with the rest of the youth y they seemed to have a great time.  There is another kid that attends the ward who is from Nigeria, so they were able to relate super well.  She seemed super happy to come to church, and we are planning on seeing them several times this week! 

  After Church we went to visit a lady that had called out to us to use our phone the other day.  We knocked and her husband (Jo.) came out and wasn't all that interested.  We got to talking y he told us how his dad was a minister at the Church of Christ for 18  years, and had told him not to read the BOM.  We helped explain to him a little more of what it is, and how it can help them in his life.  He told us he was actually looking for a church right now, because of some things that had happened.  By the end he ended up asking us for a copy of the BOM, and as well for our number because he wanted to make sure to call us if the Holy Ghost testified to him that the Book was true. During all this his dad happens to drive by, stops for a second, realizes who he is talking to and then drives away.  Joseph started laughing, and said that is the first time ever that his Dad hadn't stopped by ha ha!  He told us he was going to call him y give him crap.  He said he wasn't going to mention that he had got a BOM to his dad though ha ha!.  He was a super nice guy and seemed really sincere.  It amazes me that other churches are so diligent in preaching against the BOM,, because they know if someone sincerely reads and prays about it, they will no doubt receive an answer.  How blessed are we to have the knowledge of the Book of Mormon in our lives!  

  That is so awesome to hear that Jessica Smith is coming back out to the mission!  The last time I talked to her was in Memphis for the 40th anniversary and she said that there hardly was a chance of her being able to come out.  That's super sweet though, great example of diligence and finishing what you started! 

  That about does it for me this week, and this next week should be a great one as well.  I hope y'all have an awesome week and I appreciate the emails!  Love you!  

Love,

Élder Geddes

Week 66 

  This week was an awesome week here in Jonesboro!!  The greatest part was that it wasn't my last week here like we expected.  We didn't get any transfer calls, so it looks like the Elder Ceron y I are going to be staying together for another one.  I'm super excited to stay here in this area.The members are so cool, and we have some great investigators that should be baptized in the month of November as we reach for our goal of 100 baptisms.  I will be here in Jonesboro for at least another 6 weeks!  

   Earlier on in the week we had the opportunity to go by and visit a less active family in the ward.  They are recent converts, and were baptized in Missouri.  When I came here they were pretty active, but after a few transfers they just hadn't really been coming.  We decided just to drop by that night and share with them a message.  We talked about the importance of the commandments, and how things just work out better when we obey them.  I decided to ask them what is stopping them form going to church.  They said they have seen a huge difference when they have gone and not gone, and they want to return to activity but that it's just hard to get back into it.  We ended by showing a Mormon message, and it was perfect for them.  After that they said they needed to go back every week. I asked if I could give him a reminder text on Sunday, and he said "just call me"!  They came to the ward Chili Cook of y Trunk or treat this week and as well they came to church this Sunday, y we saw them last night. They are already so much happier, and were saying how grateful they are to return to activity!  

The Lopez Family

  As well this week were were able to see the Lopez family several times.  We had some great lesson with them and they were sad to think that one of us would be leaving.  They were thrilled this morning when they heard that we aren't getting transferred!   On Sunday Cla. y Gab. showed up to church, and then a few minutes later the all of their children came with all of their spouses!  It was so awesome to have the family together at church and there was a bunch of them.  We were really grateful for that and the fast and testimony meeting was spot on, tons of great testimonies and the spirit was really strong.  We are excited to help them progress more and more and see the more changes in their lives as they continue accepting the fullness of the gospel into their life. 

   On Sunday night we had a dinner with a super awesome family.  After that we had about 45 minutes until our next appointment.  It was either go with the other Elders because we were on bike week, or find in the area close to this members house for a few minutes.  We decided to do that and we knocked a few doors, and not much luck.  Then we both felt we should knock on a certain door, and a guy opened it up and said "come on in" I was actually super surprised, and almost though he was joking.  Turns out they are next door neighbors to some other members, and they are super good friends with them and have talked a little bit about the beliefs.  He was super willing to listen, and wanting to discuss more.  We didn't have much time, but he wants us to come back to teach him y his family!  That was a cool little experience of that little finding effort leading us to a prepared family!   It all worked out because our next appointment ended up being pushed back 30 minutes, so we were right on time.  Other than that just a great week, and we are excited as always for the miracles coming the next week!  

Have a great week, and thanks for the email!

Love,

Elder Geddes                                                            

Trunk or Treat

Halloween Missionariess

        Chili Cook-Off judges!

Week 65

Dinner with the Callejas

  This week was a super busy week which made for a great week!  The weather is starting to change as the leaves have been falling and it's been raining a lot more.  My companion thinks it's super cool...he'll be in for a treat in about a month or so.  

  We were able to bring six different members to some of the lessons that we had which was super awesome!  First we were able to see our investigator Re. a few times this week.  The first lesson of the week went pretty well y she really felt that she  needed to improve on reading. We helped her with a few ideas so she would be able to read.  So by the next  lesson later on in the week she had read the chapter that we left her!  This lesson we were able to teach the Plan of Salvation.  We were in a trio with Elder Doty that day, and as well as a member had come with us to the lesson.  We start teaching the Plan of Salvation and it is going super well. She felt that it just made sense that we lived with our Heavenly Father on the earth.  We then talked about Adam y Eve y she said "I heard it was part of God's plan that they were supposed to fall".  Very rare that I have had an investigator that already knew it.  After that she had questions about our purpose on life, and it just led the lesson perfectly.  By the end of the lesson she was telling us that is just makes sense especially that God would give everyone a fair chance to accept the gospel.  We had talked about baptism with her before, but at the end of the lesson we were able to set a solid baptismal date in November!  So that was a great experience as the Spirit testified unto her about the great plan of happiness!  We are excited to continue helping her as she feels she has reached a point of her life where she needs to turn herself over to the Lord.  She was planning on coming to church but unfortunately the morning of her baby was sick y she wasn't able to come.  Next week she should be coming though! 

 On another day we had planned to go to an appointment that we had with a lady we had found y we had brought a member.  We go knock on the door, and they were cooking so they asked if we could come back in  a few hours.  After that it was just about time to head to dinner, but I felt that we needed to knock on this trailer on the corner.  A guy had told us to visit it, but we were not sure if that was even the right one.  Some kids were outside y they said that their mom was inside. We knocked and the mom answered, and was just kind of confused who we were.   We explained that we were missionaries, but she still just had a puzzled look on her face. She had never heard of us or our church before. She wanted us to sit down and tell her more.  We explained to her the basics of what we do as missionaries and what we believe.  Then Elder Ceron mentioned something about eternal families, and she cut him off mid sentence and said "speaking of that my husband and I were about to separate not too long ago, but we decided to wait and endure a little longer.  My  husband told me that he felt that some people from a church were going to come to their house, invite them to church y help them become more united as a family!"  She was telling us how we probably didn't believe her ha ha.!  A few days later we were able to come back and teach her with an awesome member from they ward.  That was super cool, and amazing how God always guides us to where we need to go as long as we are listening.  She was telling us that she thought there was no way people would come,  because they don't know a lot of people here, and the she said and here you are.  God works in mysterious ways!  

  We are continuing working with Cla. y it is going super well!  I've said this before, but recently we can tell the difference in his character and how he acts ,because of the changes he had started to make.  His family keeps telling us how sad they are going to be if I get transferred.  They are super awesome y honestly feel like my Hispanic family here in Jonesboro!  We are hoping to continue helping him get closer to baptism as he continues learning about the gospel.  

  Overall it was a great week, y we are excited to see what is prepared for us this week!  It could be my last week here but with President Wakolo, you just never know what is going to happen!  I love y'all and hope you week is great!  

Good old Green Tree Frog!

Week 64

Elder Geddes in front of the ASU Librray

Dear Mom (Abuela),

  Congrats on being a Grandmother!!  Your wait has finally ended, that's so awesome and I'm glad to hear that everything went well.  It's crazy to think that I'm an uncle!

  Well another solid week here in the great city of Jonesboro!  We have had some great experiences this week as we did a lot of finding.  One night we were finding in a trailer park y we talked to three guys outside, There is one in particular who seemed to stand out a little more.  We talked to them for a little bit y were able to get all their addresses. Then we were walking in the same trailer park just 10 minutes after y we felt that we should knock on a certain trailer.  We knocked without noticing the number, and it was that same guy we had talked to just a few minutes before!  He told us he was interested to go to church with his family.  It was a cool little experience and we are hoping to see them a few times this week.  

   As well we were able to see Cla. a few times this week.  One of the days his wife y other family took us out to eat which  was super nice of them.  And another night we were able to bring a member to a lesson.  We had a great lesson on the importance of setting goals as we act in faith, and we were able to talk about a baptismal date with him.  He said he would work towards that date, and even told us him y his wife had done some prayers together which was a huge step for them!  That was nice to see some more progression in him, as well as he came to church yesterday.  

  Other than that just had met a lot of other cool people, and we have several return appointments this week.  And to answer your question, yup we eat Southern food all the time.  The classic is  BBQ, baked beans, and some slaw.  The work is going well here, and we are excited going into the month of November as we have a mission goal of 100 baptisms as we did last year!  We are looking forward to seeing even more miracles than last year.  Something I was reminded of this week was a great principle of miracles.  God will never cease to work miracle.,They will only cease to exist by lack of faith.  I know this is so true, and we must continue forward in the miracles we have already witnessed in our lives, and not just be looking for the next miracle.  Instead preparing ourselves by being the best possible instrument in the hand of the Lord. God is so loving y his works are miraculous!  I love y'all and hope that you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Geddes

Week 63

Zone with their Trainers and trainees, and Pres. Wakola

  This week was a pretty normal week here in Arkansas, One day we were out contacting some people and one of our investigators that Elder Hernandez y I had was sitting outside.  We hadn't seen her for a couple months so we went y talked to her.  Come to find out she is best friends with Bri.!  That was kind of cool y Bri. has been telling her how awesome it has been, and has gotten her to start reading in the Book of Mormon again.  We are hoping that we will be able to start teaching both couples and get them all progressing!  

We were able to see Bri. y Ja. once again this week, y were able to bring Sister Boudrero with us as well.  That went super well y we taught them the Plan of Salvation.  They are learning a lot and have been reading in the Book of Mormon.  They were planning on church but we aren't sure what happened.  She told us she would explain later, but we are going to be able to see them a couple times this week.  

Elder Geddes, Nikki, Jason, and Elder Ceron

 This week we went over several time and we were able to talk with Nikki.  She has been doing great y she wants to continue to progress even more and asked us if we could come over every day starting next week to be able to help her learn more!  That was super awesome, so we were really looking forward to that.  We hadn't seen Jason. for a few days because he had been working in Memphis.  On Sunday afternoon we went over to stop by y see how everything was going?   Then they told us that they were moving that day :(.  They are moving to Memphis, but we are super sad to see them leave.  They were both progressing so well, and Jason has such a strong testimony, and Nikki has progressed so much, It has been so cool to see.  It was always the best teaching both of them.  We were able to take a picture with them y say goodbye so that was nice.  We will have the Elders in Millington y they can help them towards their baptism.  Jason wants me to come to the baptism so hopefully that will happen coming up in the next month.  That was a little sad for us, but we are grateful to be able to get to know them and are excited that they are still continuing forward.  They are going to receive so much light by accepting the gospel into their lives.  

 Other than just another good Missionary week!  For your questions I do need some more contacts I have one more pair left I think.  I haven't been able to go to the dentist, not really sure who to go to.  And yup our district doubled in size!  We are actually the only Spanish missionaries in the entire zone.  We are grateful for the people we are teaching right now and are looking forward to those who we will be able to find this upcoming week!  

Love, Elder Geddes                                                                                         

Elder Geddes and Elder Lewis getting in a little Golf on P-Day!

Week 62

La Semana de Conferencia General

The Jonesboro Disitrict 

  What and amazing weekend it was to be able to sustain three new apostles, and listen to the Prophets y apostles that guide and lead us today.  The spirit is always so strong during their talks. We are so blessed to be able to have that guidance for our families in these days with the world and it's constant changing values.  I always love Conference weekend, especially as a missionary.  It's a great time to look back and reflect on how we can improve in our own lives.  

  This week we had a few really cool experiences.  Remember the couple Brii. y Jai. from last week that came to church?  We were able to see them with a member one night and teach them the Restoration.  The lesson went super well, and they are both just so ready to learn, even though everything is super new to them.  We were able to invite them to be baptized, and both of them without hesitation said yes!!  That was awesome and they committed to come to conference.  On Friday night she even text us saying that they would be attending the Sunday morning session.  Unfortunately, 3 o clock in Sunday morning we got a text from her saying she had just gotten back from the hospital with their baby and wouldn't be able to make it, but was hoping we could still come on Tuesday.  That was really cool that she wanted to let us know as soon as possible, and shows us that these things are important to them.  We are excited to see them this Tuesday, and help them to learn more in the Gospel as they progress towards their Baptismal date..

  

Eating with our Investigators

  Another awesome thing that happened is when we went to see Cla..  Right at the beginning he told us that he had been reading in the Book of Mormon.  He told us he had asked God to show him where to read.  He was just kind of flipping the pages, and happened to stop on Moroni 10:4.  He said that stuck out to him super strong and he though it was so cool, because it was exactly what we had been talking about.  He knew he was meant to read that verse,, and says that he knows El Libro de Mormon is the word of God.  It's been amazing seeing the spirit work on him, from starting at not even wanting a copy of the LDM, to receiving a spiritual witness of the truthfulness of it. He was able to make it to Priesthood Session with us on Saturday night.  

  Other than that this week was just a great week, especially the weekend with Conference.  I'm excited to see what is in store for this upcoming week!   

Love,

Elder Geddes

Spyders are huge in Arkansas!