Another week on that grind (Philppians 4:13)

Elder Bott and Elder Larson

I may not be a student athlete anymore but trust me I am still on that grind. This week went by crazy fast! Lots and ups and downs with missionary work but it is all good to be out serving the Lord!

This week we had zone conference which was awesome! President is the coolest! We talked a lot about how we are going to use the Christmas initiative to help others become disciples of Christ and we have some exciting plans! One thing I learned is how important it is to set clear expectations. People need to understand who we are and that we can help them with their lives if they keep our commitments! 

On Wednesday, we ran into this guy that was just walking on the streets and we stopped to talk to him like we normally do with people. We didn't expect much since usually they don't like to listen to what we have to say. But this guy actually had a ton of questions and we were able to answer all of them. He had struggled a lot in the past and was looking to fix and make the most of his life and there is no better way to improve your life than through the Savior and his restored gospel! He seems really excited but the problem is he is homeless so it is really hard to get a hold of him and work with him. 

Thursday was a really rough day. We had made some plans with all of these people that we were going to have lessons with. We had I think 4 lessons planned for that day which was crazy because it is so hard to get in with people right now. But as missionary work goes sometimes it happens to all fall through which was super hard. I was pretty discouraged after that day but seriously there is no better comfort than going to your Heavenly Father in prayer and reading the Book of Mormon! You can feel peace so fast when you turn to him! 

Friday was tons of fun because me and Elder Bott bought donuts and kolaches for our whole district! Then we went out finding the rest of the day and were able to set up some return appointments with people so hopefully they keep those commitments and continue to progress in the gospel. We ran into this guy that had learned to play the piano by ear and he was playing some insane stuff on his little synthesizer. It was super fun haha!

Saturday was an awesome day! I was on exchange with our zone leader Elder Anderson from Panguitch, Utah! He is an awesome missionary and I learned a lot from him! He came to my area and I had no idea what to do but luckily, we had a baptism and service almost all day. We did service for Christian Care and helped them make these packages for Thanksgiving and then we helped one of our members with their rental house. The baptism was awesome and I had the opportunity to play the piano there so shout out to mom for keeping me in piano because I have been able to use that lots! But eventually there came the time where I had to lead out our area with Elder Anderson there. I had absolutely no idea what to do and I said a prayer to Heavenly Father asking him where we should go for the hour we had to proselyte that day and he totally answers prayers! After we said that prayer I felt that we should try this Lady that we had been trying all week. She had never been home but we went over that night and she was in her garage with her kids! Her kids loved us and we were able to teach her which was awesome! Hopefully we are able to continue to work with her and she will keep the commitments we give her. 

We are excited for Thanksgiving this week and we will be eating with some members so we are on a special fast until that occasion! Just kidding but we are super grateful for our amazing members! I know the work has been super slow here but it has been cool to see how the gospel can change lives even in the smallest ways! Live the gospel because it will bless your lives! I love you all and I am so grateful for the people who take time out of their day to email and support me! I know that God answers prayers so turn to him for anything and he will help you!

Elder Cameron Larson

Mom’s Questions

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?  We have sent you and your companion annual “Larson Turkey Trot” shirts, race numbers and medals.  You will have to do the Turkey Trot for your 30-minute exercise Thanksgiving morning.  Your Grandpa Larson is excited to have a Vidor division this year.    

I can't believe it is thanksgiving this week. We are excited to do the turkey trot here in Vidor Texas. Elder Bott does not like running but I am making him! Haha!

Don't worry we will have an awesome time! We are going to our Bishop’s house! 

I’m sure you have to report on how you are doing with the work to someone. Who do you report to?  How often do you report?  What are you asked to report on?

We report to the zone leaders and we report sacrament meeting attendance, new investigators and people on date. We do that every week and on Thursdays we report how “hour of power” went which we do every Thursday. 

When did you feel the Spirit the strongest this week?

 The strongest was probably when I was in exchange with Elder Anderson when I prayed and had it answered 

How have you served Elder Bott this week?

From that pic I sent he was dead when we got back from church so I did the dishes and stuff while he took a quick nap 

Were you able to find a postcard for Mason and Tyler?

So I asked a member and she says there is nowhere in Vidor to get one..... So, I'm really lost there.   I've looked at every gas station and no luck.