Not much happened this week. We do have a family that we just started teaching this week. They have been exposed to the church for a while because they lived in Utah for a few years, in Tooele. They are going to be great. We just need to replace their fear with faith and they will be baptized.
I keep on learning more and more about how to be better and I keep realizing that I have so much left to learn. It can be daunting but it's exciting to learn as much as I am. That is one thing I a grateful for. Going to an English speaking mission I really get to focus on learning the gospel because I don't have to worry about a language. It's a blessing. I am glad I came to Tennessee.
May 31
Sorry this is so late in the week. Monday was Memorial Day so the library was closed and this is the first time we've had time to do any emailing. It has been a really busy week but it seems like we've got nothing done...
We have one really cool family we're teaching, I'm not sure if I mentioned them before. They lived in Utah and have 3 boys. And guess what? They are actually interested. It is awesome. There is nothing better than families. Especially if they're ready.
June 2
It is so dang hot here. It is barely June and it is in the upper 80s with a humidity percentage of just about the same. UGH. But it's cool. We deal with it. We get our new mission pres in July. He'll come in mid transfer. So we won't actually meet him until he either is doing his tour of the areas or a big meeting or the next transfer at the end of July. I have a feeling that there will be a lot of changes. He's a business man rather than pres Irion who is a doctor. It will be different. But it will be inspired.
June 9
The only investigators we're getting anywhere with right now are the Brandenburgs. Everyone else, we've either taught them everything we can and they know what they need to do they just aren't doing it, or they don't understand the significance of any of this. It's kinda frustrating. But I'm learning patience right now. All is well.
One thing about southern life and me adjusting to it. The portion sized here are huge, and everything is cooked in lard or lots of butter. It tastes so good but it is just so much and after eat meal I can just feel the inside of my mouth just coated with grease. It is kinda nasty if you think about it. It's a wonder that I haven't gained much weight. I think I've only gained about 5 lbs.
June 16
The big news with me over here is that Elder Bacon will be leaving this week. I'm terrified to kinda take charge of the area for a while during the period where the new one is getting used to the area and the branch. I feel completely inadequate. I'll be fine though. It's just weird that he's actually leaving. We've been companions for a little over four months. That's a long time. Other than that there was a wedding this past week. They were previously married and sealed to the past spouses but they just got civilly married. It was a good wedding and they looked happy. Other than that not much has happened. But during this reflection period while I am getting ready for a new companion I have really learned that I need the saviors help being able to cope and actually do the things I'll need to. I realized how much I've relied on Elder Bacon and that is all going to have to change because he won't be around any more. I need all the help I can get.
June 23
I have a new companion. His name is Elder Froelich (Fro-lick). He is Kinda short with short blonde hair and glasses. he is really smart and likes computers and stuff like that. He playes a little guitar and sings. He goes home to St.George in October. He is real chill and easy to get along with so far. He is definitely not Elder Bacon. It's been hard the past few days kinda showing him around the area and introducing him to all the people. I feel like the senior companion even though he's been out for more than a year longer than me.
June 30
I really like my new companion...He's just super cool and we just have a good time. We have the same investigators, but we did set a baptismal date for a guy named Mark. We weren't really sure what he was expecting to get out of our visits so we just made it really clear what ours (and God's) are for him. So we asked if he would be baptized if he found that it was true and he said yes. It was great.
We have dealt with just about everything this week. Door shut in our face, crazy people, screwed up families, as well as great lessons and baptismal commitments. It's been good. President and Sister Griffin should get here tonight along with a few kids they are bringing along, and the Irions are leaving tomorrow morning. It's so weird. We get to meet the Griffins on Thursday at zone meeting.
June 30 (Mass Email)
Well, I've decided to try to send a mass email to everyone. I don't know If anyone even want's these. But too bad. It's gonna happen. At least for a little bit until I give up and stop. I thought I would kick this off with a quick summary of what's gone down the past few months.
Well, I've been in a little town called La Follette since Feb 11th and have really enjoyed it. I love it here and no matter what people tell you about hillbillies don't believe everything you hear. They are some of the coolest people you'll ever meet. The people here have inspired me to start my "Little Book of Southern Phrases and Metaphors" Every time I here a phrase or metaphor that makes me chuckle or is just awesome I right it down. I'm not very far into it yet but It'll get there. I still have a while. While I've been here We've had 2 baptisms and should have a couple more in the coming weeks and months, I've been welcomed with open arms, and I've just learned a ton. I've learned not only about the gospel but about life. I've learned skills that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I've probably sweat more here than I ever have before in my life. And you know what, I've learned that a mission is just plain hard. It's totally worth it, but it is hard. I've never cried so much in my life, I've never prayed so much in my life, and I've never loved so much in my life. I've really learned that I have to love everyone to do this. And sometimes it is definitely hard. 
I got to hold a baby possum. and we got to tour a Victorian house in town called the La Follette house. and that is what the other two pictures are.
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