Hello!

We had ward conferences this week, no stake conference yet. I'm not sure when that'll happen, but ward conference was great and we got to hear the stake president and our bishops give talks. What was interesting was the stake presidents talk was different for the two wards I am in. I couldn't imagine giving 2 talks in one day, but giving 2 different talks in one day would be totally insane!

So this week we had zone conference down in Yakima, and we went down the night previous so there wouldn’t be too much snow on the roads. Well we got down safe, had a great zone conference. But a storm decided to blow in and clog up the roads, so we spent a whole day in Yakima, not able to work because we couldn't go outside. That was a kind of lame day, but getting to know the other elders in my zone better was a lot of fun. When we finally got home there was about 14 inches of snow in our driveway, so we would go around the block, pick up some speed and try to get up into our drive way, so that we could get into our apartment. That was a lot of fun, but we shoveled it afterwards, so now it's all smooth sailing in that regard.

I have had a lot of time to think about how I didn't truly arise and shine forth when I was in high school. We have this amazing deacon in one of our wards that has given out 3 copies of the Book of Mormon since I have been in this ward. Now to arise and shine forth you don't necessarily have to be handing out copies of the Book of Mormon, but when people ask you about the church, invite them to come and find out for themselves rather than just answering there questions. It's also all about being a good example to the people we meet. I know that’s what everyone says but it is so true. We meet people all the time who want to talk to us because they have met people from our church, and liked who the church made them into.

The work here has been great! Me and Elder Roundy are getting along really well, and it looks like it's going to be a great transfer. Sadly Bryce doesn't feel like he will be ready to be baptized on this Saturday so that will not be happening, but he is continuing to press forward and dig out the truth in the message we share.

Have a great week everyone!
Love,
Elder Pickett