Moving On!

The District

This week was good. We worked a lot doing service, so that was great! There is a couple that is moving out; they have a big house and they're going into a little one. They're both older and have health issues. So we went a couple days this week and spent time pulling boxes out, going through them, and then helping them throw stuff away. Honestly, we probably spent half the time just watching them argue. Ha-ha! Not like mean argue, but the old, cute argue where he is just playing dumb and she is about ready to beat the stupid out of him! We laughed and told Brother Taylor that its a good thing his wife doesn't curse or he would really get an earfull! It was good just to be with people.

We also had a specialized training with President Gerber. Right afterwards, we went and had dinner with Vicky. She is so great! Too bad she isn't Mormon, yet! She could use the peace that we have. She has part of it, but we could double it, if not triple it!

Brother Gleason, one of my favorites!

So I'm getting transferred! I'm excited but sad. It's so weird. I wanted to leave but I love the people here and it's hard to leave them. Elder Dev said he would take care of them for me though. That's a plus!

Yesterday I went to say good-bye to Sister Cole, the Relief Society President. She said after we had talked last week, she knew I would be transferred. She seemed disappointed. She told me to stop moping and get it in gear! Ha-ha! She is really great! I'm pumped to see where I go next. Hopefully I get a good companion. I feel like I did what I needed to here. The ward is doing so much better. They are working on a mission plan and doing splits. I honestly think it's because of all of the prayers of  us missionaries that has helped it along. It's so good to see!

I'm going on another adventure! Wish me luck!!

Love,
    Cooper

The Henderson Family

FBI Elders

This last week was dull but full of laughter as we tried to focus on our finding! That pretty much sums it all up...in a pretty little sentence! We really didn't have a lot to do but the weather was great! We had a week in the 70's and one day in the low 80's. It was so nice get the chill out of our bones. We even had to crack out the short sleeve shirts again! With fall being here, we helped a couple rake their leaves. We got to use a leaf blower--that is the first time I have used a leaf blower to actually clean up leaves! ha-ha Chicken coop clean up is nasty! Leaves were a lot better! The couple was so grateful! It's amazing to me that such little acts mean so much to people.

We also go to meet with Micheal. We are going to have to drop him--if we can see him again. We have been trying to help him stop smoking but the desire and determination just don't seem to be there. We were over and there was a pack of cigarettes sitting out. I had already walked off with one of his lighters previously so I thought "what the heck!" Elder Dev covered me and I walked out with a carton of smokes. Well, we got in the car and I realized we had walked out with a little more than cigarettes! Thanks to Elder Oviatt, I have a nose for weed and our car stunk of it! We had just walked out with his weed! We flushed it down the toilet to the hell hole where it belonged! We feel like FBI agents!  ha-ha We called Michael's mom trying to get a hold of him after he stood us up. She said that she wants him back in prison and that he has been lying to us. She talked with us for like 30 minutes about it. So if we can, we will drop him in person. If not, we will just not see him again. That was the most exciting part of the whole week!

Sunday was the primary program. I loved it! The spirit was so strong and they sang some of my favorite songs!

Sorry I didn't email yesterday. We had been asked to help a member move his daughter and put it all in a storage unit. We did our laundry during studies, well as we did studies. Then we drove to the church at 10:15. We got home at 5:30. P-day ends at 6. So we are taking p-day today! It was good to work. I just wish that they were more organized. We fit an entire house into a 10 by 10 storage unit! Mormon Movers! ha-ha We could make a lot of money out here but at home we have too many members!

Elder Dev is awesome! He is always laughing--like non-stop sometimes. I laugh just watching him laugh! He is a godsend! We aren't to sure what will happen this weekend with transfers. Dev feels like he is moving on. I kind of want to leave. We were talking to Sister Cole about it. I said that I kind of wanted to leave and dang! She rebuked me! I said something about new missionaries getting in here that have more faith something like that she called me out! "You're giving up, aren't you?" I was like, "no." She looked me right in the eye and said, "You are! You snap out of this right now! Satan is doing the happy dance and God should be!" So I am torn. Whether I stay or not, it's in God's hand.  I think Elder Dev might leave though. Transfers are this Saturday. We'll find out then and be able to tell you next week what is happening!

Love you!
   Cooper

Enjoying a Change

So some big changes happened this week. Last Monday we got a call from President Gerber and he said to have Elder Thomas pack his bags--he would be moving. He's in  North Shores right now with Elder Hyrum Stonehocker (he went to school with me) and one other elder!

My new companion is Elder Dev he's from California but was born and raised in New Zealand. He is so great! He loves to laugh, which is great! They say that laughter is the best medicine and I needed it! I was sick of knocking doors (I still am) but the good thing is that we have a lot to laugh about! We met this old guy named Bob this past week. He is old and crotchety! He came out and started telling us how Santa has better game than God. Santa brings presents and God gives people cancer and kicks the crap out of them. I was getting frustrated at him. The geezer just wouldn't listen! Then I looked at Elder Dev. He was just laughing! ha-ha There went all the frustration.

Bob told us that he has told all of his bowling buddies that if he falls over just to keep him alive long enough to give his organs to some one that God screwed. He's going to get a surprise when he gets to the other side, that's for sure!

We also saw Micheal. He's doing good. He said that he hasn't done meth since we last saw him but he's picked smoking back up. We asked him why he wanted to be baptized--he already had been baptized (looking for his interest level). He said, "Well, I've been told that the Church of Jesus Christ is the only church that has the authority to baptize and it will bring me closer to God." So he gets it! It's just going to be his level of desire that will hold him back. Other than that, it was a slow week.

We are rebuilding and trying to be more effective because knocking doors doesn't cut it. Wish us luck!

Love,
    Cooper