Covered in snow in the small town of Coaldale

So world, I was going to start out this email by saying how great the weather has been this week. But then I woke up this morning. We are getting drilled with snow! In fact, the mission has told us we can't even drive our cars right now. So that's fun.

So, I forgot to charge my camera this week so I am lacking pictures (sorry mom), but it is charging right now, so next week for sure! But picture a couple of boxes with a big white blanket over them and waa-laa! Coaldale! Everything is covered in snow right now, which is fun! Makes for a good adventure!

This week we taught a lot of less actives. It was actually really good! We are seeing some hearts change and their desires increase, which is so great to see! We are hoping to see them start coming back to church on a regular basis.

So, we were with a less active this week and it was time to share the message. As I pulled out my scriptures I had no idea what to share, so I said a quick prayer in my heart. I felt that I needed to turn to 3 Nephi 11:3, and I doubted it a bit, not knowing how that would relate to him at all, but I read it anyways. It was definitely the right scripture. He was able to relate to the scripture and told us some of his experiences. So, moral of the story, the Spirit knows better than we do, so follow it! ( 3 Nephi Chapter 11 verse 3 can be found here https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11)

So, first district meeting for me this week! It was good. I felt like I was back at the MTC (missionary training center) again because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing!! Haha! So, the Lord put me in a place where I would have to rely on Him. So, its going to be an adventure!

Elder Haskell and I are working our rear ends off! Its been pretty fun actually. I've been reading in Alma about some of the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon. The key is to work with faith and diligence, knowing that all will work out if you are willing to put your shoulder to the wheel and follow the Lord. So maybe we'll get to cut off a few Lamanite arms and convert the king this week.. :)  (you can read that story  in the Book of Mormon here. Ammon was a humble servant of the Lord and was a very amazing issionary! http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/17?lang=eng)

Well, the church is true. Living the gospel brings happiness to our lives. Heavenly Father is there for us, even though sometimes we do not see it. He knows us each personally. He loves us. He has restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith so one day we could all return to live again with Him. I know this is true.

Hope you all enjoy your Christmas season!

Love,

Elder Call

{and here are the questions he answered from me}

Tell Jen Cloward I will take her advice! We see lots of Menninites and Hutterites. Anywho, questions:

How are things going with Elder Haskell? 

He is a hard worker for sure! He said he wants to do a lot of work! It is so awesome. He is ready and willing to work!

How is the town of Coaldale doing? Is that mainly where you do your missionary work?

Smaaaaall. Yes, it is our main area.

How was your week as a missionary? Were you able to teach anyone?

Not teaching any investigators yet. We are working with a lot of less actives and seeing some changes in them, which is great.

How many elders / sisters are in your District?

2 sisters, 2 elders, then me and my comp. Pretty small, but its fun!

How often do you have to cook your meals? Does the ward feed you dinners?? 

Our ward feeds us every night. It is awesome!!  {yay!! We love to have the missionaries over for dinner! If you're reading this, you should invite the missionaries over from your area! They are amazing!

Do you need / want any more recipes?? I could find some easy, yummy ones to send your way!!

Doing good so far. I am just having pb and j and perogies for lunch :)

Does Coaldale have everything you need - grocery store, etc?? Or do you have to go into another town? If so, which one?

Small grocery store and a post office, along with some other small local stores.

Your jacket!!!!! Have you worn it yet???? 

Yea I wore it a lot in Calgary and today is my first day wearing it here.

What cold weather items do you need to still purchase? Gloves? Scarf?

Nothing! I think I have everything I need :)

Ok, so sorry to be rushed. I only have an hour today because we have to go to the Coaldale library for emails. We have been told not to drive our cars today because of the snow. Bummer! But thats ok. We just keep moving forward! But thank you for your ideas! We've been thinking a lot about what we can do to get our ward involved and to get missionary work moving here, so thank you! I hope you had a great thanksgiving! Sounds like a blast! I love you so much!! Thank you for being such a great mom. I couldn't have asked for a better one!

Love,
Elder Call