Elder Jared Greenburg: Transfer 2, week 1

Transfer week is super crazy. I am still in Paola with Elder Dastrup. We lost one of our Zone Leaders, and our District Leader. Even though it didn't really impact me directly it still sucks to adjust to their way of doing things. It's definitely inspired though. I have learned a lot already from the new guys. We had a really cool week though, we were able to teach our investigator Paul. We are trying to help him quit smoking, it has really tested my patience, but I have been able to see it his way. He is doing really well, he had set his own goal to be Baptized on the 7th of March, but he couldn't come to churchSunday because his friend tried to end his own life, so we will have to push it back until the 14th, No big deal it just helps become more solid.

Osawatomie is literally the worst place in the U.S. no joke (Americas Top Meth Sales), I have never seen so many drug dealers and crazy people in my life. We helped someone move from Osa the other day, they weren't members, just neighbors of a member. I couldn't believe how run down that house was, I could hardly be inside without wanting to toss my cookies. But, the people really appreciated our help, and we were able to get them our number and a Mormon.org card. Hopefully they call us. I never realized how humble the circumstances are of some people. I really just want to give them a big hug, and tell them it's okay. Which is weird because I wasn't a fan of the whole lovey dovey garbage before I left. The Lord has taught me how to love people. Elder Greenburg learned a valuable lesson so far.

I have enjoyed being able to lead in the lessons this week, and I am excited to continue throughout this transfer. My door approaches are getting a lot better. The other day in companionship study, we took each point and really tore it apart, and then came up with a good way to teach them simply. It has helped me be more confident when teaching others. When I am challenged by someone who has a lot of questions on a subject, I make it my personal goal to study and get as much knowledge as I can on the subject. It has really helped me grow in my knowledge.

When we were tracting the other day in Paola we came to this guys door and he said he has met with missionaries before. But was offended at the fact that we believed that there was an apostasy, and that we believed that Joseph Smith could hold up Christ's church better than Christ himself. Obviously that was completely false doctrine that he heard, (probably anti garbage) anyway, we were able to clear up the confusion as we told him the bible verses and other evidence that we have (Amos 8:11, 2 Nephi 13). He was very interested that we had bible verses to back it up. We were able to give him a Book of Mormon, and invited him to read and pray about it. We also gave him the link to a documentary called "A new day for the Book of Mormon" he was a crazy history fanatic and we thought he would really like that video. Hopefully he reads and prays, It would be sweet to start teaching him again.

It has been crazy cold out here lately. I can feel it straight to the bone! Nothing I put on my body blocks it out. It just cuts straight through. I can't wait for Tornado season though! I am stoked! I guess Paola hasn't seen a Tornado for 3 years now. So, it's possible we will see one. Not even sad about that! I didn't know that the sky turns green! That's flippin sweet!

Anyway! This week has been great, I have learned a lot on my mission thus far. It kinda scares me to think that i'm an adult living on my own. Yes, the kid that once lit his butt on fire, and has done many other extremely stupid things, is living on his own. If that doesn't scare you, nothing will.

Take care, Keep the Faith, Remember who you are, Love ya'll