July 21, 2014

​We had a fun week! We had a few really great lessons with some new investigators that we are really excited about! Elder Smith and I Got to go to the Transfer Meeting, even though neither of us were getting transferred. And when we first walked in, we saw the big man himself, STEVE HOWSE walking down the hall, with Marty Goodman. I was so happy! it was a great reunion, he was there to see who the new missionary in Twin Oaks Valley Ward was going to be. I love Steve, he told me that he had been blessing the sacrament each week, and that he came to church every week and still sat at the same bench we always used to sit at. Just when I thought that it couldn't get any better than that, Kyle Wilson walked in!!! she is my MOM from Twin Oaks Valley, the relief society president herself. IT WAS SUCH A GREAT DAY. I am running out of people to wander into and have spontaneous reunions with though.

We went to Old Town, Temecula and toured around the original buildings and went though gift, antique, and specialty shops that are all right there. It is a really cool place, that has it's own rhythm. There is the Old Town Root Beer Factory, where you can get a hold of any flavor of soda that you can dream of, or any one that you hope does not exist. Sweet Corn, Teriyaki Beef Jerky, Rhubarb Pie, Garlic Bread, etc. There are also good flavors too, but they are funny, like brain wash cola, and my favorite, Lenninaide (also the Soviet Unions favorite). It was nice to bee out and about on Preparation Day, we all enjoyed being able to see the sights a little

Elder English and I got to go on exchanges this week, it was awesome to be with him again, he has grown and learned so much since he as being trained. It made me remember how much people can change if they put in the effort, and have the desire. I know that he is much happier now than he was when he first started his mission. He is a great missionary that is committed to fulfill his purpose.

We have a few people working closer to baptism right now, they have been coming to church with us each week and are learning more about the gospel on their own as well. It is great to be able to help people come closer to the savior and to start to recognize and understand the spirit. Hopefully we will help to complete a few families in the next month or two!

I love you all,

Elder Strong