So, just to clear some things up I'm going to go over some of the basics. I'm in Ocala Florida still. It's nice here. It's not a real big town, but now real small either. It's inbetween. It's hot and humid down here. I think it's been in the 90's lately and really humid. We've been playing soccer on p-days with the youth, and by time we're done I'm soaked in sweat. It's really gross, but whatever. I never sweat that bad back home. I'm lucky though. Elder Brandon and I have a car. So we don't have to worry about biking anywhere and being sweaty. We are in two wards. We serve the Ocala 1st Ward and Ocala 2nd Ward. It's a lot of fun, but at the same time a lot of hard work. Sundays are really long. We live in an apartment with two other Elders. They are Elder Day and Elder Blair. Elder Brandon grew up in Murray, but his family now lives in St. George. He goes home in December. Elder Blair is from Grantsville. He has a little less than a year left. Elder Day is from Syracuse. He's been out for about two months. Ocala is the southern most part of the mission. We're about as far from the Mission Home as we could get. I know I've probably said most of this before, but I wanted to clear things up as much as possible. If there are more questions just let me know.
Back to last week. It was pretty good. We didn't have any baptisms, but we were finally able to set another baptism date with Christopher. It's been a slow process. He's going to be getting baptized on August 2nd if everything goes according to plan. We just need his mom to talk to the bishop.
All of our recent converts are doing well. Both wards have shown a lot of support and love for them. Leslie and Katie are also doing really well. They are both really excited for their baptisms on Wednesday. It's going to be a really great time. There should be quite a few people there. I'm really looking forward to it.
I had a couple of pretty cool experiences last week. First is that Katie and Leslie went to youth conference, and after it ended we had dinner and a lesson at a members house with them. They were talking about how much they loved youth conference. Katie even bore her testimony! Then during the lesson they were both talking about how much they want to follow Christ and be happier. It made me really happy to see how far they've come. Then yesterday during 2nd Ward Tommy was able to help bless the Sacrament. I was so happy for him! In the past I've heard people say that those people we baptize should be like our children, and I really felt that way last week. When Katie and Leslie were talking, and when Tommy was helping with the Sacrament I felt so much love for all of them. As weird as it may sound, I feel like in a way they are my children. When they are successful I am filled with joy, and when they have struggles I want to be right there with them helping them. I feel that way for Ethan, Amy, and Sam too. I love all of them so much! We also have been teaching a recent convert named Sean. He's was baptized on May 12th. The day before I got to Ocala. He's changed so much while I've been here. He's gotten so much happier. His life as been turned around. I feel the same way about him too. They're all so wonderful.
That was my week. Trying to figure out member work, and enjoying seeing our recent converts, and investigators, progress. Well, this Saturday we get our transfer calls. So, next Monday I'll be letting you know if I'm staying or going. I guess that's it for now.
Love Always, Zach
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