Birthday week...

May 16, 2011…Hello Family,

Things are going well here in Lake City, Florida. Elder Allen and I had a good week. For the most part it was similar to many other weeks, but that's not a bad thing. There were several days where the Lord really blessed us with some great miracles. We were able to find some great new investigators and have some powerful lessons.

The Wesson Oil cupCakes looked fine before mailing!

However, before we get to that there are some other things I wanted to mention. First, I got the package and want to say THANK YOU!! It was fantastic to get everything. The cupcakes made it, but they weren't in the best of shape. The frosting was melted and they weren't quite as moist as usual. However, they were still delicious. The cookies were as scrumptious as usual...Elder Allen and I gobbled them up in a hurry. It definitely made my day when I got the package. I made crepes too this last week. They were really good. Just butter and sugar on them, but they really hit the spot.

Snickerdoodles-Zach's favorite cookie.

Also, transfer calls come this Saturday night. So next Monday I will let you know if I am staying or going. It's incredible how quickly this transfer has gone by. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was getting here.

Now, back to the week. It went well. As I said the Lord really blessed us. I think one of the things that makes me happiest is going out and working. There is a good feeling when you go out and work hard and smart. Those days are always far better and that's where the real satisfaction comes from. Thursday was one of those days. We worked hard and found some really great new people to teach. It's incredible how we were able to find one person after another. I've noticed that a lot of the people I have found throughout my mission have come from me talking to people outside. Whether they are walking somewhere or just sitting outside those people are more open. They are more willing to talk and listen. Tuesday was a good day. Not because it was my birthday, but because we found another new investigator and had some really great lessons. The best thing is that nobody actually knew it was my birthday. I wanted it that way. I didn't want anything to distract me from my purpose. Elder Allen did make me some...southern banana pudding...there's another name for it, but I'm drawing a blank at the moment. He also sang happy birthday. Also President and Sister Barry called and sang happy birthday. So did the senior couples at the Mission Office. That's about all that happened for my birthday. Like I said though, that's the way I wanted it. On Saturday and Sunday we had great lessons with Paul. He is a new investigator of ours. He is going through some hard times, but has really been making great progress. We mostly talked about prayer and the power of it. He hasn't been very religious his entire life so this is all pretty new to him. He is a really awesome guy. I think one of the best things is that he is totally open and honest. He won't say he's going to do something just because he thinks that is what we want to hear. When he says something he means it. I'm excited to continue working with him. I can see him doing great things. Especially as he puts more trust in the Lord and stays humble. Overall the week was good.


Lately I've been feeling more peace and joy in my life. I have been able to better handle the trials that come my way too. I honestly believe it's because I have been reading the Book of Mormon every morning. I originally was going to read for five minutes each morning, but now I find myself reading for 10-15 minutes. The time goes so quickly and I find myself getting so into it. I'm excited to say that on Saturday I finished reading the Book of Mormon!! I started it a long time ago, but didn't do very well with my reading for a long time. I would study from it each day, but wasn't reading it. As I drew near to the end I would often think about all the things I have learned and felt as I read. I have learned so much from it. There have been so many times when I had questions on my mind when I started to read, and by time I was finished I had found answers within the pages I read. In Moroni 10:3-5 it tells us how we can come to know the Book of Mormon is true. Well, I did what Moroni says and I know it is true. Also in Alma 5:45-46 Alma speaks about how he has fasted and prayed much to know the truths he knows. Much like Alma I have fasted and prayed and now know greater than ever before that the Book of Mormon is true, and I love it. Knowing this has brought great changes to my life. I have come closer to God and Jesus Christ than ever before and feel Their love each and every day. I have a more positive outlook, and understand that I am truly a child of God. I'm especially happy that these things are available to all who seek it out.

Love Always, Zach