Soren in Idaho: A Morning With Elder Bendar and an Evening with a Set of Twins

ALOOOHHHAAAA

What an amazing week! We had so many wonderful experiences this week. An Apostle spoke with our whole mission, Baptisms, new area, new callings, dang so much in a short 5 days! I am so excited for this transfer!

My new area is awesome I really like it. Elder Edwards is my new companion he's pretty cool! We live up on a hill with a sweet view and the area is really nice. We live in an apartment complex, though I miss grandma's house... But its sweet. I'm stoked for the hills, we walk up hills and down hills all day, hopefully I loose weight hahaha yeah right... The people i've met so far are awesome. I'm excited to learn more about the area and i'm ready to work!

Elder Bednar

Saturday morning our whole mission met in Pocatello for a 3 hour meeting with Elder Bednar. It was one of the most amazing meetings I have ever been in. The meeting started at 8 and we were all there so excited I made sure I got a good seat up in the front :D Elder Clayton of the 70 was there as his companion as well as Elder Webb. They spoke first including Elder Bednar's wife. Their talks were very inspiring and powerful. After they finished, the Apostle himself spoke to us. We all had our note pads and scriptures out and one of the first things he said was "do not take notes...listen and feel, let the spirit teach you" so we all just paid attention. He was pretty funny too! the first 10 minutes he was making jokes, it was sweet to see that even leaders of the Church are fun family men that enjoy their life in service of the Lord. I was expecting something like general conference where we would sit there and listen to his council. Nope he asked us questions and we answered. Then we asked him questions too! It was a discussion with 264 missionaries. He talked about missionary work and learning by the spirit. He talked about temples and families. He talked a lot about personal conversion. That was one of his main topics. There were so many points that he brought up that answered questions i've had in my heart for a while. It was such an amazing experience. The Spirit was so strong. He taught us how to use the spirit in our teachings. He made us realize the patterns that are all around us and the patterns of teaching. He gave us the opportunity to ask any question we had for an apostle if we never had another chance. There were so many awesome questions and insights. He had his wife and companions come up several times to tag team teach and answer our questions. it was so awesome. His testimony at the end was one of divine witness, that this is the true Church of our Savior Jesus Christ.

After the meeting he exited quickly through the side door and we all got up to get our lunches and bags. My companion and I were in the hall-way just chillin away from everyone else and I set my bag down next to the wall and I turned and looked up and right there was his wife walking past so my reaction was to shake her hand, and then HIS followed. I SHOOK HIS HAND.... I was so excited because no one got to shake his hand other than those on the stand because he left right away. But I got that opportunity to. I was happy. It's crazy how one could get so excited from just a handshake.

I wish I could express and tell you everything that was said. My whole soul was filled with the spirit and I learned so much by this apostolic discussion. I know that he is called of God to lead us in these latter days. I know that his special witness is one of authority and power. He is such an amazing man. He told us that the reason he asked us questions was to help us receive personal and individual revelation from the Holy Ghost. I have received my personal and individual revelation on how I will live my life, for the rest of my life.

I have received my answers to how I can become more converted unto the Lord and the desires of my heart, the things I yearn for in this life may be fulfilled as I continue to serve the Lord with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength.

The Twins Baptism

Later that evening I had the wonderful opportunity to preform the baptism of The Edwards twins. It was a privilege to perform this sacred ordinance for these 2 siblings. It was such a great experience and the room was full of people and the spirit. The families and the ward were so helpful with being there for support. I am so happy for their family. They have had a rough past couple months but I know that their mom was so happy and I am glad that they have this wonderful gospel to bring joy and everlasting happiness to their life.

With only working with the Edwards family for a short month I have come to love their family. Sister Edwards is the best. She is hilarious, crazy fun. She had us over last Monday for dinner with the Barela family and it was soo fun. I am so happy to have one big Ohana here in Idaho. They are so loving and take care of us like we're their own.

Like I said I wish I could express all the wonderful feelings and show you these miracles that have overwhelmed me with joy this week. But the only thing I could suggest is to go on a mission and you will feel this way as well. I love my mission. I Love my Heavenly Father. I love my Savior and His Gospel. I am blessed that I have this happiness in my life.

Wouldn't Trade My Mission for the World.

Elder Soren