Week 52- Another Grande Week!

Lights, camera, action... 

And we're live, coming atcha from beautiful Ontario, Oregon! In recent news, Elder Doyle had a fantastic week traveling all over Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon. And here he is now, ready to tell you all about it..

Last week we spent pday (Monday) in the mountains of McCall, and it was a blast! We started hiking in the state park, and by the time it ended, we had been soaked with rain, pelted with hail, and even had some snow flurries. It was super nice after the weeks and weeks of hundred degree weather we'd been having. On Thursday, we had interviews with President Sorensen in Ontario. It's always nice to sit down and talk with him. When they were done, he and his wife drove Elder Washburn and I up to Baker City to meet up with the La Grande District. Since a few of us hit our year mark that day, we decided to do the half gallon milkshake challenge (my 2nd time). In the words of President Sorensen when asked to do the milkshake challenge for a second time, "I only do stupid things once." He wasn't overly impressed by me doing it again.

We drove up to La Grande and spent Thursday evening to Saturday morning there. It was a ton of fun and that area is gorgeous! It was also nice to spend time with some missionaries that we don't get to see very often.

During the few days we got to spend in Weiser this week, we saw some amazing things happen. Corina accepted the invitation to be baptized, and the Thompson and Guzman families came to church! I feel so blessed to be here. Life is good.

One thing that we discussed in our District Councils this week was the importance of effective study, and I've been thinking about that throughout the week. As missionaries, we have a couple hours each day to study the scriptures personally and as a companionship. I don't think it's solely for the purpose of gaining information. What I think is one of the biggest reasons for why we study is so we can gain an abundance of the Spirit. That Spirit can testify when we speak, make complicated topics be easily understood, and touch even the hardest of hearts. That's the only way that uneducated, immature, and inexperienced young people can do the work of God.

Love ya,

Elder Doyle