Chapter 8: A swarm of bees

...elect souls, and a 70-year old construction worker

May 5, 2025

📅 Weeks in the mission: 11 📸 Photos: Photo Album

📝 Quotes of the week:

• "Still got both my parents!" – Elder Pitcher

• "Everyone wants to be a hero... but only one can be. And that's ME" – Elder Bonham

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Hello friends and family!  Welcome to chapter 8! This week has been great. I have been growing so much and learning vital things that I can see the Lord had in store for me. It hasn't been easy, but it's so fulfilling and good for me. Here are some quick highlights:

🔸 Me and Elder Winter biked through a swarm of hundreds of bees. We were biking along the sidewalk and noticed a bunch of “flies” around a tree up ahead of us. I was in front, and I was like, “Eh, let’s ride through it. No biggie.” I realized they were bees only when I was a few feet in front of the swarm. Stopping would’ve been the worst thing to do, so I braced myself and plowed right through. I could feel that Elder Winter was right behind me and had no idea what was about to happen. But the crazy thing was—neither of us got stung! Totally unscathed. Being protected by angels for real.

🔸 We met a stellar guy named Isaac. He’s 17 years old and has such a strong spirit. He’s watched his friends in high school here make some pretty bad choices, but his conviction to choose the right is so strong. We taught him about the Book of Mormon, and I know it can bring so much light into his life.

🔸 Our friend Manuel, who’s like 70 and takes care of his mom all day, has lately developed a desire to wear a bright orange construction hat 24/7. Every time we bike by and say hi or knock on his door, it’s always on his head. It’s the funniest thing.

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☀️ Spiritual Thought ☀️

I've decided I'm going to read through the entire Bible. I'm starting in the Book of Acts, and I’ve been learning so many things—especially about missionary work.

One verse I read the other day really stood out:

Acts 13:50–51 "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium."

But they shook the dust of their feet. I love that. As a missionary, you get rejected by many every day. If you let it get to you, you’ll become discouraged and unmotivated. But I’ve kept that verse in mind as I’ve been rejected. I pay it no heed and keep going strong—because I know the importance of the message I carry, and I know I’ll find those who are willing to accept the call to the Savior’s gospel.

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I hope you all have a great week!

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A common bike moment

A very delicious and massive burger. I was so hungry.

A sweet picture I found.

Me, and Elder Winter