Almost 4 months

   We had another solid work week this week.  It is so cool to see this area starting to flourish a little bit. The one thing I really want to focus on throughout my mission is leaving every area better than I found it. Thus far my companions and I have been able to see that, and it is the best.  God does amazing things and I'm so grateful to be able to witness His work first hand.

   This past week we had a mission tour and we were privileged to hear and learn from Elder Sitati, of the quorum of the seventy, and his wife.  They are an amazing couple from Kenya. That meeting was very long, like 9:30 to 4:00, but it was an incredible spiritual experience to be able to shake the hand of and learn from one of the Lord's called special witnesses. 

When in Tennessee...

   Other than that there’s not too much to report on. We were walking back to our apartment on Saturday and this big white van pulls up behind us and two guys get out and come over and try and bash with us! Haha.  After they were done with their rant, Elder Sessions and I looked at each other like, "man, we could really shut these guys up". Haha, but we didn’t. Contention does not bring anything positive.  Instead, I just offered to pray for them as we parted ways. 

Elders Roden and Haynes

   Also, I got to see one of my good friends, Elder Haynes, from the MTC. He is in Blairsville, Georgia right now.  But they were passing through so we met them for about an hour.  It’s always a good time with him.

Haynes and Roden reunited

   It is weird to think that I have been out for almost 4 months. It feels like 4 days still.  I still have so much to learn, which is something that I have realized I struggle with.  It just simply takes me a lot longer to understand scriptures and even the things I teach people. But that learning process is something that I know I can improve and be strong in if I involve the Lord. It’s the same for all of you.  No matter what you might struggle with, or any problems you may have, involve the Lord.  We often feel like we can do it on our own, which may be true, but, man, we have our savior standing with us at all times yearning to help us.  Jesus doesn’t have elbows,  his hands are always outreached.

   Tennessee is sweet, I love it.

Elder Roden