First Update from the Field!

Elder Urry arrived in Tuscon yesterday (9/10) and we got an email from him today!  What a fun surprise.

 I have finally arrived in Tucson!! Yesterday was a long day. First thing that happened after I landed was go to the Mormon Battalion monument in Tucson. That was pretty cool and Sister Killpack immediately gave me a Book of Mormon. I was so scared, I thought I was going to have to hand it out right then but there is a mission wide policy of always having a Book of Mormon on you at all times. Such a great policy! You never know when you are going to come in contact with someone and give it to them. As President Killpack was explaining to us the similarities between the Mormon Battalion and we as missionaries, the AP's went contacting people who were in the park. President Killpack mentioned that just like the Mormon Battalion, we as missionaries have been asked to leave family, our belongings and friends in order to answer the call of a Prophet of God. I am serving in Tucson, I cannot remember the ward I am in but it is the same ward as a kid that I went to EFY with in Provo. For lunch we went to Cici's pizza which was amazing! I could stay there and eat pizza all day long it was that good.

As I was in the car with President Killpack driving around, I mentioned that I was bummed out about not being able to hear an Apostle speak at the MTC. I so wanted to hear an Apostle speak, I prayed that I would be able to but unfortunately it did not happened. He shared to me that this Friday, Elder M. Russell Ballard is visiting the mission and he is going to talk to the entire mission before he heads to a leadership conference. I am going crazy in anticipation of Friday! God answers your prayers. It might not be in the way that we want be He will ALWAYS answer your prayer. Last week there were
27 baptisms mission wide! The field is white and totally ready to harvest! :) The mission just ended a 40 day fast where a different district would fast each day that they would find more families to teach. When I met my companion he said that there are currently three investigators that have baptismal dates! One for the end of this month and the other two are the beginning of October. I am looking forward to seeing the Lord's work progress in the up and coming weeks and months in my area.
Tonight I eat at a member's house and then go two my first appointments. Oh my goodness I am so nervous for those and I have no clue what to say. I know that the Lord will place in my mouth the very words that need to be spoken. All i need to do is open my mouth. Last night, President Killpack had us go outside when it was dark and meditate and ponder about what we are to do for the next two years. It was a pretty cool experience. I prayed and told the Lord that the ball is in his court. I am out serving a mission for Him and I am studying His Gospel. I need Him to pick me up and teach by the Spirit so my investigators can feel true conversion. When I got back inside I opened up my Book of Mormon to a random chapter and verse. I opened up to the last verse in Alma 34. It pretty much says to be patient in your afflictions and eventually you will not have those afflictions. That is the first time that I have ever opened up my scriptures to a random verse and I knew 100% with out a doubt that God wanted me to read that verse. I know that I am going to have some tough companions these next two years but as I learn to be patient, the Lord willpick up the slack. I am so grateful to be able to make it out to Tucson.  Finally my life long dream is being fulfilled right in front of my eyes.

My P-days are normally on Mondays except on transfer week when they are on Tuesdays. I will let you know next week how the experience with Elder Ballard, an Apostle and witness of Jesus Christ is. Sunday night all missionaries from the stake got together to take pictures since I was leaving. It was good to see Elder Farrow, Elder Carter, Elder Chapman, and Elder Stephens and be able to talk with them and take pictures. I do not hink that the world knows what is coming at them as we all enter to the field and talk about God and His plan for each one of His children. Keep it real.

P.S. Sister Killpack makes the best food! (other than mimi and mom)
Love,
Elder Urry
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