Tucson--#13

 Hey Everyone!

I have been transferred! I am going to the Picture Rocks ward in the Tucson
West Stake which is actually in Marana, AZ. It is pretty much the farthest
west part of the entire mission. My companion is going to be Elder Wynn
whom I have not yet met because he is coming from Wilcox, AZ. So...yes we
will be "white-washing" the area! I am both excited and nervous. It is
weird leaving my first area even though I was only there for 3 months, I
met some amazing people and was blessed to have multiple baptisms. From
what I have heard, I am going to live in a trailor owned by a member.
Apparently there is a "zoo" in my front yard. There are some desert
tortoises, rattlesnakes, havelinas (wild pig like creatures). It will be
fun! And...we will have a truck! I always look forward to visiting the
Otero family because they are planning something new every single time.
Yvonne who has been a member for 12 years is preparing to go to the temple
in 3 months and Chris is preparing for a year from now. We were finally
able to get Patricia Vespoli to church! It was like pulling teeth but she
came. She mentioned that she was not getting an answer to her prayers. As
we talked we discovered that she was having trouble feeling the spirit.
Mary Bennett, the Relief Society President was at the appointment and
helped encourage her to come to church. We were a little nervous because
Sunday was fast and testimony meeting and those are always toss-ups and who
participates. We promised her that she would feel the Spirit if she came to
church. We prayed that she would be able to feel the spirits and listen to
the meaningful testimonies that would be given. My goodness were our
prayers answered! There were some amazing testimonies and each one I would
say to myself, "I hope Pat is listening because this is really good!" After
Sacrament meeting Sis Bennett told us that Pat enjoyed the meeting and was
crying during the testimonies and asked, "I do not even know why I am
crying" Sis Bennett explained to her that she was feeling the spirit just
like we had promised would happen not even 24 hours later. We met with the
YW president and one of her counselors and discussed how we could help the
youth get involved in missionary work. We decided on showing them the
Mormon Message "Invite All To Come Unto Christ" and just brainstorm ideas
on how to do missionary work. We have been meeting with lots of families in
the ward and explaining to them that missionary work does not start or end
with baptism. They do not need to shove the gospel down people's throats.
All they have to do is invite. We read part of Lehi's dream with them and
explain that Lehi's family did not come to the tree of life until AFTER
Lehi invited them to come. I am looking forward to what is in store for me
and Elder Wynn this next transfer! There will be a "white Christmas" in the
Picture Rocks ward.

Elder Urry
Livestrong