Gooooooooooooood Morning San Diego!
This last week has been way good! Last Sunday when we taught Elay and his
family we forgot to set a baptismal date with them. We met with them again
on Wednesday and were adamant on setting a baptismal date with them. We
reviewed the Restoration, taught Elay about the Priesthood and watched *The
Restoration*. Afterwards I was left to extend the baptismal dates. I
started with Elay and committed him to be baptized. He accepted rather
hesitantly because he did not understand the Priesthood and why he would
need to be baptized again. I then asked 3 of the kids that were present and
they all accepted. They are set to be baptized on February 9th!!!!! Funny
thing happened though....while I was extended the commitments to the
children I got two of their names mixed up and said one name but was
looking at another. Apparently it looked like I was staring into her
soul....Elder Wynn was on the ball though and understood what was happening
haha picked up where I left off. Because of Elay's job he usually is not
able to come to church. We were only expecting to see the kids at church
but lo and behold he came!!! Although he has been to church the necessary
amount of times now (3), President Killpack would like to see him at church
at least one more time before he gets baptized because his church
attendance has been sporadic. I am praying real hard this week
that something will happen whether a change in work schedule or I don't know
what else that will allow Elay to come to church. It would be so great to
see he and his 4 kids get baptized on the same day! I am really starting to
enjoy going out every day to do missionary work! On P-Day we played
football, soccer, ultimate frisbee and basketball. I cannot remember if I
mentioned this last week but we have been challenged to give 20 lessons
every week. Whether it be investigators, less actives, recent converts, or
fully active members. I see this as a way to help better and fine tune my
teaching. It has been a wonderful experience talking about the Atonement
with people. The Atonement is such a special gift that our loving Heavenly
Father has given us and I have seen the infinite blessings that have come
from applying the infinite atonement in my life. We are going to start
teaching Elay separate from his children so we can more better address
their individual concerns. I love missionary work! I was so excited to hear
about the stake temple project that is going on. Words cannot express the
multiple experiences that I have done in family history work and taking
those names to the temple and allowing my ancestors the opportunity to be
spiritually freed and progress eternally.
Well...in the words of *The Best Two Years*...
Tot ziens
Love,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
John 3:3-5
Family:
So much to write about! I have found my groove in missionary work. I have
gotten more comfortable and able to act like myself and I am seeing how fun
missionary work actually is! This update is going to be on the more funny
side. I just have to tell you some funny stories. We went to give a old
lady a blessing because she was feeling sick. We did and thought nothing of
it. She called us the next morning and said, "Elders, I have a miracle for
you! Thanks to your blessing I was able to put my dentures in and I did not
gag on the denture cream!" After we got off the phone we could not stop
laughing. The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways. Before sports we did
our shopping at Wal-mart. I did not really have to buy anything until we
went down the sporting goods isle. I saw bicep bands and eye black. I could
not resist. I looked like an NFL player with those bicep bands on and Bryce
Harper with smeared eyeblack down my face. Elder Wynn and I were on the
same team and I was chosen to be the play caller. I went all Peyton Manning
and did all these weird names and hand signals. Elder Wynn told me that the
best play I called was, "Double pit to chesty! Double pit to chesty!" while
tapping my head with both hands. These last couple Pdays have really
allowed me to really de-stress and get much needed exercise since I am in a
truck every day. A week has only gone by this transfer but this is by far
the most unified district I have been in on my mission. We all get to
together real well and now I know why the constantly encourage activities
that will help unify a district. It makes us want to go out and work even
harder not to necessarily get high numbers but to not let the rest of the
district down. I feel that missionary work is really starting to turn for
the better in the Picture Rocks ward. Hopefully, more members will get
involved once Elay and his kids are baptized.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Tucson--#19
Gooooooooooooood Morning San Diego!
This last week has been way good! Last Sunday when we taught Elay and his
family we forgot to set a baptismal date with them. We met with them again
on Wednesday and were adamant on setting a baptismal date with them. We
reviewed the Restoration, taught Elay about the Priesthood and watched *The
Restoration*. Afterwards I was left to extend the baptismal dates. I
started with Elay and committed him to be baptized. He accepted rather
hesitantly because he did not understand the Priesthood and why he would
need to be baptized again. I then asked 3 of the kids that were present and
they all accepted. They are set to be baptized on February 9th!!!!! Funny
thing happened though....while I was extended the commitments to the
children I got two of their names mixed up and said one name but was
looking at another. Apparently it looked like I was staring into her
soul....Elder Wynn was on the ball though and understood what was happening
haha picked up where I left off. Because of Elay's job he usually is not
able to come to church. We were only expecting to see the kids at church
but lo and behold he came!!! Although he has been to church the necessary
amount of times now (3), President Killpack would like to see him at church
at least one more time before he gets baptized because his church
attendance has been sporatic. I am praying real hard this week
that something will happen whether a change in work schedule or I dont know
what else that will allow Elay to come to church. It would be so great to
see he and his 4 kids get baptized on the same day! I am really starting to
enjoy going out every day to do missionary work! On P-Day we played
football, soccer, ultimate frisbee and basketball. I cannot remember if I
mentioned this last week but we have been challenged to give 20 lessons
every week. Whether it be investigators, less actives, recent converts, or
fully active members. I see this as a way to help better and fine tune my
teaching. It has been a wonderful experience talking about the Atonement
with people. The Atonement is such a special gift that our loving Heavenly
Father has given us and I have seen the infinite blessings that have come
from applying the infinite atonement in my life. We are going to start
teaching Elay separate from his children so we can more better address
their individual concerns. I love missionary work! I was so excited to hear
about the stake temple project that is going on. Words cannot express the
multiple experiences that I have done in family history work and taking
those names to the temple and allowing my ancestors the opportunity to be
spiritually freed and progress eternally.
Well...in the words of *The Best Two Years*...
Tot ziens
Love,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
John 3:3-5
Family:
So much to write about! I have found my groove in missionary work. I have
gotten more comfortable and able to act like myself and I am seeing how fun
missionary work actually is! This update is going to be on the more funny
side. I just have to tell you some funny stories. We went to give a old
lady a blessing because she was feeling sick. We did and thought nothing of
it. She called us the next morning and said, "Elders, I have a miracle for
you! Thanks to your blessing I was able to put my dentures in and I did not
gag on the denture cream!" After we got off the phone we could not stop
laughing. The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways. Before sports we did
our shopping at wal mart. I did not really have to buy anything until we
went down the sporting goods isle. I saw bicep bands and eye black. I could
not resist. I looked like an NFL player with those bicep bands on and Bryce
Harper with smeared eyeblack down my face. Elder Wynn and I were on the
same team and I was chosen to be the play caller. I went all Peyton Manning
and did all these weird names and hand signals. Elder Wynn told me that the
best play I called was, "Double pit to chesty! Double pit to chesty!" while
tapping my head with both hands. These last couple Pdays have really
allowed me to really destress and get much needed exercise since I am in a
truck every day. A week has only gone by this transfer but this is by far
the most unified district I have been in on my mission. We all get to
together real well and now I know why the constantly encourage activities
that will help unify a district. It makes us want to go out and work even
harder not to necessarily get high numbers but to not let the rest of the
district down. I feel that missionary work is really starting to turn for
the better in the Picture Rocks ward. Hopefully, more members will get
involved once Elay and his kids are baptized.
This last week has been way good! Last Sunday when we taught Elay and his
family we forgot to set a baptismal date with them. We met with them again
on Wednesday and were adamant on setting a baptismal date with them. We
reviewed the Restoration, taught Elay about the Priesthood and watched *The
Restoration*. Afterwards I was left to extend the baptismal dates. I
started with Elay and committed him to be baptized. He accepted rather
hesitantly because he did not understand the Priesthood and why he would
need to be baptized again. I then asked 3 of the kids that were present and
they all accepted. They are set to be baptized on February 9th!!!!! Funny
thing happened though....while I was extended the commitments to the
children I got two of their names mixed up and said one name but was
looking at another. Apparently it looked like I was staring into her
soul....Elder Wynn was on the ball though and understood what was happening
haha picked up where I left off. Because of Elay's job he usually is not
able to come to church. We were only expecting to see the kids at church
but lo and behold he came!!! Although he has been to church the necessary
amount of times now (3), President Killpack would like to see him at church
at least one more time before he gets baptized because his church
attendance has been sporatic. I am praying real hard this week
that something will happen whether a change in work schedule or I dont know
what else that will allow Elay to come to church. It would be so great to
see he and his 4 kids get baptized on the same day! I am really starting to
enjoy going out every day to do missionary work! On P-Day we played
football, soccer, ultimate frisbee and basketball. I cannot remember if I
mentioned this last week but we have been challenged to give 20 lessons
every week. Whether it be investigators, less actives, recent converts, or
fully active members. I see this as a way to help better and fine tune my
teaching. It has been a wonderful experience talking about the Atonement
with people. The Atonement is such a special gift that our loving Heavenly
Father has given us and I have seen the infinite blessings that have come
from applying the infinite atonement in my life. We are going to start
teaching Elay separate from his children so we can more better address
their individual concerns. I love missionary work! I was so excited to hear
about the stake temple project that is going on. Words cannot express the
multiple experiences that I have done in family history work and taking
those names to the temple and allowing my ancestors the opportunity to be
spiritually freed and progress eternally.
Well...in the words of *The Best Two Years*...
Tot ziens
Love,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
John 3:3-5
Family:
So much to write about! I have found my groove in missionary work. I have
gotten more comfortable and able to act like myself and I am seeing how fun
missionary work actually is! This update is going to be on the more funny
side. I just have to tell you some funny stories. We went to give a old
lady a blessing because she was feeling sick. We did and thought nothing of
it. She called us the next morning and said, "Elders, I have a miracle for
you! Thanks to your blessing I was able to put my dentures in and I did not
gag on the denture cream!" After we got off the phone we could not stop
laughing. The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways. Before sports we did
our shopping at wal mart. I did not really have to buy anything until we
went down the sporting goods isle. I saw bicep bands and eye black. I could
not resist. I looked like an NFL player with those bicep bands on and Bryce
Harper with smeared eyeblack down my face. Elder Wynn and I were on the
same team and I was chosen to be the play caller. I went all Peyton Manning
and did all these weird names and hand signals. Elder Wynn told me that the
best play I called was, "Double pit to chesty! Double pit to chesty!" while
tapping my head with both hands. These last couple Pdays have really
allowed me to really destress and get much needed exercise since I am in a
truck every day. A week has only gone by this transfer but this is by far
the most unified district I have been in on my mission. We all get to
together real well and now I know why the constantly encourage activities
that will help unify a district. It makes us want to go out and work even
harder not to necessarily get high numbers but to not let the rest of the
district down. I feel that missionary work is really starting to turn for
the better in the Picture Rocks ward. Hopefully, more members will get
involved once Elay and his kids are baptized.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Tucson--#18
Hey everyone!
I will be staying in the Picture Rocks ward for another 5 weeks. So you can
start sending mail back to my Anthony Dr. address. Yep..I said 5 weeks and
not 6 weeks. This transfer is going to be only 5 weeks because of the
shortened MTC time. The last couple days have been funny and weird.
Transfer calls were Sunday night. The other area in our district got
"pink-washed" (replaced with sisters). So we were expecting a call because
we thought either one of us was going to be the new district leader or one
of us was going to get transferred and a district leader would be brought
into the area. We didn't get a call. We woke up in the morning and said,
"That's weird. I wonder if they forgot to call us." We called the Zone
leaders and asked what was going on. They said, "one of the sisters is your
new district leader. President is trying a new idea before the influx of
missionaries start coming in. Please support him in this decision." We were
a little confused because neither of us had heard of that happening. Later
on yesterday we found out the truth. The zone leaders were yanking our
chains and actually President's new idea is to have them be zone leaders
AND our district leader's. Weird, eh? We have started to teach Elay Edris
and his 4 children. It is a part member family that we have been trying to
schedule appointments for awhile now. Elay is amazing! He is a refugee from
Sudan. Yes, the Sudan that is in Africa. He was telling us stories of him
going on hunts with his tribe. They would go and hunt gazelles,
wildebeests, etc. The tribe would surround the animals in large circle and
trap them in. Apparently they do not kill lions, they leave them alone.
Sometimes when walking back to his tribal camp there would be lions in the
middle of the road. I asked about cheetahs and if they were really as fast
as we have all been taught from our childhood. He said YES and they run
away the very moment that they see a human. The four children are ready for
baptism. Elay is going to take a little bit of time. Elay's mother-in-law
told us that he watched general conference with his wife, Rachael and he
was excited about the announcement of the Tucson Temple. He doesn't even
know what a temple is but he was still excited. He told Rachael, "Can I go
to the temple?" Rachael replied "Sure, I will take you to the open house."
Elay then said, "No. Can I GO there?" Rachael told him "First you have to
be baptized and a member of the church in order to go." Elay's final reply
was, "I want to take you there." Elay has been prepared to hear the Gospel.
Next transfer, the incoming missionaries are going to go from about 13 to a
little over 30 missionaries! The field is white!
Love,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
John 14:26-27
Family:
Real cool story. We were meeting with a recent convert and she asked us to
give her a blessing for her back. She asked me to seal the anointing and
give the blessing. During the blessing I had the impression to say
something like this, "You will be instrumental in bringing many people into
the church." I brushed the impression of at first because I thought that
was too direct and was afraid to make such a direct promise. The impression
came again so I said it. It is the first time that I have felt like I was
acting as the mouthpiece of God while giving a blessing and I know that it
will come to pass. Bryant would be happy to hear these two stories. Last
week while we were role-playing at Zone Meeting I was partnered up with a
spanish missionary. She was a greenie and asked if she could speak in
Spanish. I agreed and we carried on. I did not understand it all but I got
the point that she was getting across. Saturday we were out tracting and a
family drove up next to us and said, "Hey! You guys are missionaries
right?" we replied in the affirmative and then they asked where the nearest
church was. They had researched where the nearest buildings were but wanted
to make sure. They then asked if there was a spanish ward that they could
go to. We again replied in the affirmative but not knowing the time they
have church we got their phone number and would call and let them know when
we found out. I called the spanish sisters and had to leave a message. I
left it in spanish telling them we had a referral for them. They called
back and both complimented me on how good my spanish was. Hermano mayor,
hablo espanol muy bien. jajaja. Thanks again for "The Inevitable Apostasy"!
I have started to read it and it is an amazing book. It is going to come in
handy real soon. Because we were told that Elay knows the Bible very well
and will understand a lot better because he is about a 6th grader in
english if we explain the need for the priesthood, prophets and the
apostasy using the Bible. I am so happy to be staying in Picture Rocks for
another 5 weeks! I was tempted to (but didnt) pay $10 to get Yoda's voice
on my G.P.S. just so I could hear him say, "Take you to your destination I will".
>
I will be staying in the Picture Rocks ward for another 5 weeks. So you can
start sending mail back to my Anthony Dr. address. Yep..I said 5 weeks and
not 6 weeks. This transfer is going to be only 5 weeks because of the
shortened MTC time. The last couple days have been funny and weird.
Transfer calls were Sunday night. The other area in our district got
"pink-washed" (replaced with sisters). So we were expecting a call because
we thought either one of us was going to be the new district leader or one
of us was going to get transferred and a district leader would be brought
into the area. We didn't get a call. We woke up in the morning and said,
"That's weird. I wonder if they forgot to call us." We called the Zone
leaders and asked what was going on. They said, "one of the sisters is your
new district leader. President is trying a new idea before the influx of
missionaries start coming in. Please support him in this decision." We were
a little confused because neither of us had heard of that happening. Later
on yesterday we found out the truth. The zone leaders were yanking our
chains and actually President's new idea is to have them be zone leaders
AND our district leader's. Weird, eh? We have started to teach Elay Edris
and his 4 children. It is a part member family that we have been trying to
schedule appointments for awhile now. Elay is amazing! He is a refugee from
Sudan. Yes, the Sudan that is in Africa. He was telling us stories of him
going on hunts with his tribe. They would go and hunt gazelles,
wildebeests, etc. The tribe would surround the animals in large circle and
trap them in. Apparently they do not kill lions, they leave them alone.
Sometimes when walking back to his tribal camp there would be lions in the
middle of the road. I asked about cheetahs and if they were really as fast
as we have all been taught from our childhood. He said YES and they run
away the very moment that they see a human. The four children are ready for
baptism. Elay is going to take a little bit of time. Elay's mother-in-law
told us that he watched general conference with his wife, Rachael and he
was excited about the announcement of the Tucson Temple. He doesn't even
know what a temple is but he was still excited. He told Rachael, "Can I go
to the temple?" Rachael replied "Sure, I will take you to the open house."
Elay then said, "No. Can I GO there?" Rachael told him "First you have to
be baptized and a member of the church in order to go." Elay's final reply
was, "I want to take you there." Elay has been prepared to hear the Gospel.
Next transfer, the incoming missionaries are going to go from about 13 to a
little over 30 missionaries! The field is white!
Love,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
John 14:26-27
Family:
Real cool story. We were meeting with a recent convert and she asked us to
give her a blessing for her back. She asked me to seal the anointing and
give the blessing. During the blessing I had the impression to say
something like this, "You will be instrumental in bringing many people into
the church." I brushed the impression of at first because I thought that
was too direct and was afraid to make such a direct promise. The impression
came again so I said it. It is the first time that I have felt like I was
acting as the mouthpiece of God while giving a blessing and I know that it
will come to pass. Bryant would be happy to hear these two stories. Last
week while we were role-playing at Zone Meeting I was partnered up with a
spanish missionary. She was a greenie and asked if she could speak in
Spanish. I agreed and we carried on. I did not understand it all but I got
the point that she was getting across. Saturday we were out tracting and a
family drove up next to us and said, "Hey! You guys are missionaries
right?" we replied in the affirmative and then they asked where the nearest
church was. They had researched where the nearest buildings were but wanted
to make sure. They then asked if there was a spanish ward that they could
go to. We again replied in the affirmative but not knowing the time they
have church we got their phone number and would call and let them know when
we found out. I called the spanish sisters and had to leave a message. I
left it in spanish telling them we had a referral for them. They called
back and both complimented me on how good my spanish was. Hermano mayor,
hablo espanol muy bien. jajaja. Thanks again for "The Inevitable Apostasy"!
I have started to read it and it is an amazing book. It is going to come in
handy real soon. Because we were told that Elay knows the Bible very well
and will understand a lot better because he is about a 6th grader in
english if we explain the need for the priesthood, prophets and the
apostasy using the Bible. I am so happy to be staying in Picture Rocks for
another 5 weeks! I was tempted to (but didnt) pay $10 to get Yoda's voice
on my G.P.S. just so I could hear him say, "Take you to your destination I will".
>
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Tucson--#17
Hey Everyone!
We got five new investigators this week! We were finally able to meet with a part-member family who has four unbaptized kids. They are completely stoked to meet with us and have been going to church (the kids at least) pretty consistently for the last couple months. With yesterday being fast sunday, I fasted that Elder Wynn and I would be able to see the fruits of our labors as we work hard. We had barely gotten to church when we got a phone call from a ward member whom we had given her 3 copies of The Book of Mormon to hand out. She mentioned that she was bringing her neighbor to church. His name is Marco Moreno and by talking with him we found out that his mom is a member in Hermasillo, Mexico. He just stayed for sacrament meeting but mentioned that he would like us to come over sometime this week. Hard work, fasting and prayer pays off! Clark is giving me an unnecessary headache! He keeps going to Three Points which he admits is not somewhere he needs to go. We had to drop his baptismal date because he has not been to church yet. Debbie kept cancelling every appointment that we had with her. So we decided to just show up at her place. We talked for a little bit and she keeps reiterrating "Well...I know God would not have kept me through 5 deaths unless there was a reason. I know that God has placed you guys in my path. I just need to find out why." Those are words that missionaries love to hear! God wants all of His children to hear the beautiful message of the Plan of Salvation and why knowing where we came from, why we are here will help us understand where we will go after this life. She bought a planner so we have a set in stone appointment with her on Tuesday which according to her she will not cancel for anything. Today we are going to have a long day. A ward member is a chiropractor and invites us to come to his work for a free experience (I dont know that you would call it). We then are going to go play football, soccer, basketball, and dodgeball. We met with the youth at mutual and showed the mormon message "Invite All To Come Unto Christ" and emphasized the importance of giving an invitation to a church activity. The youth are a missionary powder keg about to blow. There is a lot in store for this next week!
Con amor,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
1 Peter 4:6
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Tucson--#16
Hey Everyone!
Hope you all had a great Christmas and will have a Happy New Year! Elder
Wynn and I have done lots of tracting...lots of it. Which is making the
work here in Picture Rocks start to pick up. We found a new investigator
this week and a handful of potential investigators. Most of the potentials
are high school age youth. The youth in my ward are absolutely amazing!
They set amazing examples and their peers take notice. Our new
investigators name is Debbie and she also helps take care of the horses
that we feed twice a week. She has previously met with missionaries before
when she lived in New York. She is battling cancer and being close to her
love, horses, have helped her to cope. We are going to try and set up an
appointment this week to meet with her. Clark has been out of town for the
holidays which is not a good thing. He has started drinking again. Satan is
stupid! We might have to pass him of to the singles ward because he is 20
but we will see. He sees how the Gospel blesses his life and how much
better he feels when we talk with him and he reads from The Book of Mormon
but he just is not taking that extra step. We are trying to get the ward
more involved in missionary work. Yesterday the ward set a goal to place at
least 1 Book of Mormon for this upcoming year. We are going to start
helping ward member see one of the ways that we as missionaries have seen
to share the gospel. I like sharing Lehi's vision of the tree of life and
how his family did not come to the tree and partake of the fruit until
AFTER he invited them to do so. I love being a missionary and talking about
the gospel with all those I meet! Today we are going to go play football
and soccer against the neighboring zone and then maybe take some clothes to
the dry cleaners. Missionaries get FREE dry cleaning at all Tucson
Cleaners. It is awesome!! Bro. Hughes is trying to get together an
up-to-date 15 names list for Elder Wynn and I to use in reactivating and
finding new people to teach. The field truly is white. I have learned that
although the field is white the Lord is not just going to place the harvest
in your hands, you have to show you want the harvest and will sweat and
work hard to gain that harvest. I always think of a quote that I
think Brigham Young said that I remember from Mission Prep: "No blessing
comes unless there is an equal and opposite temptation (or trial)." It is
awesome hearing from all of you!
Love,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
2 Thes. 2:2-3
>
Hope you all had a great Christmas and will have a Happy New Year! Elder
Wynn and I have done lots of tracting...lots of it. Which is making the
work here in Picture Rocks start to pick up. We found a new investigator
this week and a handful of potential investigators. Most of the potentials
are high school age youth. The youth in my ward are absolutely amazing!
They set amazing examples and their peers take notice. Our new
investigators name is Debbie and she also helps take care of the horses
that we feed twice a week. She has previously met with missionaries before
when she lived in New York. She is battling cancer and being close to her
love, horses, have helped her to cope. We are going to try and set up an
appointment this week to meet with her. Clark has been out of town for the
holidays which is not a good thing. He has started drinking again. Satan is
stupid! We might have to pass him of to the singles ward because he is 20
but we will see. He sees how the Gospel blesses his life and how much
better he feels when we talk with him and he reads from The Book of Mormon
but he just is not taking that extra step. We are trying to get the ward
more involved in missionary work. Yesterday the ward set a goal to place at
least 1 Book of Mormon for this upcoming year. We are going to start
helping ward member see one of the ways that we as missionaries have seen
to share the gospel. I like sharing Lehi's vision of the tree of life and
how his family did not come to the tree and partake of the fruit until
AFTER he invited them to do so. I love being a missionary and talking about
the gospel with all those I meet! Today we are going to go play football
and soccer against the neighboring zone and then maybe take some clothes to
the dry cleaners. Missionaries get FREE dry cleaning at all Tucson
Cleaners. It is awesome!! Bro. Hughes is trying to get together an
up-to-date 15 names list for Elder Wynn and I to use in reactivating and
finding new people to teach. The field truly is white. I have learned that
although the field is white the Lord is not just going to place the harvest
in your hands, you have to show you want the harvest and will sweat and
work hard to gain that harvest. I always think of a quote that I
think Brigham Young said that I remember from Mission Prep: "No blessing
comes unless there is an equal and opposite temptation (or trial)." It is
awesome hearing from all of you!
Love,
Elder Urry
LiveStrong
2 Thes. 2:2-3
>
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