Hey my favorite people! 

Man so it has been a pretty busy week, but at the same time not the most productive. At the beginning of the week, we had a cita with this German guy. That was a little weird. The majority of the time was just him speaking in German with Elder Tiebing while Elder Merrill and I just sat there trying our best to be helpful while really doing almost nothing. He was talking a bunch about good and evil spirits and the corruption of the society from what I was able to piece together. In the end, we don't really think that he is that interested. All in all, it was a kinda an off cita.

Later in the week, we had intercambios.  We organized the last intercambios to have both companionships in 1 area instead of separate like normal. So on this last intercambio, we did the same in our area to balance it out. I went with Elder Merrill and Elder Bodhaine, and the new missionaries were out on their own. They supposedly had a pretty good day though. Ours was just ok.

First things first; we went and met with M. Unfortunately, he basically told us that he not only hadn't received an answer to his prayer, but also that he isn't really interested in getting one and that if he did get one he probably wouldn’t even act on it. So basically, he told us he has no real intention of doing anything. It's a little sad, and we are going to try and keep working with him to help him see the difference, but until he gains that desire, he won't be able to really receive a true answer. That's part of Moroni 10:3-5, you need that verdadera intención.

So I was a little bummed after that, but later we went and had another cita which was pretty rocking with a couple of Jehovah witnesses. They wouldn't let us speak for the first 15 minutes, but eventually we were able to get a word in, and we taught the restoration. It was super short, but super powerful, and one of them actually seemed pretty interested. He took a Book of Mormon, so we will see how that goes. Fun fact about him, his name is L-, he is from Congo, and he has 33 brothers/sisters..... not exaggerating. 

So the next day, we finished intercambios with district meeting. We had district meeting on Thursday last week, instead of Wednesday like normal, so we could do it on Thanksgiving, and it was awesome. Everyone brought their own thing of food, and afterwords we had a little Thanksgiving. It was a lot of fun. I was going to try and make a pie for it, but there were no pumpkins at the store. So I made a cake.....which crashed and burned....so I bought a cake.....which we didn't even eat. So yea, that was my contribution. Afterwards, we made some cookies and went around to some of the members who have been having a hard time. That's a little part of our efforts to try and improve relationships with the members. 

So that brought us to the end of the week and transfers!!! I don't know if I mentioned, but it's transfers today. We got the news, and the district is staying almost completely the same. The only differences are that Hermana Widen is leaving and will be going to Toledo, and Hermana Reiner will be training. I'm also going to be getting the chance to train again, hence the subject line. I'm excited to train again, but also a little nervous. Mostly excited though. To get ready, I'm really trying to study more the Christlike attributes of faith and diligence. Which are both awesome, most of my study though has been focused on faith.

As missionaries, faith is such a large portion of everything we do. Without faith, we can't find investigators to teach; without faith we and endure the hard moments. Without faith our investigators will never learn how to repent and come unto Christ. Everything begins with faith. Faith is the driving force that helps us take afflictions and hard times, and turn them into blessings and learning experiences. My invitation for everyone is to do what you can to have more faith in your life. I guarantee every person can have more faith, and benefit from it, myself included. I love you all have a great week and trust in God!

- Elder Bassett