Snowstorm & Wind

It was a very snowy and windy week here in Utah. My frugalities have finally caved and decided to buy a new pair of shoes today since the water from the snow comes through the bottom of my soles. I was so close to holding out on new shoes for two years!

This weekend I was able to go back to Riverton for two baptisms in my old area. It's always special to see the progress of those I've taught continue after I have left. I was even able to talk to an old Bishop who met a couple who knows my family! It seems like the world keeps getting smaller and smaller.

As for other items, transfers happened. No changes in my companionship. Even in the zone most of the people stayed the same. Only one person left. There's a lot of continuity here in Draper...which is great to see.

Elder Bolling

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

It's finally been a solid week of snow and cold. I can't say that I'm a huge fan, though, as I tend to be a summer type of person. I keep telling myself that the sooner the cold comes the sooner it will be gone. The temperatures start warming up in 2 1/2 months, right?

The lights are now up in wonderful Salt Lake City, Utah. I am convinced that Utahans go a lot more all out for holidays than anybody else. Maybe I'm just biased because I am here...but I don't remember so many crazy light decorations as there are out here.

We had a chance to meet two new individuals who are both preparing to be baptized. It's incredible how at times you can be wondering, "How on earth will be keep teaching people after we finish teaching the people we currently know?" and then out of nowhere we find more people! The Lord certainly does bless us for diligence and patience. One of them we had no idea about...we just happened to meet her at our stake Christmas party. It was a welcome surprise.

Elder Bolling

Is It December Already?

This week we were happy to have a baptism on Monday afternoon. As always it was a special experience. A friend of somebody we are teaching came to the baptism. Afterwards he said he felt a strong spirit from the baptism and wanted to come to church and learn more. It's amazing the good work the spirit will do!

On Sunday afternoon, we were concerned that we hadn't found anyone who was preparing for baptism later in the month. Then, in a huge surprise, we got a call from a person we had taught formerly. He told us that he received a spiritual witness that it was all true and that he wanted to be baptized as soon as possible. Whoa! That was certainly a welcome surprise. Another special part about it: he is the only member in his family who hasn't been baptized and become a practicing member of the church. In a few weeks that will all change!

The weather is finally starting to cool down. It's still not very cold, however. I'm convinced that Virginia winters are colder because of the humidity. Our transfers are in a week and a half so there could be lots of new changes on the radar screen soon.

Elder Bolling

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was this week and it was a great experience. We were able to have two Thanksgiving dinners. One with a Bishop from my old area and another with one of the missionaries who taught me back in Richmond. One of them was a vegetarian Thanksgiving -- I can't say I've ever experienced that before. Though, the food was surprisingly good. Much better than I would have anticipated without meat!

I was also able to return to Riverton for two baptisms in my old area. Those are always memorable experiences. To add to that we will have a baptism later today in our own area. With all of the "special events" it didn't really feel like a full proselyting week.

As we look to December it will be a great month. Not only is our stake keeping us busy as far as missionary work is concerned, but December is always a packed month. We will have a mission Christmas conference as well as a Christmas Eve and New Years Eve conference...and usually our mission gets special guests to speak to us. It's crazy to think that New Years will be here soon!

Elder Bolling

Upswing in Temptures

After a week of cold and almost a foot of snow...it's in the upper 50's this week. It seems the fall/spring weather in Utah is a little bit temperamental.

We had our zone conference this week. The zone conference was focused on helping those we teach receive revelation through church attendance. As I look back it was the first time I attended church that I really knew the gospel was something I wanted in my life. Therefore it was a great topic to train on for 6 hours or so.

We're also prepping for Thanksgiving this week. We will still be having a normal proselyting day but will be able to visit families for dinners throughout the day. Needless to say, I will have to wear my one pair of "elastic waistband" dress pants. I never thought those pants would come in handy!

The church is also preparing to launch a new program: mormon.org/Christmas. We will be doing a lot of work with that -- inviting everyone we meet to visit the site and share their feelings about Christ and Christmas. It launches the day after Thanksgiving...be sure to check it out!

Elder Bolling

Snow Storms & Apostles

This week Utah had its first major snow storm. We received a pounding of snow...3 inches down in the valley and more than 8 inches in the higher elevations. I serve in both. The snow didn't dampen any of our enthusiasm...except for the three car accidents our mission saw this weekend. Luckily I drive a 4-wheel-drive truck so the traction wasn't as much of an issue for us.

We had a baptism in the South Mountain YSA ward this weekend. The South Mountain church building sits adjacent to the Draper Temple. That is a magnificent backdrop for a baptism. Snow, temple, and a person coming to Jesus Christ. What a combo!

On Saturday afternoon, evening and Sunday morning we were honored to have Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visit with us. Between Saturday sessions my companion and I were able to have dinner with Elder Ballard. At first he directed me to eat more food until I told him I might fall asleep during his remarks. Then he redirected me not to do that. He's a funny guy. We certainly are blessed in Utah!

Elder Bolling

Welcome Back To Draper!

I was surprised on Tuesday to get a transfer back to my original area...Draper! I will be serving as a zone leader in the Draper YSA stake. I am entering month 13 as a zone leader and month 13 in young single adult stakes. It is exciting to be back in Draper because all three of the stakes I served in at the beginning of my mission are here. It has already been a treat to be able to see converts and members that I knew here before.

We had two baptisms this weekend. One was in my old area in Riverton for a family we had been teaching for four months. Another was in Draper and I came in at the end of the teaching process. Baptism services are always the high point of the teaching process because you are able to see the fruits of your labors.

My companion now is Elder Genta. He has been out for 17 months and is from Boise, ID. He has been a zone leader in Draper for 6 months now so he knows the area very well. He seems to have a good handle on the work here and our stake seems like it is very focused to help missionary work happen. It should be a good transfer!

Elder Bolling