Another Week-A-Rooney

 Aloha and Howdy to all my loyal fans and followers,

Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of My Mission! It's been a pretty good week and we've had some good things happen for sure, and we've been staying busy. A few notable highlights of this week include, some light gardening, teaching some epic lessons, the official day of transfers, and MONOPOLY!!

It's been rather rainy, but we were able to go do a service project for an older couple and help them with some gardening. We helped out for a while, and they were very appreciative. Prolly one of the most fun things we've done so far. Even though it was rainy, and kind of cold, we got it done and they paid us in fruit and chocolate which is always appreciated. Well worth it. We've had a few consistent people that we've been teaching, and they're doing awesome. We think that they will continue to progress and it seems promising so pray for them please. One that we've been working with, Mahabir, is practically a member already. He wanted to hang up some paintings of Jesus in his home, so we helped him get some of those, and he loved them. He's so ready to be baptized, we're just waiting for his family to get here from India so they can do it all together. Our lessons have become more deep discussions, and he's eager to learn as much as possible. 

On transfer day, we drove to the mission office, where we got to see most of the other missionaries, which is always so fun. We were assigned to drop off some other Elders for their transfers, since we are staying. Being able to meet new people and connect with the ones we already know that we don't see much is great. We socialized for a little while and talked to the mission president for a minute, and ended up heading back to our flat. We had to help move some beds around to other flats because there's now a trio in one of the areas, so we helped with that. Always good  to serve others.

 On Friday nights we host a game night for our new friends and new members to help fellowship them and help them gain relationships with other members, not just the missionaries. They are so good and help them feel welcomed and provides a fun chance to interact with everyone. We played a little bit of pickleball and then we all played Monopoly together which was so much fun. Needless to say, I won. Just kidding, I think I was the first one out. However, it was still a lot of fun. 

The weather has begun to really feel like winter, it usually sits around the 40s during the day and drops below freezing at night. And it's a sharp wet cold due to the Antarctic winds that blow up from the South Pole. So needless to say, I'm usually bundled up in a nice sweater and a vest to stay warm. I do miss my wool caps, too bad its not missionary attire. But alas, I will survive. Supposedly this is even mild for this time of the year, so I'm preparing for it to get even colder, and here I thought I was going to the warm outback of Australia.....

I was reminded of a flower that blooms every spring in Idaho. These flowers bloom beautifully once it warms up in the Springs, however as soon as it starts to get hot in the summer, they wither and die pretty quick. This is due to the shallow root systems they have, they are not deep enough to draw the nutrients they need, and they get cooked. This can relate perfectly to our spirituality and our relationship with the Lord. We must make sure our roots in the gospel are deep and able to support us. We can't just be "Sunday Christians" because as soon as any heat from the adversary comes, we will just wither under that pressure. Unless we can build that system strong and deeply rooted in the truths of the gospel, in that case we shall weather the hardships and thrive under the heat. I invite you to remember this as summer comes, and make sure your roots are planted deep, and see what you can do to drive them deeper.

I love you all and I love and appreciate all the messages and love you send, it truly motivates me everyday and helps me keep on thriving. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers for me and all the other missionaries, and please know it's reciprocated. I hope you all have a great end to the school year, which is right around now, I believe, and that you have a wonderful summer. Reach out to me if you ever need anything at all! I love you all and miss you lots.

The Elder Down Under, 

Elder Reddish

P.S My mom says my photos suck so if you have any suggestions and tips to improve that, please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated. But here's my photos for your enjoyment: