We had beautiful rain off and on all week and the temperatures actually dropped to the low sixties for two days. It brought a brief but enjoyable change as the temperatures are back to the nineties today. We just strive to enjoy each day no matter what and count our blessings!

We had another break-in attempt on the chapel that we teach piano/English lessons. When Elder Avery went to open the door he found it open with a stick keeping it from closing all the way. He decided to check out the building and proceeded to go in each of the classrooms and found a window broken out in the young women room. He contacted Brother Lyle who is over the buildings and was directed to call the police and report it all. The clerks office door had signs of trying to get it opened as well as one of the Bishop's office. It was interesting seeing how slow the leaders were in taking care of the broken glass and covering the window as it hadn't happened by the time we left at 8:30. This tendency to be critical of others is sure strong sometimes and we strive to remind each other when we are doing it.

We experienced a great Zone Conference on Thursay with a visiting General Authority of the First Quorum of Seventies. Elder Nielson and his wife shared such wonderful messages and it left us wanting more. Even though these conferences are directed to the young missionaries, we always see how they relate to us in our welfare mission . Sister Nielson invited us to embrace the differences in our missionary companions instead of merely tolerating the differences. She elaborated on this, sharing experiences her sons had and are having on their missions. (youngest recently left for Japan) She told an experience of listening to a beautiful choir and how during the last number she heard an instrument join the choir that directed her listening even more. It had lifted the choir to an even higher level of beauty. She later found out it was a "penny whistle" and bought one as soon as she could. It was flute-like in shape but very tiny and cost only seven dollors. She pointed out that this shows how each of us contributes to the work no matter how small our abilities may seem. Elder Nielson discussed with us the scripture reading assignment that we were asked to prepare for two weeks before the conference. I love being taught from the scriptures and applying them in our lives and am trying to do that more effectively. 1st Nephi Chapters 11-14 is teaching us about the Revelatory process. Nephi had a desire to know an sought answers in earnest prayer and the spirit said "What desirest thou?" Investigators have to want to know and be willing to do what it takes. The Lord doesn't give until we ask. 14 times the Lord told Nephi to look when He said "What beholdest thou?" Investigators need to be directed to look by asking what they learn from the reading assignments given them. (And to be devastated when they don't) Then in Chpt 15:6-11 Nephi asked his brothers, "Have you inquired of the Lord?" This teaches the investigator that the heavens are opened to all of us and that God still speaks today. I won't take the time to share how I felt this related to our work in the employment center but just knows that it does. Elder Nielson then spent the remaining time answering questions about his calling which included the details of how he was called; So inspiring! He will be speaking in the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference and two days later, he and his wife are moving to New Zealand to serve for a time there. What a testimony of serving wherever and whenever the Lord asks. It sure strenghtened me and I am grateful for the experience.

With love,
Los Averys