“I’ve never been happier…”

Elders Serle and Shelton at the animal sanctuary with the Dingos

Josh has had a busy several weeks. He and his companion went to Canburra to watch General Conference with his zone, then he and Elder Serle ended up making and emergency trip up to Sydney so that his companion could get some help with some medical problems he’s been dealing with. Josh was told to pack for one night but ended up staying in Sydney for a week and a half. Here is some of what he had to say about his time in Sydney.

     …I spent most of the of the day with the APs moving stuff into new flats for the missionaries. It was hard work, but I felt like I was doing the greatest service I could at that time. It was really good to get to know that APs better, and what it is they do. We get along great. They say that they really miss doing regular missionary work, because they spend so much time doing admin stuff, they have a really small teaching pool, and don’t have much time for finding.

     (The next day) the AP’s dropped me off with a couple of missionaries in the area, Elder Shima and Elder Johnson. Elder Shima is the Elder that was in Merimbula before me, so it was cool being able to talk to him. He doesn’t speak English well at all, so it’s a bit hard to communicate. Elder Johnson is great though, and we spent some time doing really good work. We went and visited a recent convert and her husband. Her husband is not a member, but is investigating. His wife is anxious for him to join. He has actually told the missionaries that he wants to be baptized though, he just wants to surprise his wife. He seems really exited about the gospel, and they have two little twin girls who spend half an eternity playing with me. They are really so cute I could die. I wish I could get pictures, but I didn’t have my camera on me at the time.

     (Elder Serle) has gotten in to see a doctor and he’s determined to not go home until his two years are over.  I’m so happy for him. We’ll both be training as soon as the (new) Elders get here this Wednesday. I’ll be back in Merimbula, but Elder Serle will be in Sydney where he’ll be closer to help. It’s sad to see him go, but I’m exited for both of our futures.

     On the other side of things, working with the AP’s has been fantastic. We’ve mostly been moving new stuff into the flats. There was one night that we were working out till 12:10 at night. Yesterday, the AP’s were out until four in the morning (they took me back to the flat at nine). We’ve also been able to get in some fantastic lessons. There is this lady named Gabby who’s apparently a minor celebrity here. I went with one of the AP’s Elder Purirri to teach her. They fed us a great meal, and then got into the lesson. We went in with the intention of teaching the Law of Chastity, but she had some questions about prophets, so we taught that instead. I was able to share some really good experiences I’ve had in answer to prayers, and how I know that we have a prophet here on the earth today. Elder Purirri really seemed to appreciate my being there. I think the lesson went very well. She came to church on sunday as well.

     And that has been my crazy week. Pack for an overnighter, spend over a week. Get lots of experience in various administrative and missionary work as well. It’s been a blast though, and although I need clean clothes badly, I’ve never been happier in my life.

Love Elder Shelton


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