Week Fifty

"Here's a picture of me proselyting in my area."

I've had some of the most fun on my mission this past week! It was full of lots of burgers, hot dogs, country music, and fires! Colebrook really comes alive in the summer, and New England really loves its freedom! 

So we started this week off exchanging with the Randolph Elders. So I was with Elder Helton for Tuesday and a little bit of Wednesday. We were walking around all day Tuesday talking to people, and having a good time. The town of Colebrook turned on its speakers, and has been playing country music for the past week. Nothing like talking to an old man while Wagon Wheel is playing in the background. We helped an old fireman wash a firetruck too. 

Last week our neighbors invited us over for some meatballs on the 3rd of July. So on Tuesday night Elder Helton and I went over. Now this group of people are very interesting. In fact, they're group of friends in their 20-30s that call themselves The Meatballs. They had signs all over their house that said The Meatballs on it. While we were over there, they served us meatballs, and said that we were now Meatballs, and I felt honored to receive that title. They found out I played the uke, and they asked me to grab it, and play while everyone sang songs. So I grabbed it, and played some songs while the meatballs were singing😂 it was a moment I won't forget on my mission. We gave them a little spiritual thought, passed out a few Book of Mormons, got some contact info, and then we went on our way. We got permission to stay out late on Tuesday night and street contact while everyone was out for fireworks! I can't describe in words how refreshing it felt just to be talking to people out on the streets while the fireworks were going off. Everyone was so nice too! We ended that night in a frantic search around the house, because Elder Helton misplaced the phone.

On the 4th we contacted during the parade in Colebrook. It was probably the saddest parade I've ever seen. It was soooooo funny though. Literally anyone could sign up and go in it. I'd say my favorite entry was the guy riding his bike nonchalantly with his earbuds in. He didn't even have a sign😂 he was waving at a few people though. A close second would be the guy in his Land Rover jamming out to his own music. The other 8 floats were good though. When that was over we drove back to Gorham where the Elders lived, and planned to exchange back. We pulled into a parking lot, and out of nowhere they blocked the roads, and another parade happened! So we had our exchange meeting while that parade went by.

After the exchange we went and crashed a few 4th of July parties and found a lot of cool people to start teaching. I found Elder Petersen at one of the parties. He was way out of his area, but he was at a member from his wards place. It was awesome to be his companion again for a few hours.
We helped Randy put up a fence for his dogs this week, and we also set up an appointment for him have a baptismal interview! So that's really exciting.

To end the week on Saturday when we came in for the night, we decided to have a fire in our backyard. So we listened to some good music, and roasted marshmallows over the fire. I laid down in my hammock and was able to find some of the stars I used to be able to point out before I left for my mission. One year ago I was with my friends doing the same stuff. One year later, and I've done so many things I'd never thought I'd do, made friends I never would have made, and had so many amazing experiences that would never have happened if I never left. The mission has been great so far, and I can't wait to see what else it has in store for me. Have a good week friends and fam. Go have some fun and make the most of the summer! 

 Happy 4th of July!!

"I found Elder Petersen!"