April 5, 2022

Hello everyone!

Ethan didn't get a chance to write because he was able to go to the Fort Collins Temple!  He is on the left-hand side in the picture.  He sent us a message Monday night saying that he wouldn't be able to call first thing the next morning because he was going to the temple.  They thought they would be going later in the morning because the Greeley Zone and the Windsor Zone were both going the same day.  But, since the restrictions have been lifted, both zones could fit in the same endowment session!  They had to be at the temple by 8 am to get in the 8:30 am session.  Ethan said it was really great to be in the temple again.  

He called us in the late afternoon because they also went to lunch, did their shopping, and did laundry.  But he is doing really well and is happy.  

They will have a baptism this weekend and they are super excited about it.  The woman has been working hard to quit smoking and has seen God's hand in her life as she works on it.  She hasn't had to use the nicotine patches for the past 2 weeks, which she considers a miracle.  They went over the baptismal interview questions with her and she had a few concerns.  They were able to talk to her and explain a few things that eased her concerns.  She feels like she has been blessed by the gospel.

Ethan said the first 2 talks of General Conference were really validating as a missionary.  They aren't having much luck at getting members to help in the missionary work.  The ward members seem to think they don't do much so they don't want to help them.  Ethan said it has been frustrating.  He admits that it may be his perspective right now, but he doesn't think that Love, Share, and Invite is so hard.  You just have to talk to your neighbors and show them genuine love and then invite them to come with you to activities.  He said they get so excited when a member tells them that he/she has waved at a neighbor because it proves they are reaching out.  But he said he believes the emphasis of President Nelson and Elder Ballard on missionary work will help.  Ethan also said they are now anticipating a huge influx of missionaries in the summer because the talks will have given the spiritual boost some young men need to decide to serve.  

Other than that, Ethan said things are about the same as always.  They are trying to find people to teach, serving the districts they are over, and trying to find service opportunities. He has been working hard.

Ethan appreciates the prayers said for him and the other missionaries.  He said they make a difference.

-Michelle