New Year’s Eve.
We did our morning studies and went to district council. My Companion, Elder Squires, is the district leader so he was in charge of the meeting. We got Panda Express and we all ate at a park. After that, Elder Squires and I went to knock doors and visit some people. After that we went to dinner with the Atendidos. Sister Atendido is from the Philippines and so she made us a Philippino style dinner. It was really good! She also made us bring home left overs. We had to be in our apartment by 8 instead of 9 since it is a holiday and they didn’t want us out around all the drunkards. We went home and got to sleep before people started shooting guns in the air and setting off fireworks.
New Year’s Day! January 1st, 2025
We did our normal morning routine. We had lunch, can’t remember what I had, and them we biked to knock some more doors and do visits. We went to the Carusos for dinner again but this time they made us the “Caruso breakfast”! It was really good! Especially the hashbrown and egg casserole! Elders Karotassos and Higley had an companion exchange in the evening and Elder Karotassos swapped with Elder Rumsey.
January 5 the Sabbath
We went to a few visits and stopped by the Griggs house. Sister Griggs asked us if we had anyone to have dinner with tonight. We answered no and she said that she has leftovers she could give us so at 6 we will come back and have dinner with the Griggs. We stopped by a few more visits. On the way over to the Griggs, I was really craving Sister Griggs chicken and dumplings that she made us last time we were over. Now when you are fasting anything sounds good but her chicken and dumplings sounded the best! Well, We went to the Griggs and and she had forgotten that a she not only has leftovers but she has a entire leftover meal. She made a meal to have with a neighbor but the neighbor wasn’t available so they rescheduled. So she had this entire meal that they need to eat so she warmed it up and gave it to us. She had forgotten that they had this meal and she told us that she thinks of this as a mini miracle. And I agree. But it gets better not only was it a whole meal but the meal was… Chicken and dumplings!!! It was a true blessing to all of us. There was not only enough for all of us at the dinner but also extra to bring to the Elders at the apartment that couldn’t make it! She also gave us her homemade chili. It was really good!
Highlights this week
I have seen quite a few small and simple things this week and have had a good amount of good days and laughs.
I know God loves me and all of you!
I love you all!
-Elder Ian Shaw.