Curveballs and Chicken Feet

 Hello everyone!

A lot has happened this week that I am excited to talk about. First, I will be staying here in Spencer another six weeks! I'll be with a new companion named Elder Price. I'll also be the one driving. Spencer doesn't have any sidewalks, but if it did the pedestrians would have to watch out. 

There were some massive changes to our district. We won't have six Elders in the ward anymore. Elder Coffman went to his original assignment of Chile this past week. That's pretty exciting! They closed one area in our district and transferred two Elders: Elder Hirshi and Elder Walters. That was a quite a surprise, I thought at least one would stay here. My trainer Elder Cohn is also leaving for another area. All are very good Elders and I am excited to hear what they do next. 

I had the chance to feed some baby goats this past week. They are so adorable, as usual pictures are included. An update on Angela: we had to postpone the baptism due to a family emergency. She is excited to be baptized, but now is not a good time. Any prayers on her behalf would be greatly appreciated. 

We went to a house the other day where they fed us lobster tail, quail, frog legs, and …. chicken feet. Chicken feet doesn't have a lot of taste or meat. It isn't as bad as you think.

We had the chance to listen to general conference this past weekend. There were a lot of good messages. I can't wait to study them again this next week. It also surprised me when they announced new 20 temples. That was pretty crazy! I was hoping they would build one in Knoxville, TN. There is still hope though. 

I'd like to share one of my favorite scriptures. We read in 2 Nephi 31:20

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

I'd like to focus on the idea of pressing forward in Jesus Christ. There are a lot of difficult experiences in this life. When we rely on Him during those times, we can overcome anything. It is also an important past of His gospel to always be growing. He wants to help us do that and will support us through this journey. I am so excited to share that as a missionary. 

Move Forward With Confidence Regardless of Consequence 

Elder Oram