Bret Was Not Sober

 What a great day to start off the week. I still don't know if preparation day is considered the end or beginning of my week. I was outside from 11am-4pm either tanning, working out, or playing basketball. I woke up the next day so sore and only a little sunburned (wish it was more). The weather was 65 degrees and sunny all day. The UV got up to 6 which is considered "high" in Michigan. Nothing can compare to Arizona's 11. We went knocking into the evening and saw some success. It was a good burst of positive spiritual momentum into the week.

 

Tuesday was memorable. We had our three lessons of the day cancel which was rather unfortunate. We did have to get an oil change in the morning followed by our service at Habitat for Humanity. Our day was pretty full. As we went into the latter half of our day we got to meet with a part member family named the Bastow's. It's a younger couple who are really in their early 30s, but they look to be in their early 20s. It is actually pretty nuts. They fed us BBQ chicken and we got to teach the restoration to everyone. The wife is not a member and there is some great potential. We drove home and immediately did a live on Facebook about the restoration and GET THIS. We ended our live and hopped on a video call with our new friend Mikey and taught him the full restoration. Mikey is a 16 year old kid who is earnestly seeking more truth. Towards the end of our meeting he said,"I am actually really intrigued to learn more about this message." The Holy Ghost is the perfect teacher. 

The Lord does visit people in their afflictions. Elder Howard and I thought it would be best to door knock this trailer park at 6pm at night on a Wednesday. I would not say we felt inspired, but it made sense. We began knocking and faced some immediate opposition with people yelling at us since we were soliciting. We kept going. As we were walking to the next set of trailers we saw a man behind us walking away with his headphones on. In the world's eyes, it wouldn't make sense to turn around, wave at, yell at, and try to get this man's attention, but we did. He lifted his head up with his depressed countenance as we walked up to him. As we spoke with this man we learned that his name was Seth. Seth broke down crying after explaining that he was going into the woods to hurt himself before we came up to him. He knew then and there that the Lord does visit his people in their afflictions. The Lord knew this man individually, perfectly, and was aware of his feelings. I can not describe to you how the Lord prompted us to go there since we did not feel "inspired," but it just made sense. The Lord meets the needs of His children usually through us. 

As we were knocking we found a man named Bret. Bret was not sober. He was rather funny to interact with. Bret proceeded to shake my hand for a minute straight. Bret then learned my name was Elder Clouse. Uh oh. Bret then went on a 20 minute rant on how we could be related since his brother in law has the same last name as me. We love Bret. 

There has been a common theme when we are trying to find people to teach going door to door. At least one person talks to us and says,"you are that guy that messaged me on Facebook!" I would think this would happen maybe once, potentially twice, but it has happened upwards to 5 times this week. What a blessing. If they will not reply to me on messenger after being left on read three times, we will find then in person. 

It hit 80 degrees three days this week and it felt amazing. I have not sweat while being out and about going door to door for a long time. It feels good. Our lessons kept canceling so on Saturday we were knocking for a good chunk of the day. We also found out that it is going to be snowing today :)). Michigan. What a blessing. 

This week was really fun. Some days were long, others went by fast. We did have interviews with President Heap on Thursday. It was a chill interview. There could be a chance there is more change for me before I go home. I also called Taylor on Wednesday night and got all my classes situated. Elder Clouse is now registered. Time is running out, ahhhhh, it does not even feel real yet. Anyway, message me today, love to hear from you :)). 

Love,

Elder Clouse