Hey Everyone!

Not too much has happened this past week, so this one might be a bit more on the short side. I'll try to include anything of particular excitement or anything out of the ordinary that happened, and I hope you are able to enjoy it!

This last Thursday we had interviews with our mission president, President Killpack. This was an opportunity for each missionary to have some one-on-one sit down time with our mission president and discuss any questions that we had or anything of concern. Like always, these interviews were going long and we had run far past the set schedule. This was especially evident because by the time I, and a few of the other Elders in the district, had gone through, he was taking about 5 minutes per interview and was probably just touching on the basics with each. This was no problem of course. We, or at lest I personally, could tell that he still cared for us and our well being despite being a bit rushed. All in all, it was a wonderful experience that allowed us to have a stronger assurance that our mission presidency cares for us.

Yesterday, one of the stakes that we cover had stake conference. We were able to attend the adult session on Saturday night as well as the general session on Sunday. Elder R. Scott Runia of the Seventy was able to attend both sessions. His messages were powerful and uplifting. It is evident that he is a servant of the Lord. We were also blessed to have President Lindley, one of the counselors in the mission presidency, in attendance at the general session on Sunday. He talked a lot about missionary work, of course, and I know that his message will bless this stake with increased work in the weeks to come. All in all, it was a wonderful Stake Conference.

This morning we decided to use some of our extended p-day time to go on a bike ride. We started at the bottom of a hill and rode to the top on the streets, then took a trail to the bottom that was both exciting and a little frightening. It was hard going from not riding a bike for 4 months to riding a long distance uphill. I thought I was going to die! Fortunately, I made it to the top alright, and the ride down was well worth it.

Well, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that is about it for my week. Like I said, not too much happened, but what did happen made the week well enjoyable. Thanks again for the support from everyone, I hope you all have a fantastic week!

Elder Orchard