It was so amazing to finally get out here to West Virginia! I'm in Oak Hill WV and it is super, super green. It's a smaller town and a smaller ward, but hopefully we can change that. At church on Sunday we basically did everything. I blessed the sacrament, Elder Empey passed it, Elder Empey gave the opening prayer, we both gave talks, and I said the closing prayer. It was kinda the missionary show. But we're always happy to help out.
My new companion is Elder Empey, and he is awesome. He is super smart and knows the scriptures in and out. He was serving in Porto Alegre in Brazil before they were reassigned so we get to speak portuguese!
The work is definitely very different from Brazil. About a month ago Elder Empey opened this area. We also aren't allowed to proselyte, so it's been kind of slow. We've been making a lot of phone calls and friending a lot on facebook, we've also been working a lot with members.
We had a bunch of lessons lined up this past week but they all fell through. You've got to start somewhere though! It's only upward from here!
I absolutely love the people. They are so kind and genuine. The accent is pretty different, but according to them I have an accent lol. They are all so humble and all love God!
As for a spiritual thought, Elder Empey and I watched a devotional by Elder Gong that talked about blooming where you're planted. Many times we find ourselves in places that we don't expect, but Elder Gong said, "it's all about what you practice. If you practice being frustrated with your circumstances, you will certainly be frustrated. If you practice finding joy, you will find it."
I love you all and hope you have a good week!
Elder Larkin
Pics:
We hiked out to the bridge for P Day today! Super cool!
