HALF CHRISTMAS ON MARS

Fishing!

Hey from Oregon! Last week was freezing cold, and now this week we live on Mars. We had a record breaking heat this week, with temperatures reaching up to 100°F! These Oregonians though, they can't handle the cold or the heat! It's been refreshing to have Utah weather though, I've missed the beating desert sun. It's been an awesome week, and I'm excited to tell you all about it!

I'm so bummed to say transfers came one week early, due to President Ballard leaving. I'll be staying here in the OC 3/5 area and Elder Hone is going to Meridian Park in Tualatin. It's been 5 short weeks with this incredible guy! I've made a friend for life, even though he's a Lehi Pioneer. My new companion is named Elder Erskine. Don't know much about him, but I'm excited! 

Last Monday for P–day we went fishing at a member's private pond! If you don't know me, that means I was the happiest man alive! I was in heaven. We caught six trout between the four of us and not to toot my fisherman's horn, but I caught three and everyone else caught one so... toot toot! They were all pretty decent sized fish, the smallest one being 12" so we fried them up for lunch! It was a ball! 

For FHE, we went  and taught Cass! She is the sweetest little 9 year old I've ever met. We can't wait for her to be baptized! Speaking of 9 year olds, we were at church yesterday when a lady came up to us and told us her son Dax was 9 and he wants to be baptized really badly, so we need to teach him quick so he can get in that water! He's a great little boy and we are excited to teach him. 

Wednesday was so sad. It was President and Sister Ballard's last zone Conference before they go home on the first of July. There were LOTS of laughs, tears, hugs, testimonies, and love to go around. These people, this family, has become my family. I will miss them dearly. The spirit was tangible as President shared his personal testimony. I will never forget it as long as I live. 

Well who knew some of the persecution that comes when you're a missionary could come from members? Thursday was a little rough, it seemed that despite our hours and hours of hard work, the most upset were the members of the wards we cover. It was a little disheartening, but we gave them the benefit of the doubt and moved on. We did get to see our investigator Lianda and when she told us she hadn't read in the Book of Mormon, we were devastated. But not as devastated as the member that came with us! Shout out to Sister Wall who testified with enough  fire to singe my eyebrows right off my face (which if you've seen my eyebrows you know that would have to be a raging fire). It was awesome!

After our appointment with Lianda, we went and visited a part member family. The wife and kids are less active, and the dad, Phil, isn't a member. We asked him flat out if he would take the discussions and learn more and he said he would like that! This guy is notorious for being a grouch, so we almost fell right off the couch when he said yes! We are so excited to teach him this week!

Friday was a killer day! We went to the visitors center with Ray and his kids. It was awesome! At first, he was just there to support the kids, but by the end, he was excited to be reading the Book of Mormon and praying for himself! 

After the visitor center, we went and taught our other new investigator named Chrissy! Shout out to Sister Wall again for testifying! We taught the Restoration and as I shared the First Vision, the room was filled with the spirit. After a few seconds of silence, she told us she was feeling the spirit tell her it was true. It was such a tender moment, one I won't forget. She was also excited to read the Book of Mormon! We are going over later tonight to set up a baptismal date with her! 

Saturday was HOT. Our apartment doesn't have air conditioning (pretty common in Oregon), so it was boiling! It melted the butter on the counter! After we set up the farmers market, I had my district meet at the church with white elephant gifts for a Half Christmas party!! Half Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and traditions! I bought everyone breakfast at McDonald's and we listened to Christmas songs while we ate and opened our gifts. It was so fun! 

After Half Christmas, we met up with the ward to do a service project. We painted a great big dining hall in the local community building and finished just in time to go help another member rip out 40-year-old soggy carpet. It was nasty! Thank goodness serving people rocks or else that carpet would have been unbearable. All in all, it was a Half Christmas Eve for the books!

It's something President Ballard said in this last zone conference that I want to leave with everyone this week. In Preach My Gospel; A Guide to Missionary Service, we read in regard to missionaries that, "Your calling gives you authority; keeping your covenants gives you power." It's true that only those called and set apart have authority in God's name, but every person, regardless of who you are, has the ability to possess power from God. When we keep our covenants with God, He will give us power. Isn't that incredible? So let God give you power this week! I love you all!

With love,

Elder Hall

  

Getting the hook out of the fish                          First catch of the day!

   

Frying them up!                                                   Delicious!

  

Half Christmas Eve!                                                               Our melted butter!

"OH WOW! SO COOL!"

California Condor comparision!

Hey everybody! It's been June-uary here in Oregon! Highs of mid 50s
and rain all week. Thank goodness it's getting warmer though. I'm SO
ready for some actual summer weather! It's been a fun week that
totally flew by!

This last Monday we went to the Oregon Zoo! We had a ton of fun, and
it was especially fun going with Elder Itaia, who had never even heard
of some of the animals we saw there. He's from the Marshall Islands!
All he could say was, "Oh wow! So cool!" Hahaha I'll send pictures!

I hit 11 months Tuesday! I still feel like a greenie out here. We
have a great time tracting and talking to everyone we meet.


Wednesday was the last district meeting of this transfer! I can't
believe President Ballard goes home next week. I have loved this
district so much! I've learned so much. Later in the day, we visited
Monica and had lunch with her! She is so amazing! Her testimony is so
strong. We are waiting on some things in order for her to be
baptized, but we will keep praying those things get resolved!

Last week at church, a little boy in the ward challenged me and Elder
Hone to a game of basketball. We ran into him Wednesday  afternoon,
and luckily we had our basketball shoes and ball in the trunk of the
car! That little boy was in heaven, and we had a ton of fun with him!
It was also probably hilarious to see missionaries playing basketball
in shirts and ties and basketball shoes!

A few weeks ago, we were at Burger King getting dinner and an employee
came up to us. He introduced himself, and told us his kids were coming
to live with him and they were Mormon. His name is Ray, and his kids
are active members, but he is not a member. We finally got to go over
and see him Wednesday, and it was awesome! He is excited to learn
more about the church and the kids are really helping him progress.

On Friday we called a former investigator in our area book and she
actually answered! Not only that, she wanted us to come over so she
could learn more. Her name is Lianda and she has been listening to
General Conference for over 20 years! As we were sharing the
restoration, she started to quote Joseph Smith herself. We are excited
to go over and teach her more this week!

We also had a lesson with a girl in our ward named Cass. She's nine,
and is getting ready to be baptized! We are hoping to set a date with
her for mid July. She is so smart! It has been so fun to teach her.

Saturday morning we were at the farmers market again! We had so much
fun, and we are really getting that set up down to a science. Jackie,
our British friend, makes me laugh every minute! We have way too much
fun.

That afternoon, we went to the Visitor Center with some members of the
ward! Thanks to Oregon traffic, we had to leave early and we still
were half an hour late to dinner. No one knows how to drive in Oregon,
and they all go SO slow!! The freeway speed limit is 55! I mean come
on people!! There wouldn't be so much traffic if you just drove faster
and stopped doing whatever you're doing!  My goodness. Okay, stepping
off my soapbox now.

 This week has been filled with wonders. Wonders of the world and
wonders of the spirit. However, the wonders of the gospel can be
neither seen nor heard. They are felt in the heart of the receiver,
witnessing the truthfulness and reality of Jesus Christ and His
redeeming love. We must open our hearts for the Savior to come in. I
hope you all have a great week!

With love,

Elder Hall

    

Pistachio ice cream! I found it!                With an American Giraffe!

     

The cowboy duo!                                   In the eagles nest!

      
 The elephants!                                       The closest thing to horse back riding on a mission

   

My District!  I love them!                                         STRAWBERRY DAYS!

   

The hippiest hippy van I have ever seen!  Don't worry they're wearing swimming suits!

   


 

                           The Lions!

IT'S JUST RAINING THROUGH MY EYES!!!

At the Willamette lookout

It's June in Oregon! Hey everybody! So, it's back to clouds, rain, and
60 degree weather. I'm so glad it's summer! Phew! Hahaha it's kind of
depressing, but then I just remember how much I freaking love this
place and how beautiful it is and then it's ok! This week was a
serious blur.

Tuesday was crazy! I was on exchanges with Elder Zimmerman in the OC
2nd Ward. I love that kid so much! We are good friends, and I know we
will continue to be even after the mission. We walked the promenade in
Oregon City and talked to people and it was gorgeous! I'll include
pictures. We stopped to talk to this sweet old lady sitting alone on a
bench in the shade. We chatted for a while and then she burst into
tears. 10 weeks ago, she came home from work to find that her husband
of 44 years had moved out and left divorce papers on the counter. With
no warning, he was up and gone. She was devastated. Her hurt was so
raw, it cut me to my core. We sat and cried with her. She asked if we
could pray for her, so we all grabbed hands and Elder Zimmerman said a
prayer. It was just heart breaking. We gave her a Book of Mormon and
told her reading it would bring peace. She accepted it with tears in
her eyes, yet a glimmer of hope there too. After we left, we called
the temple and put her name on the prayer roll. Isn't it amazing how
the Lord is aware of everyone?

Wednesday was also a day of weeping, but only the manly kind. It was
my last interview with President Ballard. They go home two weeks!
It was like sitting down with my dad and just talking about the times
we've had. He gave me a hug and told me he loved me. And I know he
meant it too.

So Thursday our dinner appointment had made dinner and then forgot
about some event they needed to be at. So we pulled up and they were
getting ready to leave. They handed us the key to their house and told
us it was on the table and ice cream was in the freezer, and then they
drove away. We walked in and it was SO weird with just us in this huge
house. We sat down, had dinner, laughed about how weird it was eating
alone in somebody else's house, did the dishes and left. We are still
getting over that one... hahaha it was just weird!!

Friday morning we went out to the temple visitor center with Monica!
She is amazing! She and her friend Coral were emotional the whole
time. The spirit was so strong and tender, Elder Hone and I couldn't
help but get a little emotional too. It turns out, trying to think
about monster trucks and guns doesn't make the tears go away! The
spirit was testifying so strongly, it was a day I won't ever forget.

That night we had dinner with the Webbers in the 3rd Ward! They are so
fun! It was QUITE the experience, one I'll never forget. I love them
so much!


Saturday morning we had SPC with President Leptich, the OC Stake
president! He is so amazing. An Elder in my district, Elder Itaia, is
from the Marshall Islands. He is a greenie. He bore the most
incredible testimony in Marshallese. We didn't understand one word,
yet everyone in that room was moved to tears with the spirit it
brought. I just kept thinking, "Elder Itaia knows the Lord and the
Lord knows Elder Itaia." He may not be able to speak the language very
well, but his spirit is enough to convert anyone. I envy that kind of
testimony that just exudes power.

Sunday was incredible. Monica brought her whole family to church, as
well as this young couple  that were staying over. This little couple
was so humble. Not married, pregnant, and homeless, this couple is
working their hardest to make their lives better for this baby on the
way. I was amazed. The motivation to change their lives is incredible.
They are ready for the gospel. Unfortunately, they live in Clackamas,
which is like 10 miles up the road. But they are around a lot, so
hopefully we get to see them again soon!

This week has brought many tears, but they have been tears of the
spirit. The gospel is sweet to those who look for it. Someone recently
said, "God knows our potential and we reach it when we have faith in
Him." How true that is. I hope we can all press on and reach that
potential!!

And happy Strawberry Days! Elder Hone and I are making our very own
strawberries and cream this week and I finally get to break out my
strawberry days shirt!! Woo woo! I love PG!

With love,

Elder Hall

   

On the OC Promenade!


   

Me and Elder Zimmerman!                    Grandma Beth rose


    


A boat on top of a mini van, OC norm.          Willamette River

   

Willamette River Locks                                            Jesus......Bigfoot?



Me and Mr. Bear in the woods!

"THE BLUFF"

Burger King has fry sauce!

Hey from Oregon! It's been cool and sunny this whole week (except you
know every morning when it rains) but man it has been beautiful.

We had a really fun week this week! Last Monday was Memorial Day, and
a member of the Stake presidency invited all of us over for lunch and
basketball on their outdoor court. It was so fun! The highlight of the
day wasn't that though, it was that we found a bargain market grocery
outlet to go shopping at instead of having to give your firstborn
child in exchange for groceries at Fred Meyer! This is my life.
Excited about cheaper groceries. Hahaha

Tuesday we went to see a recent convert in the 3rd ward. He was
baptized on my birthday last year! Jim is 84 years old and his story
is amazing. The man invented the AP class! He started the very first
AP calculus class here in Oregon City a shmillion years ago (Shmillion
is a new word I picked up out here in the sticks). He is a super
awesome guy! We are excited to go do baptisms for the dead with him
this weekend!

Jim lives near this gorgeous overlook of downtown Oregon City.
Apparently the locals call it "the bluff". Well we didn't know it was
where high schoolers come to smoke weed and drink. So, off we went to
check out the bluff! Well, we got harassed by literally everyone
there. It was like a movie scene. We asked if anyone wanted to talk
more about Jesus and they all laughed at us. One kid, the only kid not
smoking or drinking, said he would like to learn more. All his friends
started making fun of him, but he was serious. We got his number and
set up a time to meet with him. His name? Aaron. I told him there was
a guy named Aaron in the Book of Mormon that was pretty amazing just
like himself. We are so excited to teach him! God really does know
where the elect are, even if it is at the bluff.

We made the gold plates! I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. We
were going to teach some families with little kids and we wanted them
to have a little fun with us! So, we took a 60 pound weight vest from
golds gym and shoved it into the tiniest box we could find. Duct taped
that bugger up, wrapped it all in an old brown sheet, and tied it off
with some bailing twine. They look pretty sweet! I'll send pictures!
The kids loved it so much and had a great time!

Thursday was District Meeting and it was so good. I love my district
so much! They are some incredible missionaries! Later in the day, we
taught our investigator named Debbie (there are SO many Debbies out
here it's ridiculous). I've never felt the spirit tell me to say my
thoughts so bluntly before. Every time you teach someone or talk to
someone, you think of doctrine and truths you could destroy their
argument or complaints with, but the spirit always stops you. Well,
this time it didn't. And it was amazing. She felt the spirit testify
of our truthfulness and she committed to do the things the Lord had
asked her to do! It was so awesome!

Friday just ended up being "let's see how much the missionaries can
lift" day. Literally everywhere we went, someone needed our help
moving something big or carrying this or lifting this. Hahaha it was
great though. I love helping people!

The farmers market on Saturday was tons of fun! We had a grand old
time setting everything up. One of the vendors brought this baby calf
that was only 4 days old! They were having a contest to name her and
the name had to start with an M. So as a district, we entered in the
name, Moorissa. Hopefully we win because that's the greatest name I've
ever heard.


Sunday  is full of meetings. All day. It was exhausting, but always so
worth it. I love to fast and feel the strength that comes from our
Heavenly Father. When we study the scriptures, we must remember that
the time we study is the time we give the Lord to instruct us. Every
day we need guidance, and it's through the scriptures our Heavenly
Father speaks. If you need answers, guidance, love, comfort, and
peace, turn to the scriptures. Feast upon the words of Christ, as the
Book of Mormon so beautifully states. I promise with all my heart, you
will receive what you are in need of. Your life will be filled with
those things it may be lacking. Don't pass this opportunity up!

I love you all! Have an amazing week!

With love,

Elder Hall

    Memorial Day fun!

  

This minivan at the church can fit an impressive             At "the bluff"
amount  of living things inside!

The view from "the bluff!"


 
A gorgeous view from the Wall's home!

         
My fish, cow tongue and beef head tacos!   Building bunk beds for some members!
Yes, they were delicious!


      

Petting the hopeful Moorissa                  The sketchiest ice cream truck I've ever seen!