This week was really fun. My training #2 at the Mission Office was mostly on getting us excited for the work again and some new ways to find and teach. Because  of all the meetings my companion had for ending his mission and what not, I got to spend a few days with the Zone Leaders, either in a trio or on splits. The Zone Leaders are in the Mt. Barker area. It is an area that I really want to serve in. The members are amazing and the people seemed cool as well. My Zone Leaders, Elder Norman and Elder Sawada(who was unfortunately transferred to Darwin) are awsome. I got to spend a lot of time specifically with Elder Sawada.  He is from Japan and a very hard working missionary. 

The best part was having Thanksgiving with some members and then having another feed a few days later. But the most interesting meal appointment  we had was with some members that had a Japanese exchange student. Elder Sawada was able to teach her a bit and we had a Japanese feast. Miso soup and rice that is famous in japan and a few other things. Im sure Grandpa Ridge will love to hear about it. 

Transfers happened and my new companion is Elder Matson, from Idaho. He is excited about the work which is awesome.   He likes to talk a lot which is good some times but other times it can be tough to get quiet. But it is alright to have differences. (Glad he's learning this early on!)

Portland also got a new elder who is from NZ and is Tongan who has some cool stories.(The missionaries in Portland often come to Mt Gambier for P-day and stay overnight with Taylor and his companion for church. That's why he talks about the Portland Elders so much). 

This week has actually been really long and I am glad. But it's time to get back to work. The gospel is true and I feel your prayers every day because  sometimes they are the only thing that keep me going when it is tough.  

Staying in Mt Barker during transfer week with the Zone leaders Elder Sawada and Elder Norman. Taylor's trainer, Elder Hymas is in the red hoodie. 

The Australian countryside.

  

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