Hey Everybody!

Well, here is how my week went! Elder Powell is now the zone leader in Ashburn and I was bummed to see him go. At first things were tough getting used to the mission and daily life but I really became close with him. I then figured out that they would take our car and we would be on bike! WHAT?! NO!! Our area is so big and there are some roads we are not allowed to go on because they don't want any missionaries dying! ;)

I am now with Elder Fitzgerald who is from Rexburg Idaho. He is a fun guy and it has been pretty good with him so far. I have been very stressed because now it is on me to know the area, the people and the members. He is supposed to finish training me but I feel like I am more in charge. Elder Fitzgerald is a soft spoken guy! But he is funny and I am learning from him. President told me in an email that Elder Powell told him good things about me and that the Lord put me with someone who has only been out for about 5 months for a reason. I know that during this time I will be able to see a lot of growth in myself if I work hard and rely on the Lord.

Why does Virginia have so many hills?! They are just these slowly rising hills and they are killer. It has been tough. But in the days so far that we have been out we truly have seen great things happen. I know that we are being blessed for working hard on bike and truly trying our best. I know that I am new but the Lord has guided me to where we should be more than I could have imagined!

Conference was great this weekend! We watched the sessions in different members homes and the messages were great! They talked a lot about member missionaries and also how important the family is! I loved being on a mission and listening because you truly can apply all the talks to missionary work somehow. What were your thoughts on the talks?

The Government being shutdown has actually been very noticeable. I know of a few people who are on furlough. Its really sad but I hope that leads to us being able to talk to more people! I am not sure  why it is shut down because we really don't hear much but I know it has affected people here.

I love hearing about and from the kids and their stories! Make sure they take time to write me!!

We are trying now to work with part members better! I will make sure to tell you how that goes and see what we can do! Thanks for all the advice! Love you all! You are amazing! Be safe and have a great week!

Love,
Elder Westover :))