Week 13 - Tupelo, Mississippi.. Home of Elvis Presley

Hello!

We had a pretty great week. Here's a few of the highlights in no particular order.

This is someone's front yard... The South is so random.

My bike is finally put together and working! We took it to a hipster bike shop in Florence called The Spinning Spoke, where a guy named Eero did a complete tune up. We got to ride this week, which was a super nice change of pace. So glad it's finally coolng down now that my bike is working!.. total coincidence I swear ;)

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Ew, so we knocked a door this week, and I looked down to see what was crawling on my feet. Sister Nielsen and I were COVERED in FLEAS.. I started freaking out obviously, and knocked our bikes over trying to get out of there. There aren't any sidewalks in Alabama, so we trudge through a lot of sketchy stuff.

We met the coolest 13 year old boy named Preston. We'd originally talked to his older brother about the Book of Mormon, but he referred us to Preston, who he said would be more interested. Preston lives with his mom and two older brothers, and has never really had religious influence in his life. His older brother told us that Preston had recently learned about the Bible, and downloaded an app on his phone and started reading it by himself. One night we decided to take Preston his own copy of the Bible and Book of Mormon, and had a really cool discussion with him. This kid is like a 13 year old Nephi! I love him so much. He just told us that he feels happy when he reads  the Bible, so he started taking himself to the church down the street every Sunday and Wednesday night too. I told him that he reminded me of one of my favorite scripture heros because of his influence on his older brothers, and determination to come closer to God, no matter what anyone else said. He was all smiles, and was so excited to start reading about Nephi. We'll see him again tomorrow.

We had exchanges this week, which means I finally got to leave Red Bay for a while.. PRAISE THE LORD, as they say here in the South. We did service at an event called Week of the Family, with a bunch of other missionaries in the Tupelo South Zone. There were a bunch of free activities for families, including blow up bounce houses and slides. Sister's Gondawe, Cullimore, and Abney and I manned the snow cone machine.

Left to right: Sisters Abney, Bullimore, Gondawe, (Can’t remember), ME, and Grant.

Every Friday morning we volunteer at a thrift store/museum run by the Bishop's mom. Her name is Jane, and her and her husband are two of my favorite people in The Bay. They aren't members, but Bishop says they have really opened up since having missionaries in town. The dad LOVES talking to the Sisters ;) he's a very funny guy. Anyway, the museum is dedicated to Red Bay's railroad history (You'd love it dad!) and Tammy Wynette, who was born in Red Bay. You guys know how much I love old stuff..

Favorite part of the week was our Zone activity yesterday! (before we found out the internet in town was out, and I wouldn't be able to email my fam). We went on a much needed hike!! So pretty.. pictures will be attached. I miss my mountains!!

Love you guys