Christmas in Gadsden

We have been really bad at updating this blog for Ben. We'll do better this year! We were able to talk to Ben on Christmas. We all agreed that it was so good to hear his voice. My dad carried around the phone in his pocket just waiting for him to call. We all got a chance to talk to him. Even Ben's friend Anthony came over to talk as well. What a great Christmas present for each one of us - to be able to talk to our cute Elder. Ben is doing well and is loving his mission. It was fun because he talked to each one of us about something a little different. Ben was thrilled because they had changes on Christmas Eve and he found out that he would be staying in Gadsden. He did get a new companion. His last companion was from Nephi, Utah and his name was Elder Kendall. They were only companions for 6 weeks. Ben received a new companion on Christmas Eve. His name is Elder Shelton and he's from Cache Valley, Utah. Ben says they clicked from day one. They get along great. He is a snowboarder and wakeboarder and is only a couple months older then Ben.

David Weaver's baptism was incredible. The font was really cold. When they got out of the font and into the changing room Ben asked David how it went and how he felt. With tears in his eyes David said, "I feel like a new man. I know that where I am is where I'm supposed to be." Ben couldn't tell us enough how much he loves being a missionary.

They spent Thanksgiving at the William's house. Sister William made 51 pies. Ben said he was so stuffed that it wasn't funny! Several of the women in Alabama have contacted my mom either through email or phone calls. They can't say enough good things about Ben. They all love him to death down there. It's good to know that Ben is in such good hands over the next 2 years.

Ben said that the other morning he and his companion went running. They said they should have a prayer before they went. When they were done praying they saw a man standing next to them that was praying with them. He said, "Oh, you are already done?" So they prayed again with him. He told them that he saw them praying so he decided to pull over so he could pray with them as well. He said it was pretty amazing. Ben couldn't stress enough how much he loves this church and how he loves having a spiritual experience everyday.

They had another baptism set on Dec. 28th. It was for Quentin Jenkins. Quentin's parents even came to his baptism. They are both baptists but were really excited for him and were completely supportive. After Quentin's baptism they went over to the William's home where Brother William baptized Westley Gaines in the river. President Tate said they can baptise in the river if the investigator wants them to. He said it was pretty amazing. He said he got a little muddy but he cleaned up okay. It was a pretty neat baptism, one he will remember for the rest of his life.

Ben received all of our packages (that's what happens when you have 4 sisters) and saved all of the presents under his little Christmas tree until Christmas morning. They went to the Kennedy's for Christmas breakfast and he called us after they were done eating. My mom also found out that in their ward they leave a box at the church that says, "Food for the Missionaries." Members will drop food for the missionaries for the week. We thought that was such a neat idea. It made my mom feel good to know that they have plenty of food.

Last week they went to Locust Fork to do team-ups since Ben is the district leader. He said there is A LOT of country there and more cows than people. They don't have any baptisms right now but they are working hard for another one. He asked everyone to pray for him because he needs it.

Last P-Day they went bowling. He was really excited about it. They also set up on Tuesday nights a basketball league. They play at 6 o'clock and anybody can come that wants to play. They have been getting a lot of investigators out of it. It's been very successful in finding new people.

Ben was thrilled because they got permission to watch the Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Utah. Ben said he'd be routing for Utah the whole game.

Ben loved talking to everybody on Christmas. He loves being a missionary and loves the work. He loves the Church and knows it's true. He has no doubt in his heart that Joseph Smith is a true prophet. He loves his family and hopes everyone has a great New Year's.