Hiking, Habanero Peppers and Wildfires

White Face Hike

Monday was good. We went and hiked White Face, it was a very cool hike. It was hot but very fun and I got some good pictures. We also got haircuts, so I'm looking all sharp. 
Tonight we went and had a bbq at the Ruppert's and they inspired us to habaneros and we DIES, THEY WERE SO FETCHING HOT!!!!!! It was like 100 times hotter than Jalapeno peppers and I seriously had a headache that killed me and made my hurt all night. Seriously the hottest thing I have ever eaten. I actually had two this week, the second time was not nearly as bad but it still sucked. 

Habanero Peppers

Tuesday was the day after Monday, so..good. We went and did some service at the dog shelter, then picked up Brother Morris and took him to a lesson with a less active member he is good friends with. It was a pretty good lesson, and he had some good insight. We had dinner with them later than night so it was a good day today. 

New Haircut

Wednesday we did service for a part member family and it was crazy. There was a path to their house with stuff on both sides 6 feet high. It was nuts. I had to leave early because it was so bad. After that we had a nice lunch with a member in our ward. They set up a big bbq so that was cool. After lunch we had a lesson with a recent convert. She is the lady that has a strong testimony and a cool conversion story. We had a strong lesson with her and she just broke down and talked to us about her struggles. It was cool to see the trust she has in us. I just love serving...well tonight was a bit hard, we got got fed so much it was a struggle ;) We went to Bob's. He is the guy that gave us a bunch of food a few weeks back. We had a huge rib bbq there and oh so good !!

Sisters heading to Brazil 

Thursday was weekly planning day so you know, it was okay. Then, because we have 2 sisters who got their Visas to Brazil, we went to a nice pie shop, like Denny's, and had breakfast and signed journals and all that fun stuff. That night we had a good sports night. Yeah, that was today. 

Friday was our last full district meeting with all of us. We had a very powerful testimony meeting in the chapel with the 6 of us, and boy was that spirit strong. When you get 6 powerful missionaries to bare their testimonies, well boy, you'd better hold on. 
It was a good day, but your probably wondering about the photos of the fire. So...there was a huge fire in Simi Valley. It was kinda cool. They had water bombers going and fire trucks everywhere. They were closing streets ,but we were fine because it was on the hill and not in the city area, but cool to see. I survived a Cali wild Fire :-D

Simi Valley Fire

Simi Valley Fire

Simi Valley Fire on the hill 

That night we had a really deep meeting with a member. He is very wise and we got into some intense talk about Solomon's Temple and some of the symbolism of the temple. DON'T WORRY we did not talk about anything we were not supposed to, more of the outside symbols and the power behind the temple. It was just cool. 

Hard At Work 

Saturday we had a cool bbq up at a ranch with a member in our ward. It was cool, Elder Comin killed a gopher by running it over with a car while driving up there. I just had to tell you that (gross!!). Then later than night, we met up with a less active member we have not seen in forever. It was cool to catch up with him and we tried to get him  to church. In time, we will get S to church. 

Sunday we had church and that was cool. We had a young man bare his Farewell testimony and that was cool to see. After we had a nice bbq with our Elders Quorum and that was a nice, fun night. 

Departing Missionary 

Tonight we went to Quinn's farewell party and it was cool. We got some pictures and stuff and he said he will write me, so it was very cool.
After we went and gave blessings for comfort on their journeys to the 2 sisters leaving for Brazil. I honestly have no idea what I said to the one Sister in her blessing, but I just remember saying 'Amen' and feeling so good. The spirit was incredible, it was one of the strongest spirits I have felt on my mission, it was cool. They we said our last bye to them and headed home.
My comp and I were having way too much fun with our cameras. Too bad I can't send videos home because some are soo funny. 

Well mom, I love you. Dad, Shel and Scott I love you. And Scott you and Niss are looking good in that photo. (I sent a photo taken of Scotty & Narissa all dressed up). Seriously, Thank you all so much for all that you do for me out here. I love you and you 4 are my heroes. My family and best friends, I love you all and Bless you with a great week. 
Til next week....MUAH !!!!

Elder Routledge

Elder Routledge's District