5.5 hour hike, Pumpkin Carving..and Finding Joy

Life has been crazy this week my gosh!! So first off, my back is not doing good at all. I am going to see a doctor to get x-rays and they even said something about an MRI. I don't, nor does my mission medical nurse think I need one, but man, I'll let you know, or have Sister Floyd inform you how it goes, so you're not in a panic all week haha. But nothing can slow us down. 

We set Kevin (haha) with a date this week, making us 3 with a date. He is set for November 26 and he said 'yes'. Jake passed his interview this week so on Saturday he is making covenants, it is too cool. Even with a bad back, I won't stop or slow down!! The back is getting bad and has moved to parts of my leg, but honestly, I am willing to accept whatever comes my way, it is growing time. 

Elder Bradley

Monday we went on a killer 5.5 hour hike that did a number on me and my body (back more than anything). I did not think it was that big, but the view, oh my. It was truly heavenly!! It was so worth it...kinda haha. 
We had a member make us a big dinner but we were so late because the hike took so long. 

Tuesday I went to the chiropractor again. It did not help, but I did make up for it when we taught Jake and got him ready for his baptism, and mom, I wish you could meet him, he is so humbly prepared. He is just such an amazing kid. 

Wednesday I truly had a change of heart. I was on an exchange and had an okay day, but that night I talked to Elder Judd, the Elder I was with that day. We talked about Christ and why I am serving and I kept saying because it has helped me and that was WRONG. I realized I need to serve because I love Christ and that is all and my heart softened for Him. My companion and I truly just sat all night in awe thinking and pondering and realizing that was it the whole time. Because I have changed my mind set, I cannot even begin to describe the joy that is coming back to me. It feels good to be me again and to be happy and love this work again. 

Friday we had a zone meeting on...JOY of course haha. So it has just been coming to me over and over and it is, I don't even know how to describe it. I feel so good right now, even with the trials I am facing. I feel so much love from Christ and my Father in Heaven. Satan, himself, could not put out this flame and boy, is he trying. 


Saturday I was able to work with Elder Whatcott and he is a great missionary. So young, 2 transfers ot, but already so strong. He gave me a pink slim tie and I gave him a tie that both of us loved so much. He is a great Elder, very outgoing. We picked picked up another LA named A as well this week and the lesson we taught her was so great. Elder Whatcott was bearing his testimony and we both talked about what brought us to missions and it was so good. I honestly had a pretty good week. Our members keep giving me slim ties haha. 
Emma, keeps telling me about this clothing store, Zara. I went to it today, it was cool! Yah, I swear I am not distracted by clothes, well, yea, no hahaha. 

I love you all SO MUCH!!! Keep it up, I love you all !!

Love Elder Routledge