Week 49 & 50

Happy (late) New Year!! 🎉🎊💐

So I had finished writing this email, but the whole thing deleted itself, so my 2021 is not off to a great start 😒 But we did have transfers right between Christmas and New Year's, and here whatcha gotta know... 

Things that didn't change:

- I'm still a Zone Leader 💪😤

Things that changed:

- For the first time since June, I'm finally not in a trio........ 😲! I am now with the stud himself, Elder Bowles! He's from Oregon and was serving in Argentina for 6 months before getting reassigned to this mission cause of COVID

- I also moved out of the Copper Hills 5th ward and am now covering the Rancho Vista ward

- I moved to a different, great and spacious basement that actually has carpet, so I'm bouta have some nice floor naps 😪

- I am now in the 💪West Valley Zone👌🏼 

I had an absolute blast freezing my butt off on Ensign Peak recording the music video for my arrangement of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", and I'm glad it turned out super well! Check it out on my Facebook page if you haven't already. I Know That My Redeemer Lives - Virtual Choir

Also, my New Year's Eve was... the best. We had planned some district activities with other missionaries, buuuuut we were informed last minute that no missionaries were allowed to be outside of their apartments after 6pm. So with all plans canceled, we spent the night watching The Prince of Egypt and The Other Side of Heaven while enjoying some apple cider... alone. 

And I'm excited to see how this transfer turns out as well. It should be great! 

(Weeks consisting of 12/29/20 - 1/4/21 and 1/5/21 - 1/11/21) 

Elder Terry 

Fotos:

1) ❤️ Elder Bowles ❤️ and I

2-4) The music video squad

5) Someone was taking a picture of the view, so someone took a picture of that person taking a picture of the view, so then someone took a picture of someone taking a picture of that person taking a picture of the view, so someone took a picture of.... 

6) I think one of the weirdest introductions into a new zone is spending a p-day having a Bey Blade tournament with my district, and I haven't laughed so hard of people taking kids' toys so seriously

7) This is what we look like every time someone doesn't answer us

Week 47 & 48

Merry (very late) Christmas everyone! 

When I thought of what Christmas would be like on the mission, I did not think it was gonna be anything like what it actually turned out to be! For starters, we live in the basement of the coolest family in the world (besides mine of course), the ❤️ Aldridge family ❤️. Near the beginning of the transfer, they sent us off to go pick out a Christmas tree for our basement... and not a fake tree either, but a real, carbon dioxide-breathing tree🎄! That was the first time I'd ever seen a real tree in my life, so check that of my to-do list. 

After that, the Aldridge family invited us to spend Christmas Day with them opening presents, celebrating, and playing Christmas bingo 💯. It actually felt like I was home a little bit going around in a circle opening gifts, with the occasional arguing between the kids and the parents of course. And they were so kind as to get each of the missionaries some gifts as well 😊

I also appreciate all of the awesome gifts from my parents and family, and the youth from my home ward!! It was so nice to hear from all of you, and although it took a couple of years to clean up the confetti that you stuffed in the package, I appreciate the kind words and gifts from all you studs 😉

I know Christmas isn't about getting, but I was genuinely thrilled to receive every little thing from all of you (and it wasn't just because of my low expectations for Christmas 😅). Know that you helped me to feel God's love for me through everything that I received. 

I love you all, and to all a good night! 

(Weeks consisting of 12/15/20 - 12/21/20 and 12/22/20 - 12/28/20) 

Elder Terry 

Fotos:

1) Christmas morning with the Aldridge family

2-4) Once again, thank you for all the packages, notes, and snacks! I am forever grateful

5) One of the coolest members in our ward, Hermano Giovanni Jimenez, hooked us up with some pizza on Christmas Eve 

6) We had some fun with the district on Christmas Eve and Day, and ate a ton! 

7) We had a really fun Christmas Zone Conference, which consisted of District VS District challenges, and our District won!! Here's us on the winner's podium

8) One of the challenges was to draw the nativity scene on a paper plate facing up on top of your head. And here's my super sick drawing that got me first place 🥇

9-10) WE FINALLY WENT BOWLING 🎳