Augusta National Golf Course and Blessings

Hey yall, I aint even gunna front, this past week was the hardest week of my mission so far. new area, a greenie who is older than me by a couple of years, a wreck of a trailer and hardly any work, and separation issues! its weird being in a trailer with just one other missionary and not seeing other missionaries on a daily basis.. its been almost a year since I've lived in just a 2pad. We decided to fast on Friday to help us out, and now looking back, with Sunday and what happened on Saturday, I can see the blessings from fasting.  The previous missionaries left us with a handful of people to see regularly. its a good start I guess. we have a lot of work before us though haha.  

Friday I had probably a life maker. you know that moment you have dreamed of but never really thought it'd happen. Last year my hopes were dashed, but this year they are kindled again! My area is just south of Augusta, we don't cover the city, we mainly cover a lot of the country and then some nice neighborhoods.. hard to describe. but anywho. Friday Elder Sutton and I had to get a tire fixed, we found a nail in one of them. so we headed off to Augusta. Well, on my GPS I noticed a golf course symbol.. uh, you already know! we drove past the members only gate into the Augusta National Golf Course.. oh man. my adrenaline was rushing!! My dreams were a turn away! haha.  

Saturday was an amazing experience. The church building here was built last year, and they had the open house and dedication on Saturday! Oh my goodness, that was an incredible feeling. The way it is built, is so that they can add on to it later when the membership grows and grows! We took people who came in on tours around and just talked about the building. one cool experience I had, I was out on the highway corner with one of the youth waving to cars passing by, and we saw the car pull over and park and this man get out, well me and the 14 yr old walk over to him and start talking, he was going to look at this abandonded house across the road cuz he is a realtor something or other.. ya know, fix it up and sell it.. well he was new to the area from Chicago, and he is working on the power plant that is up the road a bit. we invited him to the open house and then he asked if we had coffee and donuts in there.. haha I laughed and said nope, he didn't know much about the church at all.  well he had to go and wasn't able to come. and unfortunately I didn't catch his number before he left.. shoot.. oh well. So as I left my 14 yr old companion on the corner with some other youth waving, I started walking back to the church, I had left my companion with our ward mission leader and the other missionaries., and as I was walking back to the church, a maybe 50 yard walk, I turned my head and saw President and Sister Cottle driving by! haha, oh it was funny. the one time im walking away from my post!  We had a good laugh about it. But oh, you should have seen my greenies face when I walked in the door behind President Cottle. haha!  

After that, we helped a family move. That was a neat experience. The family who we were kind of helping move had ties back home! to Logan, Smithfield, and Lewiston! it was awesome! it was a weird situation. we moved a family out of a house to their new one a couple streets over, so that the members could move into this one. we were able to make a good friendship with the lady who isn't a member. she had lived in Nicaragua for a while and fed the missionaries there! so cool! where we moved her into was a neighborhood which elder Sutton calls the heart of our area.. its a nice big neighborhood with a lot of potential. it doesn't help me though that it is on a golf course! haha. so nice.   

Sunday church was great. We have a young part-member family that we are working with the husband, such a good guy, he has come regularly since October when they got married! after church we had a really good lesson with them! It was Elder Sutton's first real lesson and we committed Michael to baptism! he has been ready for a while!  I am really excited about this area, even though it was difficult at first, well that's an understatement.. it was more than difficult at first, but I have already grown to love the people here.. for some reason it just is natural for me to be able to connect with people and want to help them.. I suppose I shouldn't say 'for some reason', it it just another testimony to me about patriarchal blessings... I have read mine everyday this week and I know of its power, also prayer and fasting.. it truly does work.  

If you feel like you are slowing down and are all alone, read Mormon ch. 8.. its never that bad for us. so smile :) I love you all!

-Elder Bodily

Transfers and Goodbyes

hey yall,  sorry this email is getting to ya on Wednesday. a bit later than usual.  SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED THIS PAST WEEK. I got transferred again, which was a shock to all of us..  

I got the package from ivy, I loved it! Teancum is grown up so much! I cant wait to see that kid. 

Saturday we went over to a members house and may or may not have joined him in the woods hunting down squirrels. now that dear season is over, he wanted to show em who is boss! so we did! it was great! haha.  we then went back and skinned them! since I got transferred, I wont be able to taste of them.. 

Saturday night we ate at a members house, and while we were talking before dinner we heard and felt this loud BOOM! it literally shook the house. so crazy.. but they didn't even worry. as we were sitting down at the table for dinner, I looked out the front window and saw like 4 sheriffs go by, yet the fam still didn't worry about it. haha, life in the country I guess.  

Sunday was just.. well, incredible.. one of the girls of my family down here spoke, that was awesome to hear on my last sunday. also David White from the Pearson Ward spoke.. I've missed that man. he gave the same talk as when we spoke together last year for Easter. it was so powerful..  one of the hymns we sang was 'Put your Shoulder to the Wheel'.. David doesn't like that song.. that song to him is like, Love at Home for Dad.. just doesn't happen. so as we were all standing and singing, we made eye contact and laughed.  

The rest of the day was filled with goodbye's and heartache. started with Brother Hampton, the man who reminds me so much of grandpa Harold.. As we walked in, he already knew the news, and I could see on his face he was pretty sad.. In their backyard I noticed their well pump was spraying water.. that's not good! 3rd time in 2 years they said. dang.  next we swung down to see Sister Willie Mae Simmons, the 86 year old that was baptized. She had moved down to her sons house.  We didn't warn her we were coming and she had no idea about transfers, but she was understanding. I love that woman so very much.  

Next we went off to the Burton's. They were having a karaoke and kindof goodbye party I guess. but it was planned before we all knew.. we went over and their power was out! oh bless it..  so we went out and took pictures! it was awesome! so much fun.. Thank you Sister Burton!  we went back to the house, and power was still out, so we all loaded up and went over to the Warren's and did the karaoke! so much fun..  

Monday wasn't any easier though we were relaxed when we got pedicures. don't judge. it felt AMAZING! Haha, probably one of my new favorite things. I aint even gunna front about that. haha.  We went to the Warren's again to say our final goodbyes.. Ugh. That is my family! We got there in time to finish splitting some wood they were doing. Inside we talked a bit and just kinda dragged out saying goodbye. no one wanted to.. all my emotions were kept inside.. I just wasn't able to cry on the outside.. I don't think that is a good thing. not at all.  

well transfers happened! I am now in a area called Waynesboro. there are 6 elders in this ward and 2 sisters, but we all have our separate areas.. My greenie is Elder Sutton from SLC. We whitewashed this place.. talk about adding stress to the situation.. and talk about adding more, when we got back, the members whose trailer we live in, yes we live in a single-wide trailer out in the country! apparently the last missionaries left it a mess and so the member cleaned up as much as he could. but the paperwork wasn't really upkept either.. so joy..  I am excited though.. through all the stress, from my study this morning and talking with president yesterday, I know this is where I need to be.. out in the country with my greenie for the last 3 months of my mission.. the Lord sure knows how to humble me to help me stay focused.. 

I love you all. here is my new address!

Elder Bodily

1038 Bennock Mill Road

Augusta GA 30906

Random is right!

I cant believe that it is already another p-day and i have to email yall! oh i mean, i have the priviledge.. haha. just kidding :)  this week was full! spiritual experiences, and lots of fun times too! this is just gunna be a random assortment of things that happened!

Friday our order was ready of some shirts that we made. i got the logo from some other missionary but we finally put it on a shirt! its pretty awesome!! The Dirty South! 

 Thursday night elder beckman and i were out in a neighborhood tracting. it was cold and late, and we were both dressed in our black rain coats. we knocked this neighborhood for like 2 hours.. we meet a lot of people, but the final house the guy opens up and talks with us, then says, yall want some hot chocolate? well sure! anything to get us in the house! haha. it was great. we didnt teach a whole lot, but it was good to connect and feel their spirit. sitting in their home, i couldnt help but feel the spirit. a simple home but the spirit was strong already. the hot chocolate wasnt really that hot, it was luke warm at best. haha.  of course, now its Monday and i've had a cold ever since then! haha. oh well. 

Saturday was just great. We had a meeting in Macon with Elder Neil L. Andersen. It was incredible. words really cant describe the emotions felt there and everything that he taught. It was just so powerful. afterwards practically the whole mission, so 230 or so missionaries went to the macon mall. wow.. haha. so many white shirts and ties and dresses. it was great though. to be able to see my old missionary friends. Towards the end we all gathered together and sang a couple songs! it was pretty awesome.  

Afterwards we came back down the interstate and stopped in Adel and swung by a members house. he was chopping wood. well, using a 22 ton log splitter.. haha. so awesome!  after that we took a Krispe Kreme donut to a part-member family, he is like 75. oh he loved that! haha. he is a hoot. a stubborn old man that reminds me of grandpa harold! 

Sunday night, elder beckman and i had one of the most spiritual lessons i've been in, in a long time. it was with two people we had previously met, just hadnt caught them lately..  once again, words cant describe my emotions there. we were able to bear testimony of everything in the gospel.  they had prayed that very day that someone would be sent to them that would guide them and answer their questions! It was incredible.. it truly was a miracle.  

well everyone.. we have transfer calls this weekend.. i cant believe i have only 3 months left.. time is flying. 

 i love you all! 
Elder Bodily

He did say this was random . . .

New Years and Teaching President and Sister Cottle

Hey yall! 

i hope yall had a good week! Mainly for me, the turning point was New Years. It got me thinking, a lot. DANG! i leave my home here in 3 months and go back to my old home! So much has changed this past year, and i know that this year will just bring more and more changes! Crazy to think about.. I hope everyone came up with some resolutions that they will try to keep and accomplish this year. it comes around every year, yet we always seem to be taken by surprise! 

this week, i sent up to Tifton on exchanges. it was a good time to see a different scenery, but one day was enough for me. I was happy to get back to my 4 pad in nashville. 

New Years Eve was amazing. We went over to a members house for dinner and then he gave us some of his old air force camo stuff! totally scored!! it was awesome! all of us were freaking out haha. He also sells duck calls! totally gunna score here!! 

On New Years Day, we had the opportunity to go and teach President and Sister Cottle. it was fun! we taught them one of the principles that is on a teaching record, then they chose a random one and we had to teach it to them. Short and sweet, it was good!  Afterwards, we over to the Warren's, a family in Adel, and ate lunch with them and chilled and talked.. oh my goodness. i havent had mexican cheesecake before.. so good! They have an 8 yr old daughter that hadnt been baptized yet, but my comp told me last night that they had scheduled it! i must have missed that conversation.. haha. oh well! I am so excited for them!

Sunday here was amazing, as always. I walk into the chapel and i saw the White family from Pearson.. ah i was so happy!! Church was packed, it was a good feeling. The spirit was so strong there. It aint no joke that Sunday's a day to recharge our spiritual battery. I always feel so energized afterwards.  It is incredible to hear about Vlad bearing his testimony. I cant wait to see him when i get home. Well, the library is filling up with a bunch of people! gotta go! i love you all! elder bodily.

on the pic, for those who notice, yes i know i was cross-branching. oh well. :) 

Christmas Parties

Hey yall! I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone.. it was amazing talking with my family.. we had so much fun this week. it doesn't happen much as missionaries, but I do gotta say, we had fun this week and I felt the spirit a lot throughout it. 

Christmas this year has been probably one of the best ever! It was filled with a couple different family's parties.  That was a great feeling. Being around families enjoying each others company was probably my favorite memory.  We did karaoke at one family's house.  KILLED IT!!  It was awesome!  Friday was a somewhat normal day. Weekly planning and lunch at Huddle House.. it was so weird.. christmas was over like that :( oh well.. time goes on.  

On Saturday we did service for a family. It was fun! We took out a window, attempted to put a new one back in, but had the wrong size.. and then we also chopped wood and cleaned up the yard. I was rocking it in my overalls!  Service is always a good way to show your love to people. And it's easy to serve those you love. It's just true. 

Saturday night we went out to dinner with a family here, they took us out to a place called Western Sizzilin'.. It is just a more southern version of Golden Corral.. So good! The family that took us had the funniest 5 year old kid I have ever met! He was just hilarious!  He was a chubby kid and that added to it. The parents agreed! haha. such a good family.  

This Christmas season my heart was always turned back to family, cuz that is all I was surrounded by. It makes me happy to think I can see my family again soon, but also sad, because I have to leave my family down here..  

Church on Sunday was great. It seemed a spiritual day. In every meeting someone was crying.  

Just another p-day today.. nothing too exciting. Just more rain and another tornado watch. oh well! 

I hope you all have a great new years season! Its always a good time to restart and do better. 

I love you all!  

Elder Bodily

His Southern Family

His Forever Family

A Special Baptism

This week went by really quick! 

We were so excited for Saturday and the baptism of Willie Mae Simmons.  

At the church this week, we had a Relief Society dinner that we were the priesthood in the building for  on Tuesday, the ward christmas party Friday, and the baptism Saturday! it was great!  At the party Friday I was able to meet more of the ward here and make friendships!  

Saturday was one of the best days of my life.. The baptism of Willie Mae Simmons was beautiful. Elder Beckman baptized her. It was very neat to see him be able to do that so early in his mission.  During the baptism service, I felt the spirit bear testimony to me that this church is true. I mean, no other way would I be able to feel the same emotions in a room with 100 marine recruits, and then in a room with about 35 people.  Words just can't describe it.  

For dinner Saturday we went to a mexican restaurant that one of our investigators owns. It was so good! Reminds me of El Sol!  But yeah, they may have had the tv on, and the Aggies game was on!! So that was awesome to catch!! haha. GO AGGIES!!  When I got home, I threw on my new Aggie shirt that the Corbetts sent me! The light rays from the light are awesome! hahah. 

Sunday was great. It was the ward christmas program here in nashville. It was really good and then we went to the stake center for the stake christmas program. That was amazing too. I saw a couple people from one of my old areas!  Him and his band played some bluegrass versions of christmas songs and a hymn I'd never heard before, #336, School Thy Feelings. It was amazing.  

Well, times up! People are waiting!!  

I hope yall have a merry christmas! 

love,

elder bodily

Willie Mae Simmons

Thank you, Corbett Family!

New Area: Nashville, Georgia

hey everyone!  

I was transferred back down to the good ole south georgia country!  I am now in a town called Nashville! no, not Tennessee... oh well haha. I am really excited to be here, even though it killed me to leave Beaufort...  

Our first week here didn't really feel like I was here. We had 2 big meeting on thursday and Saturday. Thursday was just a zone meeting in Tifton, and then Saturday we had a huge 4 zone Christmas conference in Macon! A Member of the 70 spoke to us for a little while on applying scriptures to our lives and being able to move forward and grow. The rest of the meeting was just a big testimony meeting from certain people.. no movie.. no ipad..boo!! oh well. we just got word this morning that we will be having a mission wide conference in January with a member of the Quorum of the 12!  That is exciting! 

A few things from this week though. Our area covers quite a big area. I'm excited. Here in Nashville, my first night, they were having a big dinner for the older ladies and single women. It was a party, we of course were invited to it, so it was a good way to kick this area off!    

On Friday, we had our weekly planning party at the house, so I got a little bit more aquainted with the area, and then after we went to Huddle House! A member owns it so yeah.. free food twice a week! We usually hit it up on mondays and fridays. While we were there, an older gentleman sat behind a glass divider parallel to us. He reached his arm around and handed us some little papers from his church.  One of them said "Are you Decieved?"  Haha, it was pretty funny. So we handed him a "He is the Gift" card.  

Later on that day, we went up to the hood here in town and played some ball with a bunch of peeps. It was pretty legit. haha. My comp is 6' 5" and he can't play basketball to save his life.. haha. he knows it too.  

In one of our towns, there is a part member family. The husband/grandpa isn't a member, he is hilarious.. the elders warned us about him.. I am excited to get to know him better. haha. 

We have one lady right now, she is 85 years old, and the missionaries met her about a month or 2 ago.. she is incredible.. probably one of the most elect ladies I have met. She is getting baptized this Saturday! She is amazing. Willie May Simmons is her name.  

Church on Sunday was great.  This ward just got a new bishopric, ward mission leader, elders quorum pres, and young mens pres. so a lot of changes, but PEC on Sunday was great. The ward is excited. They had me and Elder Hatch, the other new missionary, speak briefly. It was very powerful. as I spoke, I could feel the spirit. I knew that this is where I need to be now.. no matter how bad I miss Beaufort, Nahsville is where I have work to do now.

I love you all! here is my new address.

Elder Bodily 

504 W. Hull Ave

Nashville Ga 31639

i love you all!