December 23, 2014

Hey!!!

This week was incredible. Last week was VERY hard, but this week was very rewarding. It was still hard! But we saw so many miracles. We found a family of 5, a family of 4, 2 friends of some youth here, and two sisters from Russia. All in one week. The Lord was very merciful this week and it was so relieving. Now we're going to do everything we can to keep them. We've been really really blessed. This week was also our Christmas Conference (I'll send pictures), interviews with President, and zone training. Busy week! This one will be too, I hope.

Anthem is really a great place. Yes, lots of rich people, but so many good people too. This last week we were asked to be a part of a family's scavenger hunt and so the people at the party would have to find out where we were and come and take a "Selfie" with us. But when they came to find us, they brought us stacks of presents. I was really surprised, but felt so thankful. It was so nice of them to think of us and go out of their way for us. This ward is excellent. It's pretty small, but it's got variety all around. Well balanced between old people and little kids. Got a decent amount of youth. What I love about this ward is that those who are active are really converted. The majority of them don't go through the motions, but are willing to lift extra if they need to. It's a good ward for sure. There's lots of doctors offices around, dentists, orthodontics, real estate offices, and law offices. We have (get this) a private airport that's also in our area. We live in one of two apartment complexes, which is where we're able to talk to the most amount of people. I'm making some good friends here, too. 

Being a zone leader is good! In interviews, President Snow told me that the most important thing about the mission is the missionaries. He said God can get baptisms when He wants too. But He allows us to participate because we need to learn to be the leaders of the Church someday. So he said that as leaders, we have to go before them to provide them a safe environment to progress, experiment, and learn for themselves. It helped me shape my focus for who I want to be. I want to be someone who provides people opportunity to reach their potential. He's a wise man! I would say the hardest part is dealing with all the little minor details of day to day leadership while still juggling the bigger picture stuff AND the work in my own area. But I really love being a Zone Leader. It's fun :) 

I'm happy and healthy. Enjoying every day as best I can. Trying not to worry too much. I'm getting much better at that. Please tell Amanda I'm so so happy for her. She looks happy :) That's so good to see. 

Love you guys! 

Elder Norton 

These are pictures of a group of some of my close friends on the mission. We all served together in Paradise and now we're all back together again in the same zone. :) Also, I got to see President Snow- ho- ho!