Barrie - Rolled Ankle, Getting Fed and Narnia - BONUS Birthday Message for Josh

Dear Family, has it already been 6 weeks? It's nuts!!

This week has been HOT HOT HOT the humidity is crazy! But it is super fun to see Barrie set up for a summer carnival with rides and music fun stuff. The apartment is something I have now gotten used to and love the moment of the day when I get home and am able to just put on my moccasins and just chillax on the couch, read the bible ect. Right now I am doing my personal studies in the New Testament and have started from the beginning and now am in John so good learning of the life of the Savior and his apostles. In my spare time I read Old testament and have gotten to Exodus with Moses throwing down on Pharaoh! woot woot! 

Guess what?! Our investigator Alec finally came to church yesterday he was so excited he even knew people there and was just a champ. We have also met with a lady Brenda who is a newly widow and is kinda...not all there I think, but she has the biggest garden ever and gives us fresh veggies and herbs. We taught her the Plan of Salvation and I think it went well, so loved when she heard she can be with her husband again. 

I am so happy to hear from the Wynders, Muirheads, Larsens, Cranmers and friends! It has been so great to hear from all of you and again thank you so much for your love and updates on life while I'm away. Nana I have been trying to do those exercises from your buddy Jeff and it is so helpful, would you ask him for something to help relax my neck and shoulders for me? that would be such a help. I think my favorite part of reading letters is hearing how my little cousins are getting such strange injuries, as bad as that sounds! But either way it brings me close to home in some weird way haha. 

The members have been inviting us for dinner every day this week so nice, I feel I may start to gain some weight soon...hopefully not to much. Our fridge is now packed and hardly needed to shop today. 

OUCH!

Last Preparation day I injured my ankle in Basketball and rolled it so bad = sprained it! 

But still as my foot increased in size and pain I also increased with my determination to press on with a "Steadfastness in Christ" and pushed on anyhow. It is now normal sized and just a little sore but The lord has sped up my recovery thankfully. 

My favorite quote from someone so far is from Alec our investigator he is reading the Book of Mormon and we followed up with him and he said "Hey the Book of Mormon is good, like almost as good as Narnia!" HAHAHA we died! He has come a ways He believes in the Prophet and the Book of Mormon and loves church so exciting.

Another strange thing we get alot is people yelling out of there cars at us saying "hail satan!" or " I worship satan!" to which we use the following saying after "We know, that's why we are here!" We were happy to hear one or two shouts saying "praise Jesus" or "God rules!" haha so just a little look into the Barrie area.

My testimony of the prophet Joseph smith has been strengthened so much I know for a fact that he is a man called of God and that this is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. 

A few new goals I have been setting lately, I read the points on prayer in 'Preach my Gospel' to build my conversations with the Lord, and I read at least once my Patriarichal Blessing a week. Such a help but I think the best help for myself that I've done is read my favorite scripture Matthew 11:28-30. 

Elders in my District - Pyramid of Success HAHA!

I am going on another Exchange to Orillia this evening with Elder Gartner this time, they're putting the greenies together it will be sweet!!! 

Thanks Mom for the family pics today, Sweet!!

Continue to send me updates!
With Love

Elder Muirhead

P.S.
Oh and tell the Sisters and Cheyenne thank you for the letters!
P.S. Our new Mission Pres. President Clayton from Salt lake sounds pretty cool. Can't wait to meet him someday. 
ps.....running out of Birthday oreos lol

Oh Mom I would love to try that natural sleep stuff you mentioned! You asked about what music I'd like and I feel like some bagpipe music for some reason....anyways think you can look something up for me that would be sweet!

It's Elder M's Mom here, when I saw his pic this week I said: "I think you're even better looking now kiddo - holy smokes! Keep that gorgeousness under a bushel. HAHA" I told him that I Love his Guts and he replied "Hey my guts are pretty loveable I guess. Not that I have seen them but I still appreciate their presence."

JOSH!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!!! Finally "13" I hear. It's so great you are now among teenagers my friend, that means a few more things to do and watch out for. Here's a few tips on the life of a teen put into 3 main lessons I learned...maybe even the hard way.

#1- Mom and Dad are always right!!!! We come from a righteous family J that means the the Gospel is in our life to help in guiding our decisions including our Parents. Whatever they ask you to do whether it is a chore, curfew or maybe a little talk too, it is out of love and is for your growth into manhood from the help of the Holy Ghost.

#2- Your friends are nice but sometimes their habits are Not. Be careful who you spend your time with and always remember who you are and who you represent, the Lord and  Muirhead family members! If someone asks something of you that you know to be wrong don't even think about it!!! So not worth it! Dare to stand with the armour of God (ephisians 6: 13-18) look up the mormon message "Dare to stand alone" by Pres. Monson he really sets a great point.

#3- you may be a teenager now and feel pretty high and mighty or even invincible this does not mean that girls on on the table right now! I would ask you to not worry about that till 16+ when you can actually date, because now is the time when you need to learn how to be responsible and set your standards and potential in life, and that comes with dedication and focus! 

BONUS #4- You are a child of an immortal being our heavenly father who loves you no matter what happens!! PLUS you are a brother to Elder Muirhead and someday I hope that you will aspire to reach and claim that title of Missionary as Dad, Papa, Uncle Conor  etc. and I have now done! So many blessings come from preparing to serve a mission, start now read your scriptures, say your prayers and know that I may be far In Ontario but my love Trancends Distance for my family members that means you too!!!

I love you Josh and wish to know how you are doing in the world of a teeny bopper. ;) 

keeping you posted on the Lords work

Your Bro 

Elder Dylan Muirhead

Barrie - Tornado, Oreos and Miracles

Dear Family,

We had an exchange on Monday and Tuesday in Orillia with Elder Teatao from New Zealand it was so much fun, we taught a FHE lesson and rocked it! This was also the day where a Tornado warning came in the area, a member actually called us saying, "Don't go out, I know you won't listen but careful." He was right, we totally ignored that haha. It was so sunny for the morning, then it poured with rain. The whole day we made jokes saying that everything that happened to us was a sign of a tornado, we laughed all day!

Week 3 In Barrie has been very slow in our efforts, we have tried very hard but our appointments bombed and no one wished to meet with us. Alec didn't make it to church and scared us with his comment basically saying he is feeling so good he sees no need to be baptised, Not on my watch! I told him the importance of Baptism and Patience, I promised him many more blessing awaiting the end of the tunnel. Later In the week we had a discussion about his issues and concerns with commitments. The spirit was so there and helped us to knock the ball out of the park, he is now so excited to come to church and make those goals achieved. We met a man named Adam this week and he studies religion, science and the world news 4-5 hours a day!!!! OH NO!! or so we thought he was actually facinated by the lessons and things we told him and we will see him later in the week again. 

Another miracle was a man named Chris who just got let out of prison that week, most humble guy I've ever met! Amazingly he contacted us from the other side of the bus stop. He is prepared to change his life for his family and find God so he can prove it to the world and himself. He's so cool. 

At the start of my mission I got a blanket from the Mission President and his wife, and I put it in the wash and ever since I have had puff balls all over my stuff it is so frustrating, but I finally after 3 weeks of laundry I have resolved the issue!

Recently I have been studying for our Zone conference topic "light vs dark" It is incredible to learn about both sides of the coin, and I also have been learning more about Joseph Smith with Elder Baumgartner listening to a few lectures my dad sent me by Truman Madsen, so well done.

I am doing so great Mom! My testimony is increasing, my influence in teaching is growing and I am Happy most days, It's such a blessing. I love the messages from the kids and you and Dad so much I look forward to reading them each night I can. I'm Now enjoying the Field bad times and all! I'm finding its worth in my refining!! Thank you family.

Friends and Family I love you all your messages and prayers are felt and I return them with my own. I am excited to continue the next 23 months left on the mission and see the miracles and works of God. I continually pray for our family Mom and those who need the Lords influence. Thank you for the package of Birthday oreos and fuzzy peaches! Plus the superhero card was awesome!

Love, 
Elder Muirhead

PS: We'll got some appointments to go to LOVE YOU MOM!!!!! I'll hand write you this week promise!!! TALK WITH YOU SOON <3 

PPS: Tell Brigs I'm printing this right now and making it a planner cover to carry with me. haha I love it Brigs!

Brigs note to Elder Muirhead said: "Dear Brother, you are awesome! Eat pie and teach the gospel. I miss you beating us up. Love Brigs!"