Merry Christmas, part 2

On Monday, I got a hair cut from a member and hung out with them for a bit. After having breakfast for dinner (my favorite!) with some members, Elfer Bresnahan and I got to go out with Santa Claus as his elfs and deliver presents to a few kids! It was so fun to watch the kids faces and their reactions. After Santa dropped us back off at a members, we ended our evening by playing some games with members. What a fun Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning, Elder Baba and Osgood came over to our apartment and opened some presents with us. Thanks everyone for all the gifts and letters and prayers that have been sent my way! After playing with our new deck of Phase 12 cards and listening to some of our new music, we rode through the rain over to a member's house who had our whole district over for breakfast. It was so yummy! They're awesome! Christmas wouldn't be the same without the members. They spoil us. I'm grateful.

After dropping by the Taylors and calling you guys, we rode through some more rain and stopped by our investigator family to hang out for a few hours. We played a couple games of Uno Speed and Catch phrase. It was cool to just be able to hang out and become better friends with them. We came back later in the evening and played some more games with them just before heading home too.

For dinner that night we went over to our reactivated less actives and had prime rib, yorkshire pudding, mashed taters, and string beans. Yumo! When we first arrived at their house we chatted for a bit, they went into prepare the food some more and I was so tuckered out by that time that I just drifted off into sleepy land for a bit. Haha. It was a long fun day!

This morning we had a great district meeting and afterwards I was able to interview yet another candidate for baptism in our district! I'm absolutely loving being able to be apart of so many baptisms even though we haven't been able to have our own (yet!). It's been such a blessing and it makes me want to be better and better -- after all I am constantly teaching and asking people to change their lives for the better, so I ought to be doing so myself everyday. The Gospel has helped me do that so well. That's the greatest gift I think I've been given ever - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's also the one I've most enjoyed giving.

I hope everyone's had a great holiday season! Even though it's wrapping up with New Years this next week, I pray that we will all remember to keep the Spirit of Christ with us. Just like we come to Church every week to partake of the Sacrament and remember Christ then, Christmas is a yearly thing that we do to remember Him. So let's not let it be put to waste by going back to our old ways. New Years Day is a great way to wrap up the holidays by helping us remember what we've been blessed with, what we need to do, and then to set the goals and get to it! I know I need to do so.

I love you all. Keep a very merry Christmas in your heart.

Merry Christmas!

'T was the week before Christmas. . .

Last P-day we went downtown Portland again because Elder Bresnahan and another Elder in the district hadn't been there yet. Voo Doo doughnuts is the same old same old and there's still plenty of weird, crazy people down there. Haha. It's always fun traveling the max with a few other missionaries though. Since it was more missionaries this time there seemed to be less crazy people coming up to us and yelling at us... less, but there was still some. lol.

After dinner that evening we had an appointment cancel, so we decided to go tracting. I twisted Elder Bresnahan's arm enough so that he and I ended up singing duets of Christmas Carols when we came to each door. People were far less irritated and even though everyone still said "I'm not interested" in the end, it felt more satisfying to deliver the Spirit of Christ without them having as much of a patronizing idea about us.

Tuesday I joined Elder Baba in his area (my old area), Sunset Hills, for an exchange while Elder Bresnahan split with the other Elder in Oak Hills. Oddly enough, Elder Baba and I both agreed that it felt like nothing had changed since we were companions and it felt like just another day. Haha. It was good to see a few members in the area that I haven't seen in a while, in addition to going to the Portland Temple Visitor Center in the evening with a former investigator of mine. 

A productive and happy week for the "Elfers"

Last P-day the Vances took us shopping at Winco for groceries and afterwards, Sister Vance and I made the yummiest chocolate candies - all it takes is Oreos, cream cheese, and chocolate chips. I had fun baking with her. She's so sweet.

On Tuesday, I couldn't take it any more and punched Elder Bresnahan's light's out! Haha. No, not really. But we did take him to the dentist to get some work done and he had one of his front teeth removed to be replaced temporarily by a flipper tooth on a retainer. He has taken a liking to popping his tooth in and out while we're talking to people and freaking them out. Now he really does have the right to say that all he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth. Lol. We came back after Elder Bresnahan's surgery was done and hit the streets to tract.

In the evening, I was able to have another meeting as District Leader with the Zone Leaders and the Stake President. The Stake President is super enthused about missionary work and he is only making our job easier. It's such a blessing to be able to counsel with him and see what we can do more to help him.

On Wednesday, I had yet another opportunity to give a baptismal interview - my second one in the last week, and from what my Elders have told me, the district will give me many more opportunities for such a blessing in the near future. Even if Elder Bresnahan and I can't personally have a white Christmas, the month of December has already proven to be blessing us with a 'surrounding blizzard' of baptisms.  This interview, I was much more calm and it felt as though I had been doing it for years. Surely, this was attributed to the Spirit of the Lord and not simply my own abilities or capacities. The candidate I was interviewing was extremely prepared and I felt God whisper to me that he was ready. What a wonderful thing.

On Thursday, we couldn't wait until our appointment that evening with our new family we're teaching. Our anticipation wasn't disappointed. When we arrived at the family's apartment, we were a little uneasy in wondering if they had forgotten or scheduled a party instead of our appointment because they had several other people over and they were watching the football game. The visitors explained that they were just there for dinner and that they were planning on heading out as soon as we got there. We offered them to stay if they wanted and .. they did for the whole lesson! It turns out the visitors were the sister and kids of our family they too were a part-member family.  After the prayer when we were getting up to leave, the sister started asking us questions about baptism and coming to our ward because that's where their family goes and we gladly answered in the affirmative! We were so excited. I always feel like I'm walking on sunshine when I leave that family's house.

Friday we had Zone Conference, Christmas Edition. It was really neat learning about how we can teach people the principle of repentance as a process rather than a one-time thing. It was fun, as usual, to hook up with the missionaries I know and we had a fun talent show and devotional with the local area Seventy, Elder Hanson to complete the day.

That evening we traveled back through tons of traffic and made it right on time to our Ward's Christmas party. There was a ton of people there and we had really great food. Everyone kept telling us that we needed to eat more cause there was stuff left. Haha. President and Sister Morby came and we introduced them to several of the members there. Then the next morning, the stake president and his wife had us over as a district for breakfast. They are so great to us. I feel spoiled.

After church yesterday, I made three pans of brownies during lunch and then we delivered them to people around the ward while caroling with the Ward Missionaries. It was super fun.

I hope everyone has a great week and you all give to many around you.

Thankful!

Amidst our tracting this week, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. For our Turkey Day, we were told to have our studies before going to any turkey bowls the members might be hosting, and then to spend your day with members and/or investigators. No proselyting door to door to my utter dismay. Haha. We had a blast all day long.

It started with us locking ourselves out of our apartment on our way out the door accidentally. Luckily we were able to call the apartment inspector missionaries and they swung by and unlocked it for us even before we were done with the Turkey Trot. Haha. We were both slightly miffed with one another until we realized we were both at fault and that it didn't matter anyways. lol.

Then we went and had an awesome fun run around Oak Hills loop, not unlike the 4th of July run. A ward missionary and member family invited us to join them in the run so it was even better. Since last time I had a unique costume I figured I would invent another. Using some old shirts and slacks we found in the closet, we fashioned the new look: formal running gear. After cutting the pant legs off at the knee and throwing on a festive-pumpkin tie, we were off! We got tons of people staring at us and several funny comments:

"Look at those guys, son, they look like they're ready for a wedding right after the race!" (A father and son running by)

"YEAH! Go random guys in ties!" (several young chilluns)

"'Are those Mormon missionaries?'
'No, they can't be!'

'I really do think they are Mormon missionaries!'" (A pair of senior women)

After going home and getting cleaned up, we departed on our bikes and traveled all over the ward the remainder of the day. First, we stopped by and visited the Morby's. The assistants to the President were there and we had fun chatting with one another. Sister Morby mesmerized us as she was rolling dough and cutting out rolls for her Thanksgiving dinner with her daughter and son-in-law.

We then played President Monson briefly by going out to visit a widow who we heard was spending the holiday alone. I guess we were inspired by the Prophet's example after watching (and loving!) On the Lord's Errand this week. It felt good to be able to talk with her. She seemed to brighten right up when we got there and left even more happy. She was beaming when we passed her in church yesterday, so I'm sure she appreciated it.

Then the food began... We hung out with the Brimhalls for a bit and helped them set the table before eating with them. After we were stuffed much like the turkey, we jumped over to the Carters and had some pie and ice cream. Then we popped in (almost physically popped!) on the Carpenters and gobbled down a great and spacious slice of red velvet cake. When we made our final stop at the Bishop's house, we simply said, "Can we just hang out with you Bishop - we would prefer not to eat anything else" after he asked us what he could get us. Haha. We had a great time and I felt right at home at every family we stopped at. Holidays on a mission are the best - not only do you get to spend time with family for dinner, but the whole surrounding area becomes family. What a treat, indeed.

On Friday, we had one last Thanksgiving dinner with the less-active family we found while tracting a couple weeks ago, who are now actively coming to church. They're the best. I truly enjoyed chilling with them and it was warming to hear from the Sister, "You guys are family now."

On Saturday we continued our tracting tirade. Sunday came and after two or three times of practicing, we sang with the Zone Leaders in Sacrament Meeting. We all pitched in our two cents and made our own rendition/medley of Come Thou Fount and O My Father. I have an audio recording of our practices, so I'll send it home eventually. We did sound a lot better in our actual performance as opposed to our practices, though, just so you know. Haha.

Plus the evening was made whole by our running into a potential investigator who invited us in and introduced us to her family and member boyfriend. Practically no one invites us in, nor are they openly welcoming into their family, so this was a pleasant surprise! All of our prayers are coming through -- we have an appointment to come by and teach them this Wednesday and we're stoked - a family of six people all above the age of 8!

Transfer meeting is today, so we will be getting a few new missionaries in our district to switch things up, and thankfully Elder Bresnahan aren't going anywhere until after new year’s. I'm also grateful that Elder Baba is not going anywhere for Christmas because that kid loves this season and it wouldn't be the same without him. Elder Bresnahan have already enjoyed snazzing up our apartment with Christmas decor. I'll be sending out Christmas Cards soon, so look for them. If one doesn't show up at anyone's address, forgive me, but I'm a missionary and not to mention I have a terrible memory. BUT everyone should be able to check it out sooner or later on my blog (web link listed below).

I hope everyone starts the season well by remember Christ and how we can give to others. I'm definitely working on it myself. I love you!

A leadership training reunion

On Halloween, we had district meeting as usual.  To celebrate the holiday, we went to a popular Mexican restaurant among the missionaries here, Ochas  We all split the house specials - torta dela casa.  It was basically a funny looking sandwich with almost every kind of meat loaded on it - some meat I didn't even recognize!  It was fun to be with family on a holiday.  

After we got back from lunch, we had a lesson and dinner sandwich.  We started with the top bun - a lesson with a less active family who we are reactivating, a dinner with a beloved Tongan family, a short time with the Padburys, short visit at the Smith's Halloween party, another dinner with the Coombs, and a lesson with some less actives we are working with.   Our afternoon and evenings seem to fly by because we had booked our night back to back with appointments upon learning that Pres. Morby didn't want us out trick or treating, knocking on doors or biking around.  Somewhere along the line, however, I seem to have lost my voice.

Since then, my voice and throat have only gone downhill. Nevertheless, I was determined to work as hard as my body would take. I had plenty of opportunities to just throw in the towel and take a sick day or two, but I felt that Heavenly Father would bless me as I showed him I would do my very best. I also knew that He wouldn't bless me against my own stupidity, however. Haha. So Saturday night I did come in a bit early and get a few hours of added rest.

My friends from the Clackamas Zone

Elder Stuart and his companion from Woodburn.

On Thursday, I got picked up by my old district leader, Elder Larson, and we went to a district leadership training meeting together, while our greenies stayed in my area and worked. Amidst all the great things I learned about becoming a better district leader, I was almost in tears of joy from seeing so many beloved missionaries I know - now like me, were district leaders. Among these missionaries were - Elder Puleitu, Elder Dixon, Elder Harris & Elder Peterson (who are currently Assistants to the President), Elder Stuart my old comp, and my best friend and companion since before my mission began, Elder Baxter!

Sunday, we got picked up by the Mission President and his wife and went to a Regional Stake Conference that was broadcast throughout 36 stakes in Oregon. Elder Maynes spoke on the importance of remembering our covenants and promises with the Lord, Sister Dibb spoke on discerning the real things in life versus the false things that Satan produces as hindrance, and Elder Ochoa and Elder Cook both spoke on missionary work regarding the recent prophetic announcement. I never even noticed that there was such a thing as Regional Stake Conferences before..? They're super cool. Like mini General Conferences just specifically given.

A great big little change

Saturday we had the wonderful opportunity to spend the morning at the temple for a second time in two weeks after being invited to a sealing of someone in Elder Baba's last area. It was so special to be able to go through with these people Elder Baba had worked with even though I didn't even know them. The sealing was great and we had the blessing of sitting right in the middle of the sealing room where one could look "into eternity" because of the mirrors facing one another over the altar. After the couple was sealed themselves, their two little boys ran into hug and greet them in little white clothes and bow ties. Although the littlest one couldn't sit still or stay quiet much, it was neat to see them kneel over the altar as a family and be sealed together for eternity. That is what this is all about.

After leaving the temple, I got a call from the Mission President with an request to take on an assignment to train a brand new missionary. I was humbled and ecstatic. What a blessing and opportunity! Certainly it is going to be a big burden, but it's one I feel the Lord has prepared me for. At the very least, I know that He will not give me anything I cannot bear.

Later that day we got more news - more surprising than the first - that Elder Baba was moving to a bike area and that I am now only to serve over Oak Hills Ward and that Sunset Hills would be given to a new set of missionaries. For the next few days we pondered whether Elder Baba would be one of those missionaries called to serve over Sunset Hills exclusively. The few days between Transfer Calls and the Transfer Meeting, is really quite nerve-racking and a big guessing game because anything can happen. Thankfully, Elder Baba is now serving in Sunset Hills with his new companion Elder Osgood. This will make it an easier transition for the Ward because Elder Baba has a knowledge and background with the area and the members already.

I on the other hand went to the Stake Center well before transfer meeting started yesterday so that I could split off from Elder Baba and be trained by President Morby on how to be a good trainer in only 2-3 hours. Wow. Not much time, but just enough for him to convey how important he sees this assignment is. Usually the APs call us to train, but this time he personally called each of us so as to manifest the magnitude of the opportunity we have. 23 new missionaries flew in on the plane yesterday, creating 4 new areas and adding 8 additional missionaries to our overall mission count (after deducting the departing missionaries).

Check their badges. . .they're in disguise for Halloween.

I am training Elder David Mark Bresnahan for the next 12 weeks in Oak Hills Ward. He is originally from New Hampshire, but has lived in West Jordan for the past few years. I'm super excited and have already begun to feel the gifts of the Spirit guide me to say and do certain things to help this new missionary be the missionary he needs to be, along with my own spiritual growth. The training program is designed to have him read to train another new missionary by the time I leave him. Pretty spectacular feat but it's already happened with a few other greenies.

Anyways. I got to jet. I love you all and hope you all are doing fantastic. It's new beginnings once again and oddly I still feel like a greenie myself. It was only yesterday that I stepped off the plan, after all, right?

Unto every creature. . .a conference testimony

I loved all of the Conference sessions. I know it's a cliche statement to suggest that all of the talks spoke directly to me, but they did. Really. President Monson's announcement left me being "exceedingly astonished." My first thoughts jumped right to my little brothers. Taylor, it surprised me to think that you may be able to leave only months after I get home. What a bitter sweet thought.

Elder Oaks amazed me at his bold and forthright talk on the current issues and policies that may be confusing for people without explicitly suggesting politics. Elder Holland was obviously a favorite. His talk was very similar to a MTC talk he gave in Jan 2011 that I've heard before and I loved it the second time through. Although many others edified me I cannot remember them at the moment, and I 'm short on time today.

I will mention the miracle that happened during Priesthood Session, however. President Morby ended up taking us to the Stake Center to watch with him. What a once in a life time blessing. I was truly grateful. We sat next to the Assistants to the President smack dab in the middle of the chapel, which was eventually filled to the brim clear back to the end of the Cultural Hall. Like many of the other sessions we watched, here in Oregon we experienced many technical difficulties while watching and often were forced to wait while the screen flittered and went blank. Unfortunately the entire first 30 minutes of the Priesthood session was blank due to a solar flare that affected the entire Northwest.

For the first few minutes we all just sat and talked among one another. Then Elder Peterson, one of the AP's, turned to Elder Baba and I and suggested we start singing. What a stellar idea! But the question is, who will start? Ha ha. The two AP's and us started singing "Ye Elders of Israel" and the Spirit of God permeated the room instantly. Hardly seconds went by before the whole body of Priesthood members - Former Mission Presidents, Bishops, Stake Presidents, and Temple Presidents, etc. - were harmonizing and singing the beloved Hymns of God. What a special experience. When the Conference Feed finally started the Spirit was ripe for our learning.

After the session, President Morby took us out to eat at a local Quiznos with the AP's and we had a grand old time. Many more things happened that I would love to tell you about, but for lack of time I digress. It suffices me to say, I love being a missionary and I love you.

One year in, the halfway point

First day. . .

to the present.

Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.

For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit.

(Doctrine and Covenants 97:8–9‎)‎

District Leader

Last Tuesday, we had our last District Meeting of this transfer. It's such an incredible thing how quickly the days, weeks, months, and transfers pass by. My theory is that by the time all of the prayers "Greenies" offer about allowing the time of homesickness and problems with transitioning early in the mission to pass by quicker are finally answered, the missionary would much rather the time slow down. Ha ha.

We got the opportunity to fly our District Leader home to Las Vegas. It was very fun and thankfully we did it in the cultural hall as opposed to the Primary Room, because he would've flown through the roof with how high we tossed him. lol. Don't mind my priceless face in one of the pictures. I don't know what was going on in my face there.

The district getting ready to fly our super District Leader home.  His replacement as DL is the 2nd person from the right. . .Elder Irvine!

Good thing they did this in the cultural hall.  They would have launched him through the ceiling otherwise.

Monday was no cake walk. Since we weren't getting transferred and it was a holiday and the library was closed, we hit the pavement hard, making efforts to start this transfer out great. And it turned out fantastic! I can't even get to the half of what we did, but in short we visited and taught many people - all with a brilliant attitude. Funny story though - I had been having inclinations and promptings earlier during studies: "What would you do if you were district leader? How would you help the Elders in your district" etc. I pondered it briefly but thought it was absurd that I'd be a district leader, especially not now. So it came to my surprise, that in a text while we were tracting (during the time that Transfer Meeting was going on): "Irvine is District Leader." Wah!

SO while I'm not moving this transfer physically, I'm definitely moving toward greater humility in being able to serve the Elders in the district as their leader. Mark 10: 43 - "And whosoever of you will be the [leader], shall be servant of all." I have been praying constantly since I got the call and I would appreciate any additional prayers on our behalf - that I may be able to lead and serve and train well, though, I feel like I will be the one being taught the most. I am humbled and excited to serve the Elders around me.

I know that callings are from the Lord, and that leadership callings are opportunities to learn and grow and develop as one puts his whole "heart, might, mind, and strength" into serving others (thereby serving the Lord). I'm grateful and happily frazzled to be given said opportunity. It has already helped me turn my focus to higher ground of what I can be doing. I'm definitely going to be studying up on Christ's leadership example.

I love all of you. I appreciate your prayers - and like President Monson asks every Conference, please continue to pray for me.

Love, Elder Irvine

Birthdays & General Authority visits

On Saturday (August 18th) we went as an entire mission to a stake center to hear from Elder Bussie (an area Seventy), Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Seventy, and Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Twelve Apostles. It was a very special opportunity to be able to begin the meeting by personally shaking each man's hand along with the Mission President and his wife. Then as a mission we sang the EFY Medley (As Sister's In Zion & We'll Bring the World His Truth) for the Apostles. The Spirit then testified of many truths through testimonies of Sister Morby, President Morby, Elder Bussie, and Elder Clayton. I liked especially Elder Bussie's remarks as he helped us recognize that not only should "[we] believe in Christ," but we should also remember that "Christ believes in me." What a beautiful statement to ponder and cherish!

Then Elder Nelson proceeded to answer any questions that we presented him. Several missionaries got up and asked questions doctrinal and Apostle-specific. I received an answer to my question as I realized how Elder Nelson chose to teach us. Rather than saying "I'm going to teach you about this lesson or that lesson, and then you can ask me questions if time permits at the end," he taught us what we needed to hear based on what questions we had. It was a remarkable epiphany for me as lately I have been really trying to improve my teaching skills. I look forward to more revelation this next week as Elder Corbidge comes.

Yesterday, Elder Baba and I were asked to join in and participate in teaching the Relief Society lesson in one of our wards. It was on "Sharing the Gospel Effectively" and the Relief Society teacher figured we might now a little bit about that. Alas, we did our best. Ha ha. We presented a "Training & Practice" and had the Sisters role-play sharing their testimonies with one another just like we would in a district meeting. It was super cool to see how teaching works the same way across all situations and settings.

20th birthday lunch.

Meeting with President & Sister Morby.

Happy 20th Elder Irvine!

The hill tells a story but the smiles burn the miles.  At the scripture states:  "And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence" (D & C 133:30).  Couldn't be otherwise with this kind of attitude.

And a happy 20th birthday smile!

Another new companion

(On Saturday) after a long day of waiting and deciding that Elder Ball wasn't going anywhere for this transfer, we got a phone call telling us that Elder Ball was going to a car area. Bummer!! I'm going to miss him. We have had a lot of fun working together. I'll continue to send pics as usual, but it's good to note that they won't be as cool without Elder Ball's assistance and his cool camera skills.

 

So Sunday I proceeded to schedule appointments with all the Auxiliaries of the Wards so that whoever my new companion was going to be can meet them. Now we have a full week - awesome!!!

That evening we stopped by some members Elder Ball wanted to visit briefly. We had another Tongan food experience (they always feed us! they're so awesome). This time we had food I can't even pronounce. It was kind of cool that you mentioned having cooked bananas, Dad, cause that's what they served us this time. They tasted like potatoes. Ha ha.

 

Monday morning we went and played soccer and had breakfast as a zone. It was a fun way to end a transfer. One of our Zone Leaders went AP (Assistant to the President). He's a great missionary and knows how to give great compliments and has a positive attitude.

 

Now I'm with Elder Tomonori Baba. He was originally from Japan, moved to Chicago when he was 10 years old, then to Montana, and then went to school at BYU in Provo for two years before coming on his mission. He's been out 7 months roughly and this is oddly only his second area he's been in. He spent his first 7 months with four different companions in Seaside - one of the coveted areas in the mission right off of the coast. Ha ha.

 

Elder Ball and Elder Irvine with their new companions.

 

Two 6 week companions in a row is a little saddening in terms of building and separating friendships so quickly, but I'm glad to be with Elder Baba

Missionary work isn't all tracting!

On Friday evening we had the opportunity to go do a service project. A newly moved in member called us up and had us come over to help clean up his friend's backyard. Both the member who called us and the two nonmember friends were blind. The Elder's Quorum President in the Ward also came by and after assessing the situation, he gave a few people a call and in no time we had 6 or 7 men working away at the yard. It was all finished within about an hour. It was super neat to see the Priesthood pull together and serve so willingly - I mean it was a Friday night after all.

 

The nonmembers friends were very grateful and they even helped take a couple pictures. Haha. They took better pictures without any sight than most people do with sight (with some assistance in positioning the camera of course). They were really nice and even had brownies and lemonade prepared for us afterwards. Elder Ball and the Ward Mission Leader and I stuck around a little bit afterwards and taught the Restoration in conversation after talking to them a bit. My testimony continues to grow of how effective service, then teaching really is. An Elder in my district once said, "They won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." It's so true.

Elder Ball and a few other Sisters in the Relief Society got together and played a beautiful rendition of "Beautiful Savior" on violins (accompanied by the piano) in Sacrament meeting yesterday. It was funny how Elder Ball got volunteered for the part in the first place - a few Sundays ago I was singing a few hymns to myself while handing out programs to those coming into the chapel. One of the Sisters complimented my singing and asked if I was a singer. I replied that I am no singer, but I do like to sing for fun. She mentioned that she was the Ward Coordinator for musical numbers in Sacrament Meeting and wondered if Elder Ball and I would sing a duet one Sunday. I chuckled and turned to Elder Ball to ask. He was openly opposed to singing, but he said he could play the violin. So one thing led to another and there we had a trio playing a beautiful hymn in Sacrament Meeting. Haha. It's funny cause I somehow have got out of singing... for now. Haha