Elder Caden Rogers

Hey! After a long time period of absolutely nothing coming from me, I'm going to say flat out that the red alarm systems going off everywhere can go down, because as of a few days ago, everything is OK. We've worked it out, and it's all good, so absolutely do not even worry about it! Those first few days I was really struggling with adjusting to everything. It was hard, because I had no clue at all as to what the heck I was doing, and in harmony with everything else in the world that Dad says, my new companion teaches way differently than Elder Campbell. We found some solid ground to get along on. I just sort of had to dig to find it. Our teaching styles are finally mixing somewhat well, and Elder Orihuela is now actively trying to help me do things, so it's all going a lot smoother out here. In fact, it's going better than smooth. This is because of a man named Elder Deadman. (from Salt Lake City Utah) He's Elder Ashby's new companion, and he's the most fantastic person in the world. His interests include Danganronpa, anime, movies, RPG Maker Horror Games, PS4 and Nintendo gaming, Pokemon, and more! We both sort of just have great chemistry, so we talk a lot. Elder Deadman is just one of those people I can label as a best friend, even though I've only known him for about a week. You can know exactly what he looks like if you watch the Scott Pilgrim movie. He looks almost identical to Scott, but with glasses and a significantly better voice that doesn't constantly sound dopey and whiney. Anyway, now that you've all been sufficiently reassured, let's discuss a few things.

Last P-Day we went on a hike in the rain, and for those of you wanting pics, don't worry, I got one. I also got soaked, so yeah... Balance and whatnot. We also got to do service at Pearl Harbor this week.

We did some service in a jungle the other day, that was super cool. It was like being on the set of Indiana Jones or something. Afterword, we (Elder Smith, Deadman, and I) had a 3 hour discussion on Kirby, Smash Bros. and basically everything else you could think of related to gaming and comic books. These guys are serious homies. I love them to death, and now that I get along with Elder Orihuela, everything is going fantabulous.

Finally, I must wish you all a Happy Halloween! Thanks for the pictures from the family Halloween party. I love seeing Zac as Goku. It's the most fantastic thing. I miss you all so much you have no idea. As for my thoughts on Tanner dressing as me...it's sweet. Tell him he looks way to good to be the real thing though, because I'm never that well put together out here. I carved that pumpkin, by the way. It's supposed to look like the soul eater face, but it doesn't really look like soul eater that much, so yeah... I tried OK? Anyway, we're not allowed to go out after 6:00pm tomorrow, so from 6:00 to 8:30 we're having a party at the singles ward with everybody in the zone. Missionaries only, of course. We have air hockey tables set up for it and stuff. It's going to be a blast.

I saw Super Mario Odyssey at Walmart today. I want it. But I'll wait. It will be just as good in 21 months.

So, Zac wants to watch Stranger Things 2 without me?! How dare he!!!! Ah well... In 21 months I can watch season three without him to get my revenge. Just remember, Zac, if you touch my stuff (Spirited Away) to put it back and be gentle to it. I'll know if you don't. I always know.

Everything with church and the investigators are more or less the same. We have two tentative baptisms happening in November: A.C. on November 11 and TR on November 18. Mostly we've just been acquainting Elder Orihuela with the ward, and that kind of thing. CZ is also doing really well. He has been actively coming to church again recently. The bishop says he's been more in the last 3 months than he has in the last 20 years. He struggled with an alcohol addiction for a while there, and I think sometimes that he still does drink a little, but he's working at it, and this week he even taught the lesson in Elders Quorum. He looks and sounds uncannily like Mr. Olson from high school. For some odd reason we get along super well, so that's cool.

It's still stressful, but it's not as stressful, because the Lord loves me. Speaking of though, before I sign off for the week, and the month of October leaves me behind for good, until next year when it shows up again, let me tell you the story of Elder Rogers and his miracle at church that was personally helpful to him and nobody else even noticed it happen. Yesterday, for the first time on my mission, I forgot to take my pills in the morning. I was really struggling in church, and then it hit me why. I prayed hardcore for help, because I knew that we couldn't just leave and go take it, because we were in the midst of the sacrament, and then I found out we had to teach both second and third hour classes because our ward mission leader was gone that week attending his father's funeral. (my condolences to Bro. Tevaga) As the ultimate despair of knowing full well that I couldn't do what I needed to do that day hit me, I prayed again, and suddenly I felt a comfort in my heart. I heard a voice in my head say: "It's OK. I'll help you through this. Just do your best and I'll cover what you can't". Full of trust, I did my best, and was able to teach both lessons in sync with Elder Orihuela and I didn't even have any struggles. We didn't even plan any lessons, yet we taught two of them. I was very grateful for the Lord's help in getting me through until I was able to return to the pad for my meds. It was probably not that big of a deal, but to me it was a miracle from above. Anyway, I hope you all have a great week and a fantastic Halloween, I'm still stressed, but I can cope now sortof, so that's good.

Until next time, Elder Rogers over and out!