WEEK #71 - Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend! It was certainly a different one for me, but I'm thankful to God nonetheless. :)

Elder Hawkes and I, airport time

Monday: November 23rd

Goofs. Today we drove Elder Mu to the airport, he's a Samoan who's served a 31 month mission because of COVID! It was good talking to the family today, I love them! 

Denver airport!

Tuesday: November 24th

Today was great, we have been contacting alot of people over the phone! We had many lessons and it was definitely a hard working day. 

Wednesday: November 25th

We had an amazing lesson with Melissa! She expressed a desire to leave behind her past life and mistakes, and in doing so agreed to prepare herself to be baptized on December 19th! I'm so excited for her to experience the joy and peace that comes from fully turning our life over to Jesus Christ and His path. I got a surprise visit from Amy and Gunga! They are so amazing, they brought lunch and this amazing oreo pie... one of my weak spots!! ;) I think my mom gave them some hints haha... thank you Wolins! 

Amy, Gunga & Bode Thanksgiving visit!

Thursday: November 26th

Happy Thanksgiving!! I'm so thankful for everything and everyone that has influenced my life to get me where I am today. I love all of you and look forward to seeing each other again! Today we got to meet with other missionaries and have a devotional. Since we aren't allowed to be in members homes, me and Elder Hawkes picked up our Thanksgiving dinner from a member, drove home to our apartment, and ate it there alone. It was so fun! Last year I got to be with Roberta and her wonderful family, and this year I get just me, myself, and my companion! Crazy how many things have changed :)

 See... I can still cook! Almost :)

Friday: November 27th

Today was super exciting and empowering! Me and Elder Hawkes had meetings from 9am to 5pm, but they were leadership trainings... oh yeah! Me and Elder Hawkes got to train on leadership, accountability, being organized, and in the process flamed a few of them haha. It was fun! We had another lesson with Melissa, she's amazing. She asked us, "Why was Joseph Smith so special?" So we excitedly taught the first lesson called the Restoration and how Joseph Smith was simply a prophet, like Moses or Noah, that brought back Christ's church on the earth. Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever we know that God works in patterns. If He used prophets in the Bible, which He did, why wouldn't He use prophets today to guide us? Great lesson to learn!

Denver Broncos stadium!

Saturday: November 28th

We met with Melissa again and taught about the Word of Wisdom and other commandments. She was so willing and excited to live them as she prepares for her baptism on December 19th! She's come a long way, and I've been so full of joy seeing the changes she's been making in her life. Please include Melissa in your prayers so that she can be prepared, strengthened, and ready for her upcoming baptism! 

Snow? Again?

Sunday: November 29th

Today we attended church and Melissa was there and welcomed by everyone in the ward! Me and Elder Hawkes got to organize some things for MLC this Tuesday. I always love my 3 hour drives! We'll be in Avon again, so it'll be fun. We got to teach this man named Jay about the basic belief of God. It was so amazing to talk about the most foundational aspect of religion – God, and His nature and relationship to YOU! I know that God is a loving Heavenly Father and He cares for each of His children. Through time, trial, and patience I can promise you'll be able to develop a personal relationship with God in a way that will change the rest of your life. 

Enjoy the week and keep pressing forward!

Love,

Elder LaRose

keldon.larose@missionary.org

Here is my new address:
999 East Tufts Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80113

WEEK #70 - Rocky Mountain Drivin'

Crazy week this week! Good ole Transfer week...

Monday: November 16th

Today was amazing :) Absolutely. We coordinated alot with the office team for transfers and got a lot done! 

Tuesday: November 17th

We had a great lesson with this person named Shonda. She opened up about how much difficulty she's been through in her life and we taught about the importance of turning to Jesus Christ completely. As we do so, we come to realize how much He really gives back to us when we devote our whole life to Him. Such a rewarding path!

Wednesday: November 18th

Today was insane! I got to drive a 15 passenger van to the Denver airport... haha! We then couldn't find the new missionaries for a while cause they got lost, but we eventually picked up all 20 of them and got them back. It was so awesome seeing just the new energy and fire these missionaries had to go out and serve the Lord! Some were still a little bit in high school, but they'll surely be refined as they become better missionaries of Jesus Christ. Nothing better than driving a van load of missionaries towards the Rocky Mountain sunset at 4:30pm!

Van load haha

Thursday: November 19th

Woke up at 4am to load all the new missionaries onto the transfer bus! Wonderful... :) Lots of things to organize but transfers went pretty smooth for the first time. We got to keep Elder Stoddard for the night before he left home tomorrow. He was my companion for a week in GJ back in Nov 2019! Holy cow. Times flies.

Elder Samojla!

Elder Samojla airport!

Zoom teaching in the van at the aiport!

Friday: November 20th

This morning we woke up early and I'd Rove the van again to the airport loaded with all the departing missionaries! Elder Samojla was in that group!! Ahhh, that was so sad seeing him go, but he's served a valiant mission. I was his companion for 5 and a half months. So awesome :) Today we also got news from our mission president... MORE Covid restrictions! Yay haha. We aren't allowed to go in member homes anymore, no more in person exchanges, or rather anything in person for now.... whelp. Back to the apartment we go! My mission has been absolutely the best, haha! Our prophet, Russell M. Nelson also shared a powerful message of hope that I cried to. I'm so comforted knowing that we have a Prophet of God here upon the earth to lead and guide us!

Saturday: November 21st

Today was packed with a couple meetings and lessons, but we learned alot about how we can better work on Facebook! Never before thought I'd be a social media missionary. We definitely live in some crazy times, but I'm so thankful for technology and all it does to connect me to those I love!

Elder Hawkes... what a legend. 

Sunday: November 22nd

Today our friend Melissa came to church! She got so welcomed my everyone here in the ward it was amazing to see. I even gave a talk titled Revelation. I hope others were able to learn more about Jesus Christ and His love for us from what I spoke!

Enjoy the upcoming Thanksgiving!! There are many things to be grateful for in this year, please count your blessings. It's always more fun that way :)

Love,

Elder LaRose 

keldon.larose@missionary.org

Here is my new address:
999 East Tufts Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80113

WEEK #69 - A Second Chance Inbox

 Great week! 

Monday: November 9th

Today was life changing. I learned a lot about the word TRUST in my personal study. To be able to trust in Heavenly Father sometimes feels like it takes an immeasurable amount of faith. And in a sense, it does take a lot. But it is so worth it. When we trust in Him we begin to understand what true sacrifice looks like! When we begin to understand that, we then begin to align our will with His, therefore bringing our life in harmony with His purpose. I trust in the Lord my God. It's hard, and never easy, but the blessings and joy that come from such trust are worth every drop of patience endured. It will all work out... trust <3

My only picture for the week... sorry :)

Tuesday: November 10th

Today me and Elder Hawkes got absolutely roasted... haha! We were on a call with this specialist who oversees missionary work across many missions, and he basically flamed us for 45mins over the phone. :) He asked question after question about what our mission was and wasn't doing. It was comparable to that scene in Avengers where the Hulk just absolutely demolishes Loki by slamming him back and forth by the legs... it was fun I'll tell you! ;)

Wednesday: November 11th

Today was busy, we taught a bunch of lessons. One with our man Tony! We shared how the restored Gospel has blessed our life and invited him to sincerely study and pray if it can bless his as well. I know that this Gospel is true! Now, what do I mean by that? I mean that by living the doctrine and principles of Christ's teachings has brought me my greatest joy! It's something I grew up with, yes, but ever since I've come to learn these things for myself I can see why it's important. Feel free to email me if you desire to receive the same continual joy from better living the Gospel!

Thursday: November 12th

Today we got to take two missionaries to the Denver airport who are going to their previously assigned mission! One to Poland and the other to Germany... crazy that Europe is opening up now. Then, me and Elder Hawkes met with President to start on transfers! It's actually amazing seeing how the Lord truly knows where to place His missionaries, and the discernment we receive to know where they need to be. The Lord truly is mindful of every single one of us, He knows us individually and – perfectly. 

Friday: November 13th

HAPPY 50TH BDAY DAD!!! I hope you had an amazing day today. I love you!! Today we finished up some more transfers then taught a lot of in person member lessons. Crazy how we're all wearing masks and still teaching about Jesus Christ. The work must go onward!

Saturday: November 14th

Had a couple meetings and trainings which went well. Me and Elder Hawkes were talking with President and now we are going to hold a weekly accountability call with each individual companionship in the MLC. We are about to have to get a whole lot more organized now! We joked about buying a 95" whiteboard to write everything down... and we just might do it :)

Sunday: November 15th

Today was packed with lessons. Church was different because we got some more strict COVID guidelines so that was fun. Never in my life did I think I would be in church with a mask on, sitting completely apart from others. We live in unique times! We helped share a message with someone who's going through a ton of medical problems, and it was amazing to hear them say, "Jesus Christ gave me a second chance at life." What a powerful statement! Our Savior has given everything for us, and so as we follow Him please know you are on the right path. And when you fall off, which inevitably you will at times, please know you are always worthy to make those steps back to Him. 

Have a great week, and enjoy to the end!

Love,

Elder LaRose 

keldon.larose@missionary.org

Here is my new address:
999 East Tufts Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80113

WEEK #68 - TRUST

 A crazy week for sure, but one to change my life!

Monday: November 2nd

Good day, went to Walmart and finally forced myself to buy actual food besides pretzels, cereal, and milk! ;) It was great talking to the fam. 

 finally cooked some chicken today for dinner... here is your proof

We went to dinner to this really fancy house, and then taught some lessons. We then exchanged with the Highlands Ranch Zone Leaders! I got to go the YSA in Sand Creek with Elder Diviney. 

Elder Diviney!

Tuesday: November 3rd

Today was great in the YSA, we taught some lessons and organized some structure for the DLs. It was great talking with Elder Diviney, who's actually the former AP so it was a fun day! :) I learned a bunch from him about how quick it is to apply things we learn, as we trust God and follow His will we find it easier to do things that are aligned on the right path. I also hid a TON of candy around their apartment... here are some pictures!

Sneaking candy everywhere...

Under the sheets!

Wednesday: November 4th

Today was exchanges with the Front Range Zone Leaders! I stayed here in Orchard with Elder Rindlisbacher (yeah, it's a fun name!). We got to teach a good amount of lessons and learned a lot. We met this man named Tony who we are teaching about the Gospel! He is so humble and willing to learn, I'm excited to see how much peace will be brought in his life as he turns to Christ. :)

Elder Rindlisbacher :)

Thursday: November 5th

Today we had virtual exchanges with Elder Samojla in Grand Junction!! Ah, I love my old companion. He's such a stud. We taught 5 lessons together over technology. We also got to teach my aunt Staci again, she's amazing :)

Friday: November 6th

Another virtual exchange with the Craig ZLs. It was good, but always better in person. We had Zone conference today which was really spiritual and really focused on the Plan of Salvation! It was so great to dive into our purpose here in this life, and how Heavenly Father loves each of us by developing an individual and personal plan for YOU. 

Highlands Ranch

Saturday: November 7th

We had a bunch of good meetings today, me and Elder Hawkes decided to take the comfy chairs at the church so our behinds wouldn't die from sitting for so long, haha! We taught a couple more members here in this awesome Orchard Ward! The median age in this ward is literally 65 years old. It's so fun! :)

Sunday: November 8th

What a spectacular day! We talked with many people who aren't members of our church and they all have a wide range of needs. I love them all and it's been such an honor to be able to teach so many the doctrines and principles of the Gospel that I've come to love. Especially the Book of Mormon which has brought so much peace in my life as it focuses me on my Savior Jesus Christ. The biggest thing I learned today is TRUST. <3 Trust in Heavenly Father and in His will!

Amidst your personal trials... please trust. Trust in Him. Trust the Savior and the promises that He will fulfill. Have a great week!

Love,

Elder LaRose 

WEEK #67 - Halloween & A Korean Dog

 A good week! :) 

Monday: October 26th

Still snowing! Crazy how Denver weather works... today was great! We got to drive to WallyWorld and shop, then we got to call the wonderful fam fam :) We had lessons all evening and came back freezing cold... just how we like it!

Winter picture :)

Tuesday: October 27th

Sadly we did not have in person MLC because the roads to Avon were covered in ice. It was still good virtually, me and Elder Hawkes gave a training focusing on leading by example. Very powerful, the Spirit was strong. We delivered a couple thank you cards for some of our wonderful members! 

Wednesday: October 28th

Lot of lessons today. I've also been forcing myself to learn how to cook or else my dad will roast me, haha! ;) I made some bacon, eggs, and rice meal... hey, it's a step in the right direction! :) I know these times are hard, and it's okay to admit that. But it's not okay to give up and lose trust in God. As we press forward, keeping our eye single to Him, then He will helps us as we stumble. Our Savior will always walk beside us as we reach outwards for his outstretched hand. It's there. Trust. <3

Thursday: October 29th

Today was exchanges with Elder Drishinski in the Columbine Zone! He's actually in a YSA ward so that was super fun. Funny enough, someone walked up to us and held up a sign which was the SAME one I saw last year! Dang gina. It said, "Have Better Days So Children Haveit Easier." Haha, what a goof. Except this person was pretty awesome, too bad we still aren't allowed to talk to people on the streets. How crazy is that? I'm a missionary and not allowed to talk to people outside? Crazy. All in all it was a great day, so I hope it was for you too!

Elder Drishinski!

Friday: October 30th

Exchanges with Elder Edwards from the Littleton Zone was great. We had a great lesson with this man Tony, he's super willing to learn more! We taught some good lessons and worked well together. It's always fun going on exchanges with these great Elders!

T

he Korean dog!! 

Saturday: October 31st

Happy Halloween! Today was fun because it felt like any normal missionary day. We had a bunch of meetings and wrote more letters to our members! Me and Elder Hawkes even got to pet a Korean dog... yes, literally a dog that was shipped from Korea! What the... never done that before. Too bad we didn't go trick or treating, I don't think very many people would be happy if we dressed up as missionaries and asked for candy :)

Elder Edwards! 

Sunday: November 1st

Happy November! I can't believe we've already come this far. Today was packed with lessons and with a testimony meeting at church. It was great feeling the Spirit touch the hearts of so many people today. I know you have the ability to feel Heavenly Father's love for you, so keep pressing forward! 

Thank you for all the support, love, and letters that you send! The Holidays are approaching and I can't wait :)

Love,

Elder LaRose 

Love,

Elder LaRose 

keldon.larose@missionary.org

Here is my new address:
999 East Tufts Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80113