WEEK #88 - Airport Transfers Galore

 Another crazy transfer week :)

 My momma got my little chicks for Easter apparently

Monday: March 22nd

Don't remember much of today other than shopping at Target and getting lots of evil's looks at me and Elder Barnes haha. Sorry! Gotta be on the Lord's errand :) There's talk about me potentially getting the Covid vaccine because I'm a faith leader, but we'll see what opens up. 

Elder Barnes and I

Tuesday: March 23rd

Got a free pizza because of a Facebook post I made the only day, it was so awesome! Me and Elder Barnes went to Frank's the Pizza King and got some good pepperoni pizza (my favorite!). I heard today from a few of my cousins/best friend about where they got their mission call/reassignment! One is going to Africa, another to Mexico, and my best friend got reassigned to Louisiana! Dang Gina. It's SO amazing knowing that the Lord is blessing His missionaries and is continuing to guide them throughout their service. I'm excited for them all! What goofs... :) 

Pizza time!

Wednesday: March 24th

One of my favorite days in the mission.... new missionary day! It was pretty chaotic picking up 24 missionaries at the same time, thankfully all but one were on the same flight and we got everyone back together. It's always amazing talking with new missionaries because they are so ready to give their whole heart to the Savior. They're excited, nervous, and have no clue what's going to happen, but they are ready and desirous for sure! Today also happened to be my 20 month mark too, and the time has flown by. I need to continue working hard these last 4 months!

Using those good ole ColoRADo oven mits!

Thursday: March 25th

Transfer day! That means waking up at 3:50am and not going to bed till 10:30pm. Oof. It was a long, but hard working day! This transfer was the most I've ever seen transferred, we had to stack luggage INSIDE the bus in addition to completely filling in the entire under-storage. Wow. Good day though 

Frayed wiring on the trailer from transfers...

Friday: March 26th

Airport time again! I drove the 12 passenger van full of returning missionaries to the Denver airport, and we got everyone checked in and set. Me and Elder Barnes are quite the team! Thankfully with this being his first time at the airport everything went smooth. 

Saturday: March 27th

Hard working day. 

They're everywhere!

Sunday: March 28th

Hard working day, and got to go to church! I said the closing prayer and almost choked up as I spoke about our Savior Jesus Christ. He has done SO much for every single one of us. I am beyond grateful for the love that He has offered me – a sinner. A person full of mistakes, and many more to come. And yet, I don't need to live a life of doubt, or misery, or pain, or heartache... because of Him. I teared up a bit, because I can't even begin to describe the feelings in my heart. Alma 26:16. 

I know my Savior lives <3 

Another one :)

Love,

Elder LaRose 

keldon.larose@missionary.org

MY ADDRESS:
999 East Tufts Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80113

WEEK #87 - A New Change, COVID-19 Year Mark!

I can't believe I've been in quarantine for a year. I love my apartment, and have gotten to know every corner quite well.... haha, I'm grateful for the mercy of the Lord! Let us all press on

Monday: March 15th

The snow from yesterday still COVERED the roads in slush and then it all froze... how much more crazy can Denver get! Today was a difficult day in terms of various things, but what I learned is that as we trust in the Lord, we come to know what our Savior truly suffered. He has suffered the exact same pain we go through. He understands us, and not only that, He carries us in our most difficult times. Trust in Him, and walk Hand in Hand... this will help us learn to Fear Thou Not!

Elder Barnes :)

Tuesday: March 16th

Transfer day!!! Or really... four hour meeting with President Rees day! We got some good work done and discussed specific aspects of the mission and where to put missionaries. It was a long good day!

Wednesday: March 17th

Today we got some amazing dinner from our members.... Five Guys Burgers haha :) We got some good members! We dropped off Elder Hawkes COVID-19 test for his approval to go back to Brazil... holy cow! It's going to be sad seeing him leave, but I'll be excited to work with Elder Barnes here. We taught a lady named Kim today who wants to learn more about the Book of Mormon and come closer to Jesus Christ! Good thing that both of those things are the result of the other... :) 

Thursday: March 18th

Worked hard with Elder Barnes and Elder Hawkes. 

Friday: March 19th

Today officially marks ONE YEAR of being put in quarantine because of COVID-19! One year ago today I was with Elder Samojla in Grand Junction freakin out about what the heck was going on haha. Crazy to imagine that it's been an entire year, I've definitely learned a LOT about patience (and how much I suck at it ;) but I'm grateful that I know Heavenly Father's hand has been with each of us throughout this pandemic. Hold fast to the rod, and know that He is there! We drove Elder Hawkes to the airport and dropped him off for Brazil... so crazy to see him off! At least we can say that we had a good long ride, I was with him for four transfers (Oct 2020 - March 2021) and that was a whole lot of learning. I'll miss him!

Elder Hawkes, Elder Barnes, and I at the airport!

 

Elder Hawkes :)

Saturday: March 20th

Happy happy 20th today! I always love these days :) Me and Elder Barnes went for a run in morning, dang that felt good. We taught Jose and put him on date for April 24th! I know that whenever someone is baptized and confirmed they are making promises with God that will bless them for the rest of their life. 

Sunday: March 21st

Great sabbath day today, we worked hard, taught some people, and called it a good day! Me and Elder Barnes get along super well, and are always willing to improve our teaching abilities together. The Lord loves effort!

This Gospel is true. Now, I could explain what that means, but I'd rather you pray about it :) I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! 

Love,

Elder LaRose 

keldon.larose@missionary.org

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

WEEK #86 - 70° Blizzards

 A crazy week weather wise, starting off with 70° weather and ending with 30 inches of snow from a blizzard... dang Gina! 

Monday: March 8th

Off to Target again for shopping! Switching things up, it's not Walmart anymore haha. Got to talk with the family! I love them all :) Today we had a pretty good meeting with our Mission President outlining everything we wanted to see applied into the mission. 

Tuesday: March 9th

We had virtual exchanges today with Front Range since Elder Hawkes and I are in a semi-quarantine before he goes back to Brazil. We heard of a big storm coming on the weekend to Denver that has rumors of 40 inches of snow or more! Right now it's literally 70°... sometimes I don't understand Colorado weather haha!

Wednesday: March 10th

We went to the store for a quick stock up on food for the storm and began virtual exchanges with Columbine. We taught Josh more about the Book of Mormon and he sadly decided that he didn't want to meet with us anymore. He's been struggling to understand why we need the Book of Mormon to testify of Jesus Christ, and I know that it's simply because He is our Savior. I have no doubt in my mind that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. So many people get confused, upset, or angry, and yet... they've never sincerely prayed and asked GOD –not us, not the internet, not others – if the Book of Mormon is true. One cannot receive a spiritual witness without prayerful pondering of truth. I add my witness to the many others, I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. 

Thursday: March 11th

Another virtual exchange with Highlands Ranch! I went with Elder Barnes who is an amazing missionary!

Elder Barnes!!

Friday: March 12th

Today was Zone Conference, and that was super cool! Definitely enlightening. President Rees walked up to me and Elder Hawkes and said, "Do you want to know who your new companion will be?" We are getting a new Assistant with us today! His name is... Elder Barnes!! Haha, I was literally on an exchange with him yesterday... I'm am so excited! We picked him up from his apartment today, and as soon as we saw each other we gave each other a big hug. This is going to be a great transfer! Elder Hawkes will sadly be leaving to Brazil next Friday, so we'll see how it pans out. 

The trio of savages :)

First dinner!

Saturday: March 13th

Worked hard today. 

Sunday: March 14th

Today the blizzard came in! Denver literally forsook the roads and decided not to plow any of it. We got between 20-30inches of snow!! Snow was everywhere and even in our Tacoma I got stuck in the snow and we had to shovel it out. We had blizzard warnings and my shovel broke in half cause the snow was so heavy. What a crazy day to be alive! We were driving through straight snow in the streets of Denver, and there was no power to the streetlights... I'm glad I can be apart of a new record for how much snow I've seen on my mission. 

So much snow...

Shovel time!

So much snow again...

Great week, definitely learned a lot and will continue to do so!

Love,

Elder LaRose 

WEEK #85 - Out West Exchanges + Birthday!

My last day as a teenager! Now I'll have to apologize for each of you dealing with me for two decades now... ;) 20 years old here we come!

 I see something...

Monday: March 1st

Today was a great day! I got to open my presents early with my family on video chat, so that was great to talk to them. I mainly got some good ColoRADo gear to take around with me! :) We packed and drove the night to Rifle which was a beautiful drive. It was pitch dark at night while I was driving through Glenwood, so cool. We'll be on exchanges all out West this week which'll be super fun! 

Tuesday: March 2nd

Woke up to being 20 years old. Wow. Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! I appreciate it! Started the morning driving up to Craig for exchanges, and I went with Elder Grant. We had a good day and I was surprised with how many people wished me a happy birthday today. Weird... must've been a special day or something haha ;) Thank you everyone again! 

Birthday Mirror selfie with Elder Hawkes!

Birthday day selfie!!

Meeker....

Wednesday: March 3rd

Headed to Grand Junction to exchange with Elder Stott in the YSA! We walked around campus and it felt so weird feeling like a college student walking around. I'm glad I'm a missionary right now though! I love serving others and bringing them closer to Christ :)

Grand Junction exchange!

Thursday: March 4th

Drove down to Montrose, I love Montrose! I got to meet and teach Angela, she is just so AWEsome haha. We had to go grab Crash Burger for dinner, and it was a great day! President Rees called and broke some tough news... Elder Hawkes is going back to Brazil! Wow. I can't believe it! He'll be going back on March 19th... I'm going to miss him! I've been companions with him for over 5 months! 

Meeker Cafe Breakfast

Friday: March 5th

Drove up to Lands End for exchanges with Elder Phelps. I literally have all the roads of South Grand Junction memorized, haha! A hard working day. 

FUNNY STORY: I saw a sign on the Road that said, "Emergency Vehicles Only" but because I was driving I read the sign too fast and I thought the sign said, "Emergency Jesus Only" Oh my goodness... I've been on the mission for a long time, haha! And I love every minute of it!! :)

Meeker

Saturday: March 6th

Exchanges in Rifle was great, I love driving all around Colorado helping these other missionaries! Speaking of driving, we forgot our laptop in the GJ apartment so we had to drive to De Beque and meet up. That was fun! Classic missionary moments...

Craig Exchange

Sunday: March 7th

Drove home through Glenwood canyon back to Englewood in the morning, the mountains were so beautiful! Went to church and I think it's funny to see how much of a habit it's become to great people with your elbows, haha! :) What the heck? I've become so accustomed to it whenever someone awkwardly gets too close and all these old guys come up to talk to us... what a world we live in! We taught a great church tour lesson to Christa who's been progressing very well. It was a great Sunday! 

The train alongside I-70 in Glenwood!

Enjoy the week!

Love,

Elder LaRose 

WEEK #84 - Revelation & Peace

 Hope each of you enjoyed your week, let us all press on!

Suit time :)

Monday: February 22nd

Got to spend some good time at Target... you could say we hit the Bull's eye :) It was always great talking with family and friends, I love them all! 

Tuesday: February 23rd

We had in person MLC today so we got to drive through the mountains. Vail is at an elevation of 8,125 ft... awesome! 

 Great sunset!

FUNNY MOMENT: As we were passing through one of the mountain towns I look over and I see THREE dispensaries for weed/marijuana within 2 blocks of each other... and not only that, but there was a Taco Bell thrown in there as well. Nice, haha! That's Colorado for you :)

Elder Hawkes and I at MLC in Avon!

Wednesday: February 24th

Exchanges with Elder Burke from Littleton today we great, we taught some lessons and kept working hard!

Thursday: February 25th

Another hard working day :)

A good lunch... 

Friday: February 26th

Today is a special day! Last year this time is one that changed my life. I'm so grateful for revelation, and I know that Heavenly Father is a merciful God. He will help us fulfill our righteous desires as we follow His will Hand in Hand! I know sometimes the Lord's timing is something we don't understand at times, but we must have trust in Him and face the journey with humility. I'm forever grateful for each of us to develop an ability to receive revelation, and communicate with God even when we don't feel like we're worthy for an answer. Oh what peace this brings to my soul... I love my Savior, and I know in whom I must trust!

Saturday: February 27th

Today was a hard working day, we got to say another prayer with our friend Guadalupe. I have a really good feeling about her! So if each of you could pray for her heart to be softened and for her to understand the Gospel that would be amazing :)

Snow snow snow!

Sunday: February 28th

The last day in February! I had a great experience at church today, mainly because I love the feelings of peace that come into my heart as I reflect upon the love our Savior has for each of us. I often ponder what more I could be doing to humble myself and follow the will of Heavenly Father. I find my greatest joy in knowing that I can CHOOSE it! 

Love you all, and wish you the best week!

Love,

Elder LaRose 

keldon.larose@missionary.org

ADDRESS:
999 East Tufts Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80113