Dear Family!
Well, transfer day is yet again upon us. Me and Elder Roberts thought for sure that we would be fine and not have to worry about transfers this time around because we had only been together for a transfer and are starting to really see success in this area. Well, Thursday afternoon came around and we were doing service for a sister in our ward. Haha we were moving her in and she kept telling Elder Roberts, "No, put that down! That is too heavy for you, leave that piece for Elder Shelley!" hahaha So I had to carry all of her heavy boxes and pieces of furniture. Well I was mid carry of a bookshelf when the phone rang. I told Elder Roberts to grab the phone out of my pocket and answer it. He answered it and put it on speaker like we always do. It was President. He told Elder Roberts that he was calling to give him a new assignment.. I just stood there in shock. We both thought that we would be together for at least one more transfer. Elder Roberts was told that he had been called to be a trainer and so that means that I would be leaving the area! He hung up the phone and just kinda stood there in shock and looked at me. He didn't expect that at all. He said that he was excited to train but that he was sad that we were going to be split up. We really got along great and had some great goals set for this next transfer- but that is ok. So normally the transfer calls come from the zone leaders on Saturday night unless it is a special call. Well Friday afternoon the phone rang again. I answered the call and it was president again but asked for me this time. I was talking to him and he told me that the Lord had called me to be a district leader in the Brentwood district in Antioch. I was speechless. He just kinda chuckled and asked if I would except the call. I told him that I would but that I was very nervous because I don't feel like I am qualified to be a district leader. He told me that he was glad that I was nervous because he said that if I wasn't nervous that he would be worried about it. haha so me and Elder Roberts were both called to leadership positions and are going to be split up on Tuesday. So I am going to be put on bike and as the District leader! I am very humbled and nervous but also know that the Lord is going to take care of me and help me be qualified for this calling. Please send up some prayers for me and my new companion because this is going to be a very hard transfer for me because I am going to be on bike and also trying to learn the area. Unfortunately I have not heard anything too great about my new companion yet.. I have been told a lot of things and if they are true and he is like he has been put out to be then this is going to be my hardest transfer yet. But hey, that is what everyone told me about Elder Narvasa but he ended up being a great elder and one of my best friends who helped me through a lot when I really got sick. I like to think that I am able to get along with most people. I am just going to try really hard to apply the Christlike attributes to my life and to our companionship and try to always be the bigger person and just work hard and be a good example to him. President has the trust in me to call me to the area and he said that remember that the Lord is the one that makes the call anyways so there is nothing to worry about! It is going to be a great few transfers. I should spend a few months in this area and be able to really see some miracles!
So Marlin Jefferson is officially able to get baptized because of his smoking! He has been clean for three weeks and has set the date for Nov. 3rd, because he has to wait for his back to be able to bend. He had a pretty rough past and so he is going to have to be interviewed by President Meredith tonight. If he passes he has asked me to be the one to baptize him. Because I taught him for this transfer the rule is that we can come back to the baptism as long as it is within a transfer after the one that you taught him. So if he passes tonight and President gives the ok then we are going to be able to come back to the area and get him baptized! I am soooo excited to see this man enter the waters of baptism and join his family in the Gospel! I have never seen someone work so hard to join the church. He has really been working hard to quit smoking! He has been sucking on jolly ranchers to replace them. The other night he had like 4 in his mouth haha. He is doing really well.He told me that he is really looking forward to me coming back because he has gotten so close to me and never felt so close to a missionary before! I was so touched. That is going to be a great day!
Thank you everyone for all of my birthday stuff!!! I really enjoyed the boxes and the gifts! I got the family and grandma and grandpa's and then I also got the Dickson crews that night at the temple! Thank you all so much! All the gifts were perfect. Mom and dad the speakers are perfect and we have really had a good time with them! We are having a great time together and going to hit up In & Out one more time together. We wish that we could have gone golfing like we planned to today but because I am leaving I have way too much stuff to do! Dad I may have to take you up on your offer for golf though this coming up transfer. I hear there is great golfing in this next area! Cant wait! haha
Guys I have to hurry but I love you all and know that the church is soooo true! I am so excited for the future that is in my path. I am super nervous but I am also really excited about what is going to be coming! Please keep me in your prayers. I don't want to let the Lord down with being a district leader!
Love you all so much!!!
Love,
Elder Shelley
pictures: 1. Elders Roberts and Shelley with Marlin Jefferson and his step daughter
2. Hayward District
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