"Go ye therefore and teach all nations . . ." Matthew 28:19

"Go ye therefore and teach all nations . . ." Matthew 28:19

Monday, May 9, 2016

Week 38 - Ottawa, Tri-lingual Companion, and Service

Hey everyone! Last week was crazy busy so we didn't have much of a p-day or any time to email. My punishment for not emailing my parents was I contracted food poisoning on Thursday.  It was not good that's all I'm gonna say about it.

So, as most of you know by now, I'm in Ottawa! My area is a suburban type area that reminds me a lot of home as far as the landscape (minus the mountains). When I first got to Ottawa I realized a few things. 

1. My companion and I were both new to our area which in the mission field is referred to as white washing 
2. My companion speaks fluent Spanish and French and is learning English so I will be able to continue working on my French and learn a bit of Spanish even though I'm in an English area. 

The first week was interesting as we made A LOT of calls and drop-in visits trying to meet members and set up appointments. I learned that when you're both new to the area people are more willing to let you in. 

We've met an awesome member who wants desperately to change his life around to come back to church and overcome his cigarette addiction so we've been helping and teaching him a lot as well as his two sons and girlfriend. We met with an engaged couple, one of whom is a friend of Mark Parent (my friend from my last area). 

We had amazing discussions with them about religion and life and their story, all while they took us on a walk around Parliament and the river in downtown Ottawa. 

We've walked a members crazy ridge-back dogs. They are strong and like to run, which is fine because we need exercise as well. On one of these occasions before we even got to the park the dog I was walking, Chomps, started pulling me trying to run so I indulged him. Wasn't quite a full sprint but it was a decent run. As we were running there were big trees that normally wouldn't be an issue if chomps could read my mind but alas he can't and Chomps decided at the last minute to dart to the other side of the tree and I found myself clothes-lined on the tree by the leash.  My companion sure had a good laugh. We've also done a significant amount of service in these past two weeks, but then again it is springtime. We've helped people move, prepare their gardens, rake dead grass and leaves, and build fences. It's been a crazy yet productive time here. I've been terrible at taking pictures since I've been here but I will be better this week. 

Love you all! Keep doing the little things and take a little more time to find the tender mercies of the Lord in your lives. He works in mysterious ways. It's really cool and sometimes a bit funny to see the ways He looks out for us and sends us blessings. 

Love,

Elder DiReda

Week 37 - First P-Day in Ottawa

Hey I don't have much time to email today. We have service all day for different people. I'll answer your questions all next Sunday (Mother's Day) and more. Love you so much parentals!!! You're the best!!!!