Another transfer - another new companion

     Good afternoon everyone!   A much better week than last, other than the fact I lost a great companion!  Another transfer has come - one where I thought I may be transferred.  But Elder Workman - who was my companion only 6 weeks - was transferred to the Cougar Mountain area.  It's in the same stake so we'll still get to see each other quite a bit.  He was a great companion!

      My new companion is Elder Lindeman from Alpine Utah, I am his follow up trainer. He has been out for one transfer and just seems like a great person! 

Elder Lindeman from Alpine, Utah - a football player?

     This transfer will be great. I have been called as a district leader and am excited to take on this new responsibility!  We had only one person transferred in our whole zone which was Elder Workman so it will be great to still be with the same Elders. They are all really great. This past week we have been working a lot with Natalie and her two sons. They have been investigating for about a month now. They are amazing.  I can't exlpain the joy that it brings to watch people as they begin to learn and grow in the gospel. 
     During the week we were able to take her on a church tour and as she entered the chapel she said “This feels so peaceful.”  It's so true, the spirit that resides in the church building is terrific!  Words can't adequately describe the past week.  I will someday be able to explain in person to you all!  I have never felt the hand of the Lord so closely. 
     As the week wore on and I began to get better from being so sick, my mind was opened to the tender mercies of the Lord. This week I was able to truly understand the meaning of the Atonement.  As I have talked about before, we know the Savior didn’t just die for our sins and weaknesses, but he also died for pains and sicknesses we will go through.  Last Sunday when I got really sick the doctor said it would take a few days to get back to normal.  For days it seemed I couldn’t think straight or focus.  It was a scary time.  My dreams of being a good missionary and continuing to learn more about the gospel all seemed to be lost. I felt like I had lost half of my brain capacity.  During the week one day while on exchanges I just still couldn’t think straight, I couldn’t remember things as well as I used to.  As we went to lunch at Subway I went into the bathroom and got on my knees (don’t judge me I know those bathrooms can be gross) and got on my knees and said the most humble hearfelt prayer I could, pleading that he would life this burden from me.  A feeling that I will never be able to describe came over me! My body was healed from this sickness!  I cried as I just completely felt better!  I felt the Savior was lifting this from me. I wanted to run out there to the line!  I was so blessed!  Each day following I have become more grateful for this life and my health!  
     I want everyone to know of the power of the Atonement and of Christ.  It left me with the strongest determination to let everyone know about this! T his is the most amazing blessing we can ever receive, the gospel is.  It heals and lifts people up!  It’s the greatest thing in the world.  I am eternally grateful to be born in the covenant!!  I just want everyone to know that I know Christ does live!!  He died for each and everyone of us.  I hope that we will always stay on the straight and narrow to return and live with him again, its so freeing.  
     I love you all so much. Have a great week!!!  Love, Elder Aiken