Fort Madison Week #1: I Can Almost See Nauvoo

So, I actually did leave Iowa City... I know, I was pretty sad to find this out, but I cannot say that I was terribly surprised by my transfer doctrine either. I had spent six months in the home of the Hawkeyes, and usually the trainer leaves once the 12 week program is completed, so I was not shocked when the Assistants told me I would be leaving. With that, I said many goodbyes to the awesome members of the Iowa City 2nd Ward that I've grown to love, met with some other investigators, and then transfer day came. I then learned that I would be serving in the Fort Madison Branch! 

This is our house in Fort Madison. It's very quaint and traditional, isn't it?

Fort Madison is a town of 10,000+ people, and the best part about it is that is almost literally a hop, skip and a boat ride across the Mississippi River away from Nauvoo. If we cross the bridge that connects Fort Madison to the Illinois border, we then drive another 10 minutes or so on the highway, and then we would arrive in the City of Joseph. I have found it to be pretty exciting to be in an area so close to that sacred city, but also for the fact that this is a pleasant little town as well. It's nestled along a hill that curves steadily into the Mississippi River, many of the houses are old and fascinating, and the people are friendly as usual. The Iowa State Penitentiary is located in our area (the north part of the branch) though, so that should be interesting to deal with in the weeks to come.

Iowa City 2nd Ward elders for dayz! I sure will miss these guys.

Otherwise, I am sure you are all wondering who my new companion is: his name is Elder Nicholas Winn, from South Jordan, Utah! He originally grew up in Las Vegas, but then he moved to the Salt Lake Valley and lived there for 8 years before coming out on a mission. He just got finished being trained by Elder Baltes - an elder who came out with me - so I am his "breaker," or follow-up trainer. I am very excited to serve here, for the branch seems to be full (well, as full as a branch can be) of fun, interesting members, there is much great work to be done, and we already have some great prospects in terms of baptisms in the upcoming weeks. One of my best friends in the mission, Elder Brown was also trained here, so I hope to live up to his great legacy, haha! As for Elder Price, he is to remain in Iowa City, and his breaker is Elder Bowhuis - an ex-Zone Leader who will be serving as the District Leader up there.

The Iowa City Zone at the Mormon Handcart Park!

That is basically all that I have to report on for now (other than the fact that Church was once again cancelled for me because of a snowstorm...), but there shall be more to come as Elder Winn and I have our first full week together. I love you all, and happy March!

Looking very regal at a member's home/photobooth, yesh? Even with a duck face?

Scripture of the Week: 3 Nephi 27:27 (How much more plain can this verse be? Even though this charge was given specifically to the twelve Nephite disciples, this same commandment is extended to all of us by the Savior Himself: be even as He is.)

Missionary Advice: Do you have any tri-fold pamphlets of the Family Proclamation? If you don't, you should get some and then pray about who you can share them with!