Favorite Scripture

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." (3 Nephi 5:13)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Where Did a Year Go?


Well I have no idea where the heck last week went but here we are again!  I'm sad to say that there wasn't really anything exciting this week.

So basically there was a major decision that Elder Kent and I made. No one in our sector is really progressing; more of people that just want to talk with us but not move forward, so slowly we are going to start letting them go and start finding new people.  So anyway wish us luck. Letting people go has always been the hardest thing for me to do on my mission, but its ok that is the mission.

Other than that things are pretty much the same. Things in the apartment are good, French is good, and things are good.

So just something interesting that I thought everyone should know is that one year ago yesterday (Sept. 22, 2012) was the day I went through the temple and opened my call that said I was coming to Benin.  CRAZY...lol. Where did one year go?  Anyway I hope all is well I love and miss you so much! Have a great week!

Avec amour,
Elder Joseph D. Allred II

Flashback to opening the call and going through the temple:




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Working Hard, Praying Hard

Well another week has come and gone and here we are again!  This week was pretty interesting but it was good.

Like I said last week I got a new companion!  Things with that are awesome!  It’s great living with another American but to be companions with one is even better!  It makes me happy.  It’s really weird walking around with another white guy for my companion. The kids surprisingly don’t yell at us as much as I thought they would. They still do, but that’s Benin for you.  That was one reason the week went by fast. It was just busy saying goodbye with the old companion and introducing the new one to everyone.  Things are good though, we only speak French when we are in the area but at the apartment we speak English and French kind of mixed. It’s going good.

The other news I know is that it’s for sure that in October that I’m being transferred so I’m working extra hard to show Elder Kent the sector.  So anyway Togo here I come...maybe. I think there is a good chance I’m staying in Benin so we will see!

The new task at hand is to find new people to teach, so I think we are going to be starting that this week. Other than that, things are pretty much the same, working hard, praying hard, all the same stuff.

I hope all is well!  I hope you have an awesome week!  I love and miss you!

Oh I've been forgetting to say the past couple weeks that I got that package from the young women and it was awesome! Our ward back home is the best! I love you!

Avec amour,
Elder Joseph D. Allred II

Ya, it's possible

Sunday, September 15, 2013

New Companion

Well another week has come and gone and the time continues to fly!  I have to be honest this week was actually pretty boring lol. There isn't much to report on! 

We were pretty busy this week with my visa work here in Benin so two days this week I was in a immigration place where they took my fingerprints. I had to sign some stuff and get my picture taken for the visa so that's one exciting thing I guess. I'm legal in Benin for another 3 months! woo! 

Ok so for the more exciting news there was a transfer this week, and.......ELDER BOTO is transferred!  I'm staying in Jericho for a little longer haha!  Elder Boto is being transferred to another area in Benin. Another missionary is finishing this week and Elder Boto is taking his place as a zone leader!  And I'm getting a new companion, his name is Elder Kent!  And he is from the United States! lol This was very surprising to me because, one he is white, two he is an American. It's a little crazy but I'm ok with it!  I'm pretty sure I'll be transferred in like two weeks but we will see. I think it's cool so I hope it stays the same for a little while.  

Well other than that things are the same lol. I'm loving life. I hope all is well. I love and miss you!  

Avec amour,

Elder Joseph D. Allred II 

Monday, September 2, 2013

This Has Changed Me...

Well another week has come and gone and the time continues to fly. This was a pretty quick week and a good one!

So for the big news of the week, we had two baptisms, Romi and Peligie!  I had the opportunity to baptize both people.  It was amazing.  At the service after they had been baptized they both decided to bear testimony on why they knew the church was true. It was amazing.  Je sais avec tout mon cœur que, L'Eglise De Jésus-Christ Des Saints Des Derniers Jours est vrai!  (I know with all my heart that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true!)

I have seen such an amazing change in these people. It strengthens my testimony of the church.  I'm so blessed for this opportunity to help people, the people of Africa are amazing.  This place has truly changed me for the better.  I would never choose to serve somewhere else!

Anyway that was the highlight of the week, I hope you like the prison photos on a happy day lol.

Today we had a soccer activity today because we have a lot of missionaries leaving in a week so it was kind of a goodbye activity!  I didn’t play to protect my knee.  I hung out with all the missionaries and talked. I like doing that more anyway haha.

So honestly that is really it for this week, things are good, oh there is a transfer this week so maybe big news next week!  Anyway have a great week, I love you and miss you so much!

Avec amour,
Elder Joseph D. Allred II

The famous Mémé!! My mother in Africa!

Pictures from this week's baptism: "I don't know about you but I think everyone except for me looks like they are in a prison photo!  No one in Africa likes to smile."
Peligie

Romi