The Jeep of Alan

Butler District

Greetings my family and friends!!!! 

What an exciting week this one was.  Butler is probably my favorite area.  Honestly, I love it a ton and I'm sooo happy I'm still here with this ward and these people.  I can't grow a beard so I don't fit into this ward at all cause many people have a beard.   You know it's sad when the girls of Pennsylvania can grow a better beard then some of the guys out here- eeeek! 

We were able to go to a sweet store in the mall with a member and he bought me a really cool Dragon Ball Z shirt and a banner too!!!!! It wasn't expensive but boy was I grateful.  That amazing bearded man is always great to us missionaries! We also rode in his jeep.  It was a ton of fun (it was a little cold with the top off once we got on the highway). We ate dinner at the Hooks that evening. I love the Hook family- they are fantastic missionaries and truly want to be a part of Gods work. They have done soooo much missionary work in the Butler Ward and people know and love the Hooks.  Even if they don't say good things about the church, they always say good things about the Hooks. 

Elder English and I in run in the morning together.  Getting up and running helps a ton with waking up in the morning because I don't fall back asleep.  We are best friends and I will never forget this kid.  I love him a lot!!!!!  As we were running, we saw a ton of people fishing in the creek nearby our house.  I was really surprised that you could even fish in there but they were all over it! 

Sister and President Johnson

We got the opportunity to see President and Sister Johnson this week!!!!!!!  This was their last interview with everyone besides those who will be going home when he goes home because he and Sis. Johonson are getting released.  I am going home at the same time as the Johnson's.  It was an awesome interview and I got to put my arm around Sister Johnson (I got a pic with my arm around her).  It was like hugging my mommy!!!!!!  Also Dad, you and President are a lot alike. Now when he interviews me, it is like talking to a father.  It reminds me of how you talk to us- you don't have too much to say and you just give me an answer with the bare minimum of words.  I remember sitting there thinking this is exactly how Dad acts lol!!!!!!  So what I'm trying to say is President and Sister Johnson are just like you guys.  

Well, they gave beautiful trainings that helped a lot.  It's so nice that I still get to see some before we leave.  After the trainings, we got to a Chinese buffet for lunch.  I got an upset stomach and I did not feel good so I had to crash for a couple of hours but then I was good to go!  We drove to the Fike's house for a campfire dinner.  We even played volleyball with them.  It was soooo much fun I just love this Ward. 

We got to see our good friend Joe this week.  He will be interviewed in 2 weeks to receive the Aaronic Priesthood so we are helping to prepare him.  He is excited!  Another night, we got asked by Brother Fuller if we would accompany him in giving a blessing.  So we went with him to give the blessing.  While we were together, we got a call asking us if we could go to the hospital to give another ward member a blessing.  When we got there we say the Relief Society President and we thought she was there as a loving Sister looking after another. Well it turned out that she was there because her mom (who is not a member) was admitted to the hospital.  The Relief Society President wanted a blessing and after her mom witnessed it, she asked if she could have one!  Of we accepted excitedly.  Elder English gave her the blessing and it was really special (I could feel the spirit a ton!).  After this we were heading back to the truck with Brother Fuller.  He messaged his wife about what he had been doing.  When she found out we were giving blessing,  she asked if she could have one.  Sister Fuller has gone through some health issues recently.  She is always so loving and focused on others.   When we showed up, we talked for a minute and then I waited for Brother Fuller to ask either English or myself to anoint so he could give the blessing.  But Bro. Fuller said "Elder Cahoon, would you be willing to give my wife a blessing?" I agreed and proceeded to give her a blessing.  Afterwards, I gave her a hug and told her I loved her and that we as missionaries have Mission Moms and Earthly Moms but that she has been my Ward Mom.  I squeezed her tight and told her how very grateful I was for her.  That night I wrote about it in my journal (only in more depth).  Elder English also told his conversion story and how he joined the church.  That was a beautiful way to end that night! 

So you may be wondering why is the subject title about Alan- well we saw him all this week except for Saturday and he went with us to see Sara.  We had a great visit and it helped her a lot.  She just has to keep pushing through the trials she faces.  After Sara, we helped at Katie's Kitchen.   It brightens my day to help there!  Alan asked his sister to feed us that night and she did.  Alan and his mom picked us up in the jeep.  His mom is the coolest.  Dinner was delicious and it filled our tummies.   

We also did service at the Lighthouse.  We were outside in the beautiful sun!!  Aahhh.  

We also had a lesson with a former investigator that I used to teach. Elders Syndergaard and Andrews and I used to see him.  When English and I met him this time he was still searching.  He had been studying on his own.   We basically taught him the Plan of Salvation. At the end of the lesson Toby said "That makes more sense than any other denomination I've studied or read about.  I am VERY interested." Then he asks "What benefits would I receive as a member?" WHAT?!?!? I've never had someone ask us that it. So we told him about some of the blessings.  It was a wonderful lesson!  

We also saw the Grahams.  That family has improved and grown so much!  How grateful I am that we get to see them and spend that time with them! Honestly, I feel like we are all one big family here in Butler.  I have seen many blessings in my life, in the lives of members and the investigators as a result of the service in Butler.   I'm so grateful for the Butler Ward members- they've made a lasting impact upon me.  While serving in Butler, I have also had the opportunity to see members from Wexford Ward (which I also love!). I was able to see Dave Kraus this week as we helped move his Dad.  We laughed and talked about old times.  Oh how I love Elder Schofield, the Wexford Ward and the Butler Ward.  It was a heart warming time!   

I love everything about this work. I just wish I could stay out here longer.  I never thought I'd say that but it's good to be homeward bound in Pennsylvania! I love you all.  Take care.  Bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

The Bonetti Family from Butler Ward

Elder Cahoon was able to see an old friend,
Bro. Kraus, from Wexford Ward

Elder Cahoon the Baboon