Biking in the Burg (2/11/2019)

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Dear friends and family,

I am now in Reynoldsburg, which is pretty much the opposite of how Westerville was in that Westerville was mostly suburbs with some downtown and apartments whereas Reynoldsburg is mostly downtown and apartments with some suburbs.

It is a car share area with the Reynoldsburg east elders, which means that we switch off having the car every week. This week we had no car. So we had usually been getting rides but two days ago our ride backed out and our lesson was super far away. We didn't have any time to spare; we hopped on the bikes (mine not having even been used for 4 months and that only for a few days) and sallied forth. It was the most intense bike ride of my mission---no, my LIFE. About an hour of almost non-stop pedaling. The really amazing thing is that when we made it to the person's house, John, I was still able to teach despite being exhausted. I couldn't do that at the beginning of my mission.

It was a good lesson. After we answered some of his questions, John was willing to listen to our message about the Restoration and he is willing to learn more. He asked about the Book of Mormon's "three prophets" which kinda confused us until he said something about that they're still around. We couldn't believe someone not in the Church knew something about the Three Nephites. Pretty funny. Hopefully we will be headed back soon. And hopefully that will be when we have the car.

Aside from John, the main person we are teaching is Jordan, who is on date for baptism this month, though tonight when we meet with him we will probably move it back to early March. He came to church yesterday. He's a very nice guy and very open and faithful. He was taught everything already by missionaries in California but we are going through it all again to make sure he understands it all.

The ward here is pretty nice as well. Ashland was a great but very small ward, so it's weird being in a large building again (a stake center even, which I've never served in before). The members I've met so far are really cool too.

Yesterday we biked a lot in the snow too, which was also a first for me. Didn't much enjoy it. Don't really recommend it.

So funny story. Early last transfer, district activities came back after having been banned for a few months. There was a legend told us that the reason they were brought back was due to an elder in the mission writing a "very well-worded" email to President basically arguing in favor of them, and it helped President Stratford. We doffed our caps to the man, whoever he was. Then on my first day with Elder Pay, he tells me some stories about last transfer, and what do you know? Turns out I am companions with the underdog hero of the mission. Pretty funny.

Not sure what else to say... I suppose I can testify of the importance of meekness. Not becoming angry, resentful, or prideful when others accuse you of things you haven't done, assume the worst of you, or even make constructive suggestions that you don't want to hear is critical. I love the Christlike attribute of meekness; I never understood it until Elder Bednar's talk on meekness given last April. I recommend it.

Love,
Elder Gallagher

THROWBACK PICS: Ashland wings and Kirtland stuff.


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