Getting through the hurricane

This week was a good one in Newberry! Monday we had lockdown because
of the hurricane. Which was also why my newsletter sent late last
week. We lost power in the middle of emailing. We were out for about
24 hours. Which wasn't to bad. We had plenty of food and water so we
were fine. Tuesday we were on lockdown for the first half of the day.
Then the second half of the day we went out and tried to contact as
many members as possible to see how everyone made it through the
storm. Luckily no major damage! Limbs down here and there. So we set
up some service appointments. 

Wednesday I went on exchanges with the
Zone leaders. Elder Mitchell came down here with me. Which was way
fun! We had a few really cool lessons and did some good service. There
was one contact in particular that was really cool. We were knocking
around an appointment we missed and we met this guy, and after talking
for a minute we invited him to church. And he said he wasn't
interested because our church wouldn't accept him because he is gay.
And we shared with him that he would be accepted either way. Because
Christ condemns the sin, but loves the sinner. He cares for each of us
so dearly that all he wants is for us to be happy. And this gospel is
how we can do that! It is how we can feel of Christ's love and know he
is there. It was a way cool experience and I am grateful we were able
to talk to him. Thursday morning we went to Irmo to reexchange. Then
we came back up and spent most of the day doing service. But we did
have on appointment that went well! And they invited us back which is
a nice surprise haha. 

Friday we were doing service all day. I have
blisters on my hands from the rakes haha. But it was fun! And we got
to help a lot of people. Saturday we had some more service.and some
finding which was good. Plus we did our weekly planning. And found out
me and my companion are both getting transferred which is crazy. I am
so grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve in Newberry. The
ward is great and the people are very southern. And I love it! Some
hard hearts here and there but we were able to soften a few! And it
brings joy to my heart to see them feel Christ's love. Sunday was a
great sabbath day! We had some awesome speakers. And after church we
started to say our goodbyes. Great week! I love you all and miss you
tons! Stay classy!


"But there was one man, who was more man than the rest"
Elder Dowell













Sept 11
This week was a good one! Last Monday we were down in Chapin for Labor
today to do a family history booth and talk to people during the
parade and festivities. It was way fun! And there was a car show so we
saw some pretty cool cars! Tuesday we had a great DDM. And after that
we had some appointments. At the end of the day we had dinner with
investigators who are on date. Which was fun! We went to a Mexican
place and I got these things called sopes that basically Mexican
pizzas. It was super good. Wednesday morning we went down to Irmo to
help some people from a senior center do their shopping at Walmart.
That was fun! And we got to see all the missionaries up there while we
were helping which was a blast. When we got back we did some finding
and were able to meet some new people which was awesome! And set a few
return appointments which is always good. Then we rounded out the day
with dinner with another investigator we have been working with. Which
was way fun! Thursday was our pday because of Labor Day Monday. That
was pretty low key. Friday we spent most of the day in Columbia for
interviews. Which went well! Always so good to see president Innes. We
talked about the South Carolina initiative. Which is how we find
people and who we are supposed to focus on. And I love it! It gives us
the opportunity to set specific goals so we can see the Lord's hand
effectively move his work forward through us. So that was awesome!


Saturday was good. We did some finding which went well. We met a few
new people. And did some last minute hurricane prep shopping. Then
Sunday was great! We had a great sacrament meeting and a really good
Sunday school and priesthood. After church we helped a few people put
things away for the storm. Then Sunday night we went in to West
Columbia for the worldwide devotional from elder Bednar which was
awesome. And president Innes talked to us about the hurricane. We are
on lockdown for today and tomorrow just in case. Which is fun! Just
chillin. We also lost power while I was typing this haha. So we will
see when it sends! Overall great week! I love you all and miss you
tons!!

"The storm is coming mr. Wayne"
Elder Dowell
















September 4
This week was a good one! Tuesday we had a great DDM. President Innes
came and participated in a little and it was awesome! It is such a
blessing to be able to serve with him. After DDM we did some finding
and were able to meet a few new people! Which was great! Wednesday was
pretty low key. We did some service in the morning for an older ward
member. And then in the afternoon we went to a nursing home and shared
a bible story. Which was very fun! And we rounded out the day with an
appointment in the sticks that a member took us to. It was fun!
Thursday was the last day of the month. And we were very low on miles.
So we biked around town a little bit which was fun! Luckily not far
enough to hurt though haha. We did some finding around town and talked
to quite a few people. Then Thursday night we had an appointment that
our ward mission leader cam with us too and it was so awesome! We were
a little worried going into it that he hadn't read the Book of Mormon
and he wasn't taking us seriously. But we got there and he said he had
been studying with his wife and they had been reading side by side
with the Bible. And our ward mission leader told them EXACTLY what
they needed to hear. It was amazing. And the Spirit was so strong.


Friday was good. We did some service in the morning and then spent the
afternoon weekly planning. Which was great! We have a great week
planned for next week! Saturday we went to a town called saluda about
30 miles away and took our bikes and spent the whole day biking. Which
was way fun! We met quite a few people and are planning to go back
this Saturday! Sunday was great as always. Nothing to crazy. Monday we
went to Chapin for Labor Day and had a family history booth and talked
to people during the parade!! Great work! I love y'all and miss you
tons!! Have a great week!


"Would you like to stay for dinner?"
*in background* "would you like to stay forever?"

Elder Dowell