Elder Caden Kapp: Camping in the Outback

Okay what a week!

So much happened this week that is worth note taking. So this may be long or not, we'll see what happens. If you make it to the end, good on you, if not then what a shame.

Big thing #1: We did an exchange with the Bush Elders. This meant I got to go to Mulga-Bore! For those who don't know, Mulga-Bore is an Aboriginal community in which everyone is a member. So cool! The members there are so awesome. Then with the exchange we slept in tents. The other Elders have a house out bush but not enough beds for us so we tented. Not gonna lie, such a highlight being able to say I camped in the Outback. But so hot! Probably some of the worst sleep of my mission. But hey, no one said missions would be easy. Overall the exchange was great. I got to eat Kangaroo tail, and bush Melon and also got to teach a lot in this place called Harts Range.

Big thing #2: Member meets this week were something else. For Monday, an American family invited us over and we had a bunch of American cereal for dinner. Not a good idea. You then feel sick and never want to eat cereal again. The second dinner was a house of Samoan members invited us missionaries over for dinner and they basically planned a wedding for me in Samoa. So that was the most uncomfortable dinner ever. Then thirdly is the islander members just buy us food like crazy. It's so unhealthy for us but we appreciate their love and support.

Big thing #3: The work has been going so well. A lot of the less active members we've been working with have been progressing so well and we've been able to build genuine relationships with them. This week we went and Anna taught us how to paint and painted with us. We also had some great lessons with Kerry, even though his dogs keep trying to bite me. And we've had heaps of success with all the part member families we've been working with. On the friends side of things, we found out Wilson is a member (huge shock). But the rest are doing great. Overall, it's been huge miracles.

Big thing #4: We've had a lot of service opportunities for non-members. We've been letterbox dropping our free service flyers and it's paid off. We had a couple this last week and alot this upcoming week. We're excited for it but this next week will be BUSY. We have zone conference tomorrow will Elder Wakolo. Then we fly down Wednesday for MLC on Thursday. We'll then fly up Friday and then the work grind begins.

Big thing #5: The final thing I wanted to talk about is just the work. The members and friends here are so elect. All my areas mean so much to me but Alice Springs might take the win on favorite. Too soon to tell but I sure am loving it. So many fun opportunities and experiences. Like basketball night, the lessons, those we teach, painting, exchanges, and just spending time with the community. All are just small things that makes the work great.

Spiritual Thought: "The Returned Missionary" By Elder L. Tom Perry; "His words are always positive and direct, revealing the blessings that come through following His law and His way." A lot of times we can get lost or confused on what is the words and promptings and Christ, and what are the promptings of man or even the adversary. Anything positive comes from God, and we need to act immediately on it. Why should God keep prompting us if we just ignore his promptings? We need to do our part and act and then he'll bless us because of it.

Well family and friends, sure do love you all. Big shoutout to my little sister on getting her mission call. She's absolutely going to kill it in the field.

Well I'll talk to you all next week!

-Elder Kapp