What Winter is Supposed to be Like...- Week 84

 What a week! 

I went from one of the best winters I have ever had (75°) to one with snow ❄ (31°ish) and wind 💨 just like in Idaho! It is giving me major flash backs and oh how I do not miss it😂 

This week has been amazing! My companions name is Elder Powell. I remembered it at first because of the lake (lake powell for emphasis). He is from Idaho as well! He is actually from Rexburg! Such a small world out here! 

We have been teaching an older couple named Tom and Linda. They are such a cute couple. Every time we have gone over which is twice, she had some cookies made for us to take for when we left! It reminds me of my grandparents. They are always giving us sweets and treats to take for on the drive home. 

Snowflake Arizona is a pretty awesome place. The members here are amazing and I have loved serving them so far. We have been able to really feel the spirit this week and I personally think that is the only thing sometimes that keeps missionaries or anyone going. The good feelings they have. It is truly amazing! 

I love you all! And I hope you are doing well. 

Love, 

Elder Ricks 

Doubt Not, Fear Not

¡Changes!- Week 83

 Hello everyone! Sooo after about 8 months of being with Elder Calvo we are getting split up! I will be going to a place called Snowflake. It is about 3 hours away from where I am at right now. 

I have been looking at the temperature in Snowflake and when the sun isn't out it is colder than in Idaho! Crazy.... I will freeze my butt off. But I have heard all we will be doing is service so that will be fun! 

I love learning new things. It has been so cool trying to develop different talents and skills. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I love you guys! ❤

Elder C. Ricks

Doubt Not, Fear Not

(:Released:)- Week 82

 Hello everyone! What a wonderful week it has been for me here in Arizona! I have been looking at some of the other missionaries emails, the pictures they put have snow and it does not look that fun! I'm terrified when I come home! Winter is going to kick my butt! 

I seen lots of cool things lately! I was able to work really closely with my branch president for the last little while and it has been so amazing to learn from people that know what they are talking about! I have really been impressed with the way the teenagers act in the church here. They inspire me every time I see them! 

Something that has helped me get through hard times is forgetting about the hard time I am going through! Once I do that I am already through it! I am mentally more strong and able to overcome battles and struggles. So I would encourage you to forget about the everyday life struggle and just keep trying and you'll forget why you were mad or frustrated in the first place! 

I love you all so much! 

Love,

Elder C. Ricks

Doubt not, Fear not

Lol look at the pictures carefully! A guy taking a selfie, then a guy taking a picture of him taking a selfie, then a guy taking a picture of a guy taking a picture of him taking a selfie, then another guy taking a picture of another guy taking a picture of another guy taking a picture of the guy who took the selfie 😂😂 so funny! 

2020-->2021- Week 81

 Good morning Idaho/Utah or anywhere else that gets this email! 

We are officially over half way done with the transfer!! I can't believe how time works. I am pretty sure it's like this, 365 days in a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours in a day, but for some reason I feel like I'm missing a few of those days and hours in there?? 🤷‍♂️  

I have also decided that I eat way to much... and I've gained some weight😅 I have started working out a little harder and I personally feel that instead of loosing the weight it is all just congregating in my belly😳 I have learned that I've developed a new talent like my brothers and father! They are all experts at pushing their bellies out like they are super fat! I tried it once and man did it look good! 

I am truly grateful for all of you and for your kind gestures to me through this holiday season! My personal studies have increased my ability to understand more the stories in the Book of Mormon. It is wonderful! 

Many have said 2020 was the hardest year of their lives, I'd agree. It was by far different than any other year I have ever lived. But on the contrary, it is also by far the year I have learned/changed the most  to become more like my Savior Jesus Christ. I believe this pandemic is more than just a virus getting passed around, but rather a way God is helping us find a new perspective in life. Have you found it yet? Maybe it is different for each person! Don't be afraid to change old habits, or bad practices. Find your new motivating force that helps you keep your life centered on Jesus Christ. 

You all are seriously amazing!! Keep on keeping on❤

Love, 

Elder Ricks

Doubt Not, Fear Not