Elder Tanner Rogers: Someone Peed In A Pie Tin

Howdy!

Even though we were in quarantine this week, we were still working hard to share the gospel, and made some quality memories. I'm so grateful for phones, and the USPS that allow us to share the gospel even during quarantine, and for exercise time that allows us to leave the apartment. Even though we're in quarantine, we had someone commit to baptism December 5!! On Friday we went for a walk at this cool park, and the trail came out right by a power plant. We saw signs that said there was a visitors center so we followed them so we could see if there was a tour we could take after quarantine. We got to a building with a huge VISITORS CENTER sign on top, and we walked in expecting a gift shop where I could buy a sticker for my journal and stuff, but that wasn't what we found. We got yelled at by some guy saying we should leave cause we were on federal property, and it was only for visiting contractors. We left, bummed that we couldn't take a tour or buy a sticker, but we think they should change their signs to say visiting contractors, instead of visitors center.

We also got sticky noted by the sisters this week. They put lots of nice notes on the door and left a box with fun toys to play with. One of the things was lemon starburst jello. I was bored so I made it in a pie tin for my companions one day, and we challenged Elder Robinson to eat the whole thing in one sitting- which he did. He didn't feel very good after.

We got tested for COVID on Friday - which isn't as bad as people make it sound. It hurts a little, and gave me a small headache, but it really isn't as bad as I was expecting. We still are waiting for our results. We hope we either all have it, or none of us do so we can get out of quarantine faster.

This week of quarantine has been another testament to me that God lives, loves us, and is aware of us in our trials. Being in quarantine as a missionary is pretty discouraging, but even though it was a tough week, I saw many miracles, and instances of God's hand in my life. One of the examples that touched me the most was yesterday. Because we were quarantined, we weren't able to do many of the things that we normally would, and I was unsure if I was making a difference. We sent cards in the mail and made a lot of phone calls, but most people just seemed annoyed at our efforts to help. I spent a lot of time praying that I could help people, and make a positive impact on someone's life. I was unsure if I had helped anyone or done any good or if me being out here was a waste of both God's and my time. We had to stay at home for church, which was a bummer, but one of the speakers opened his talk by saying "Last week we heard from Elder Rogers. His talk really connected with me and helped me this week." It sounds like a small thing, but those comments meant the world to me. I'm so grateful that I followed the spirit and said something to help him, and that he followed to spirit to answer my prayers and remind me that I have made a difference, and that I have helped people while I've been out here. I'm so excited to continue to work hard to try to help and serve others.. There are many other instances where the Lord has helped us this week. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we never have to go through our struggles alone!!

Keep Striving Everybody!!

Elder Rogers