Just Elder W--- and Me!

Me and my new companion, Elder W---! Isn't he a BEAST?!?

Elder W--- is a STUD!

I was sad to leave St. Maries, and a piece of my heart will always be there. I miss those wonderful people more than I can put to words, and you can bet your fanny, I AM GOING BACK!!! :D

C-- teaching me and Elder H-- on my last day.

Me crushing Elder H-- at Chess...

These are two of the greatest men I have ever met: Brother S--, and C--. I love them both dearly, and I look forward to when I'll get to see them again! :D

Me and C-- were trying REALLY hard not to break down in front of the camera. I think we sort of pulled it off, but it's easier for him, because he can just hide behind that fantabulous beard. :'(

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my time here in Priest River, with my new companion, ELDER W---!!!

Ah! Where do I start with this guy?!? All I can say is that HE IS A BOSS!!! We get along VERY well, and the work presses forward! I love the people, and I'm so excited to be here!

Some artwork by Elder W---...

It's a bit weird being a trainer, mostly because I feel like I just got here, but, I guess the Lord knew I was ready. :)

I've learned so much, and I keep learning more each day! My testimony, and my conversion continue to grow, and bare fruit. I love this Gospel, and I know with all my heart, might, mind and strength that THIS IS THE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD. I know that, and I will defend that to my last breath.

Anyway, that's all I've really got this week. I love and miss you all!

Enjoy the pictures! :D

St. Maries

R--- (investigator), her daughter, and a bunch of little kiddilywinks running everywhere! :)

Well, transfer calls are in, and my fate has been decided: I am leaving St. Maries.

Sister L-- (the bishop's wife, on the left), and Sister N-- (on the right). Two awesome ladies! :D

I'm doing my best NOT to be depressed, or anything like that, but it's hard. I've been here for only a few months, and yet this feels like a 2nd home to me. I know pretty much everyone in town, and they all know exactly who I am too. I love everyone here so much, and it's hard to say goodbye. :'(

Brother Webb and his cute little daughter Amy. :')

BUT! I'm not going to let it get to me. I have every intention of coming back in a couple of Summers, so I have no need to worry about it. :)

So my new area is going to be: Priest River! Another boony town (which I am thrilled about. Small towns are my favorite places to serve! :D ), and apparently it's really pretty up there!

God works in mysterious ways. I know that I will learn, and grow, and come to appreciate this change, and so I'll look forward to serving in this new and wonderful area!

I love and miss you all, and I'll write ya same time next week!

-Elder Keppner

S-- Gets Dunked!!!

#1: S--- is prepped for the swim of his life! 
(We're in normal clothes because we all just got done with the Church cleanup.)

This last week has been crazy!

We had A LOT of lessons, and we made a lot of progress!

St. Maries is one of those areas, where you will always gain success equal to the amount of work you do, and we are working HARD.

The highlight of this week was our latest baptism/confirmation, S---! 

He has been waiting since the day I got here to be baptized, and now, at last, he has been baptized, received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and the Aaronic Priesthood.

The L--- family after S---'s baptism!!! :D

He is so thrilled, and so is the entire ward! In January, our average church attendance out of our 250 members was about 60. Now, we have an average of 75, and it's increasing! We are working hard, and it's really paying off.

Brother B--- cookin' up some grub for the ward BBQ, immediately following S---'s baptism. 

Also worth noting, me and Elder H--- performed a musical number in church this Sunday. I sang, and Elder H-- played piano. We performed "O My Father", and it went VERY WELL! The problem is, everyone wants us to perform musical numbers every Sunday now. :(

To finish, WE GOT TO SKYPE HOME!!!

It was awesome to see everyone, although, its really weird to see how grown up everyone is. SO much has happened since I've been gone, but I know we'll have all eternity to catch up!

In the meantime, it's out to the field to harvest.

We are only asked to work our hardest, do our best, and let the Spirit do the rest!

Love and miss you all, 

Elder Keppner.