Zone Conference - 14 February 2019

Zone conference was on Valentine's Day. They all had a great time and a great meal with decorations that were themed for missionary valentines.

New Missionary Commication Rules - 25 February 2019

New missionary communication rules were released last week and Michael is now allowed to text, call and videochat each week with his direct family. We are so excited to be able to communicate with him on a more regular basis! He is doing so well!

President M. Russell Ballard Visit - 22 Febrary 2019

President M. Russell Ballard (currently the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) visited the California Irvine Mission to speak with all of the missionaries. Before the meeting began, Michael held open the door for everyone and they all thanked him as they went in, saying "Thank you Elder West" and then someone grabbed his arm and said, "are you the official door holder?" and Michael replied, "Yes, I am." It was President Ballard, he told Michael that he was doing a great job and shook his hand. So proud of him (hehe).

Can you find President Ballard? Can you find Elder West?

Here is another pic of Michael being Michael

Weekly Email - 18 February 2019

Hey everyone.

I hope your week has been great mine has been amazing! On Friday we received a notification that we would now be allowed to call, text, and video chat our immediate family every Monday! And it was the most surprising announcement ever. I have had a great week we have talked to so many great people (who were mostly visiting from Mexico) but there were so many people that we talked to got to know and even bonded with over just talking about Christ. This work is amazing and has brought so much happiness and blessings. But those blessings aren't just for full-time missionaries. Neither is Preach My Gospel. It's for everyone and if you just simply talk about the gospel and how it has made you happy and will make them happy. Or just Invite them that's all you have to do. If you want to know more about how important it is that we do this read Doctrine and Covenants section 123 I read it and found a new drive I didn't know I needed. Thanks for all you do and have a great week!

Love Elder West