SDSU YSA (last one): I can run but I can't hide

One word..... Weird.... That is all I have to say about your little visitors on Sunday! I'm sure they might have told you but let me tell you my side of the story... 

So, This last Weekend was a giant regional YSA conference being held in San Diego so when I heard that Ryan and Shaina were coming for their honeymoon here the thought did cross my mind that they might try to see me at church but I disregarded it and actually even forgot that they would be here because I didn't even know where I would be going to church until the week before.  So I thought I was safe in the back of my mind and didn't give it a second thought.

Fast forward to this past Sunday.  We go to the church building which is outside of our stake (again, one more reason, I thought I was safe from intruder attacks)  for church we had scheduled to meet with one of our members just before Sacrament begins.  We designate another one of our members to save us a seat and go to teach her.  We have a great lesson and we walk into the chapel and our seats were stolen! The chapel was filling quickly, luckily there were overflow seats set up clear to the back of the gym.  Around the back we see our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Konold.  So we are sitting there talking about the choir who was going to be doing a musical program for us rather than having speakers talk to us.  The choir was great! There were 2 or 3 former California San Diego Missionaries in the group from Arizona so it was funny to see them.  The only thing was that we had seen them earlier that morning because they performed for the Recruits at the MCRD. 

So we were talking about that with our Ward Mission Leader when all of a sudden I get that feeling like someone is staring at me.  You know that odd sixth sense that people have when you look over at the person in the car next to you when you are stopped at a stop light and you both look at each other? That is what I felt.  So I look back and I saw Ryan walking about 7 rows back behind all the chairs. We made eye contact and he just gave a goofy smile and waved.  I was in Shock! I asked him later what my face looked like and he said that I was so confused! Apparently I mouthed, "Oh my gosh".  haha

So I snap around again so I am facing forward, grab Elder New and say, "My brother is here..."  he looked at me and said, "You're kidding me right? Which one?" so I told him. 

So Sacrament meeting eventually starts and it was actually really cool! my favorite part was the administering of the Sacrament.  Because there were so many people there (the YSAs filled up nearly all the chairs) they had about 24 men to pass and six pairs of priests on their own separate tables to break more bread than could be fit on just the one table.  There were Sacrament Tables lined along the front of the chapel and when all the Deacons stood to pass the Sacrament I felt the spirit confirm to me the power of the priesthood.  It made me think of all the deacons that stand all over the world to administer something so important.  I feel like when I was a deacon I didn't realized the importance of what I was doing and how many young men throughout the world there were who were able to be a part of that service. 

Anyway, that was a little off of the subject of my story. So, the Choir sings great, and the closing prayer is said and Elder New starts counting down. 10, 9 8, 7... Confused I asked him why he was counting down.  He said, "Don't even Elder!  You know why!" and he kept counting. 

Then I saw Ryan and Shaina coming up to us.  I gave Ryan a hug and was a little unsure if I could hug Shaina but she made me do it and told me that she is my sister now so it was fine! haha still weird! In fact, our Ward Mission Leader saw me hugging a girl and not knowing what was going on just turned back around! haha He figured she was a sister or something but I just thought it was funny that that was his reaction. I had no Idea what to even say or do! I just kinda sat there looking at the two of them and just said something that I honestly can't even remember what I said! haha But we took a quick picture and they left and the awkwardness was over... And that is my side of the story! It was definitely weird! haha

The Newlywed Surprise Attack

So yeah, My week was weird! Some lady today was dancing in the laundromat while singing, "Hashtag, Hashtag, HASHTAG, HASHTAG!..." over and over again.  I also found out today that I am being transferred tomorrow.  I don't know where to yet but It is going to be somewhere exciting I'm sure! I'll tell you all about my new area and companion next week! President Clayton is still here running the mission until the 28th which is when President Schmitt will take over as president after a brief 2 hour intro to the mission home and office.

Thank you for the Wedding photos! I really appreciated them! Both of them do look happy! :) I can't wait to hear from you next week!

Love,
Elder Ethan John Rowbury