What is up everyone? I know it’s been awhile. Sorry… I'm trying to be better about sending out updates more frequently. So a good amount has changed since my last email. Last you heard I was in Plainfield with Elder Hardman. Well as things turn out, I have been transferred. I'm in a place called Angola, Indiana. It’s the farthest northeast of the state and the mission. I can get to Michigan and Ohio in about 10 minutes haha. My new companion is Elder Church. He has been out for about 10.5 months. So it’s possible he could be my last companion. Now it’s not for sure that this will be my last area but with only two transfers left the likelihood of me moving next transfer is very slim since I just got here. 

The area is another small town. It’s weird though, it’s not like one of my other areas, Elwood, which was a super small town and had like nothing in it. This place at least has a Walmart haha. As many of you are probably aware I'm kinda more of a city boy than I am a country boy by a long shot haha so being in this small town has definitely been an adjustment and I'm still getting adjusted. I'm hoping that within a week I will be adjusted and feel at home. But at the moment it's not quite like that yet haha. 

Lemme tell you, missions are hard! It's funny, the fact that I only have just under three months left you'd think that moving to a new area wouldn't be such a struggle just because I've done it so many times. But it never seems to get easier. The Lord must want me to grow and I think I am here for a reason! Now I might not know that reason and I might feel helpless but I do know the Lord can help me through anything! As I reflect on the last 21 months I have been a missionary, one thing that hasn't changed is the desire and need to rely on my savior. That is something that I have realized I need every single day. Some days are easier than others but I know if I turn to the Lord and use the Saviors atonement I can overcome anything! I love this gospel with all my heart and I urge anyone that is reading this to reflect and ask yourself, how am I using the atonement in my life daily and how do I rely on the Savior? I don't know why I felt prompted to share this with y’all but I know it has helped me reflect on how I can be a better disciple of Jesus Christ!

I know that I can find my purpose for being here in Angola if I strive to do everything I can. We just had our weekly district council meeting and the prominent theme was our missionary purpose and why we come out on missions. One thing that stood out to me that I have heard many times was the quote by Gordon B. Hinckley that says "forget yourself and go to work". I have been trying to think of that when I start to feel sorry for myself. I know that I am out here to help others receive the blessings of the gospel that I have been so lucky to have all my life! 

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

SEND IT FOR THE LORD 

ELDER HILBURN

Elder Hardman and Elder Hilburn

Elder Hilburn was district leader of this great group

Eler Warren and Elder Hilburn on exchanges

Elder Warren and his greenie with Elder Hilburn