First Week in Tempe, Arizona

Elder Ballard was assigned to serve temporarily in Tempe, Arizona with President and Sister Goaslind. He is happy!

Holy cow, this week is not the first week in the mission that I have been picturing for the last 5 months. I have been expecting bolivia, spanish, cold, shacks, no phones, no bikes, no cars, mountains, no running water & the hardest week of my life. Instead I got Arizona, English, hot, houses, a phone, a bike, zone leaders with cars, flatlands, water at my pleasing & the best week. What a difference!!!!!! 
Missionary work is the FUNNEST!!!!!!!! Everyone that is reading this GO ON A MISSION! If that age has past then GO ON A SENIOR MISSION! This work is incredible. I am learning soooooo much more than just spiritual things. You learn so much about life out here! I am gitty, this work is just so special, I can’t even put it into words. Bringing other individuals unto the knowledge of the gospel is the best feeling. Be a missionary!!!!!! Wherever you are. Pray to have people cross paths with you so that you can teach them. This work is so important, Christ needs you!
Also, I have learned the importance of rules. The commandments are put in our lives for our benefit!!!!! Not for our suffering!! The same rules apply to missionary work. I love keeping the rules!!!!!!! I love having the holy ghost as my constant companion!!! He is the man!!!! 
Truly, more than ever I have learned, AND TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY….. MISSIONARY WORK IS THE SAME WHEREVER YOU GO! YOU ARE CALLED TO THE WORK! NOT A PLACE. For goodness sake I have been stoked for Bolivia for 5 months and 2 days before I leave they pull a fast one & tell me to Im going to Arizona. Some people may look at that is a disappointment. NO! IT DOES NOT MATTER WHERE YOU GO! Zona is the best! The Lord knows exactly what he is doing. I love and trust what He does. 
I bare simple testimony on being faithful. The amount of miracles in our lives are based upon our obedience and faith. Keep yourself clean to have the holy ghost speak to you AND then exercise your faith that He will. I know He will! I love this gospel. I love missionary work. I love the Lord. 
Life is good! Let your Heavely Father know how much you love life. He will pour out His blessing to us as we show our gratitude. 
Also the sunsets out here are crazy, Christ made this world so beautiful :,) 
All love, Elder Ballard 

Photos:

1. The comp!!! Elder Dryden.. seriously the best trainer I could ask for. & HE CLIMBS 

2. Last mtc squad pic

3. Hahahah Annalie Ross, the girl who won provos most elidgable got to the mtc 4 days before i left, we are actually homies now lol 

4. A church building had all these book of mormons! So sick 

5. We found this basketball court, kinda nice 

6. One members house had some really friendly birds Haha 

7. This house had a turn patch the shape of Utah!!!

8. This is Robert. He is getting baptized this week! We are so proud of him! He had his baptismal interview a couple days ago, look at the shirt he wore for it…… Haha (zoom in) 

MOMMA NOTE: It was so fun to talk to him on the phone! He is happy and well. He has running water, a house, and a Walmart close by. He is also riding a bike! There are all things he wouldn’t have in Bolivia and he recognizes how blessed he is. The people are kind and he loves sharing the Gospel.