First week in Ypsalanti, Michigan

Dear Family and Friends,

I got transferred to the Ypsilanti South area which is in the
Ypsilanti Ward here in Michigan. My new companion is Elder Iverson.
He's from Las Vegas! He's a great guy, teaching me the ropes of Zone
Leadership and everything else! I have been adjusting to the area
pretty well, I like it a lot! Our apartment is NOT very
clean/organized though but we also don't really have time to make it
the way I want it sooo we'll just have to live with it haha.
   So we had transfers on Tuesday and I got settled in a little bit
and we went out to see a few people and tracted a lot! Elder Iverson
is so good at talking with people, it's made me realize how bad I am
at it! Hahaha sometimes as missionaries you can fall into the trap of
just talking TO people but really our purpose is to talk WITH people,
and understand them so that we can teach them The Gospel according to
their needs. So I have been learning a lot from him. It is weird being
with a companion who knows what he's doing and is a super solid Elder
because now the focus for me is to keep up with him, to be on the same
page as we teach. Whereas when I was training the transfers before
this it was more showing my companion how everything works and
shouldering most of the companionship I guess. So I assume I will
continue to adjust and hopefully be able to keep up with Elder Iverson
sometime soon!
   We just did a lot of tracting this week and had quite a few
appointments too. Most people we are helping have some pretty big
problems in their lives such as their girlfriend is on crack, they are
dealing with alcohol and tobacco addictions, bad financial situations,
and lots more. The thought that keeps coming to me is this: The Gospel
will NOT fix all of your problems. But it will give you the tools
necessary to overcome them. Sometimes we can all get into that mindset
where we're living the Gospel, doing alright, but then a problem comes
up and we get all mad about it. But The Gospel will enable us to
improve the quality of our lives and overcome the problems and
challenges we all face. So when something does come up, we should turn
to the Savior, and go to work in the Gospel! Not just assume that the
problem will fix itself because we are living right. That is what has
been on my mind!
   I hope you all have a great week. Know that Our Savior Jesus Christ
loves you and will help you through all that we face in this life.
   My new address is 46121 Village Green Ln. Apt #131A Belleville, MI
48111 if you want to write me or send me anything!

-Elder Goff