We learned about inviting the Divine Companionship of the Spirit by our conversation. I gave a talk yesterday to our branch about being unified. I told them about Pres Bulloch's three questions to ask before saying anything. "Is it true? Is it Necessary? Is it kind?" As I have tried to do that this past week we have gotten much closer as a companionship. We are more unified than ever. I am so grateful for all that Elder Stahle has taught me. He has really been a strength. We were talking with a lady who was trying to make fun of me. She was like "is he new at this? He doesn't sound very sure" Elder Stahle told her: "No. He know what he knows, and I know that he knows it and that it is true." I felt the spirit testify to her of the truthfullness of what I was saying as well. I know that God does love us, that He cares about what we go through, and that He answers our prayers. I have prayed about the Book of Mormon and know it to be the word of God. This transfer has taught me to be a more powerful servant of the Lord, and I am able to lead out effectively. I feel much more confident in the strength of the Lord. I know that I am weak and not able to do anything of myself. But I am led by the Spirit frequently to do things in power and with authority from God. I turn to God for help when I need Him, and I do all that I can to put His will before mine. I feel that Teresa is very prepared and is going to overcome the things life has thrown at her since she committed to be baptised. We see her on wednesday and are going to set her with a date then. I know that the love that God has for His children is infinite, and I was able to feel a little bit more of that love which He has for the saints in this branch. I am going to do my very best to only grow in that love, and extend it to more of God's children, and not let it diminish, for I know that as my expectations-and I would say that those are linked to love for the human soul- decrease, so does my effectiveness. May you have as great a week as I've had, In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
~Elder Owens.

Dear Family,

I thought of you often during conference, and was so glad for the things that you have taught. I think that you did apply the 2nd thing that Sister Lant talked about- Testifying spontaneously. Things like light houses turning our vision to the Gospel. Things like my name reminding me to search for that light. You testified subtly all the time of gospel truths, and I didn't realize it. We have an investigator here in Norwich who loves light houses. (Ruth Sutton) Everything she owns has either Pillsburry doughboy, snowmen, flip-flops, or light houses on it. Hahahaha, she is interesting. We had 36 investigators here when I arrived. Elder Stahle is a very solid missionary, and I am so excited to be working with him. There is a lot going on in Norwich right now. We are finding many people to teach. I am still un-familiar with the area and many of the streets. I haven't been out of the city of norwich to tract or do anything other than go to dinner yet. (The other cities in our area I couldn't tell you yet cause I haven't gone there) It isn't too big of an area though. There are Elders in Greene, and there are some in Hamilton, and some in Delhi. We had about 8 people committed to come to conference, and 1 watched it online(Ruth) and 1 came(Melissa) Melissa is an awesome story. She heard about my space a while ago, created an account, and then one of her friends from utah told her that he could get in touch with the missionaries for her. She said that would be fine, so the MTC called her, and the missionaries said something that touched her so she decided to come to church. She walked from her house(about 1-2 miles) to church. (That was the week before I got here) After walking in she said "I want to learn more about your church." She has 4 children of baptismal age(And a husband). We asked her about conference and she said "it was ok". what stood out to you? "Well, it was a lot of information" (That was Elder Stahle talking to her) -I was still writing down what the spirit was telling me- I then had the opportunity to bear my testimony to her of the atonement, of the truth that I know. I know that Heavenly Father does hear our prayers. I know that we can be forgiven, and that through the atonement we can find peace, have joy, in the midst of our trials. I know that it was true when they said we need to calm our lives to be ready to listen to the spirit. Not just external, but internal. I know that as you do so, you will also feel the spirit teach you, and it will be an experience unlike any other. -I saw the spirit testify to her of what I said