October 10, 2009
Hey hey hey:
Okay, real quick, before anything I gotta mention something I forgot last week. When I was with the zone leaders getting the sisters' place together, Elder Hill and I had the assignment to take the dresser off the top of the van. As we did it his companion was trying to help. Elder Hill, who is about my height, said to me: "Hey hold it up real high so my comp cant even touch it." So we picked it up and held it high as Elder Hill's companion walked in between us trying to reach it, stretching his arms to try and support it, but to no avail. He even jumped for it, but eventually just gave up. It was pretty funny.
This week was pretty good for us. It was a bit more relaxed and not so rushed. We had the zone counsel and the zone conference this week. The zone conference for us means lots of running errands and getting things organized – and that's what we did on Monday. Elder Escobar, the new personal secretary, and I really get along well together. He is really funny. Elder Escobar is from Guatemala, and he is teaching me the Spanish they use there. It is slightly different. They use a different manner of speech for the informal "tu" form. So now I am just getting hooked up with all kinds of Spanish – and that will help next year when Jack and I are both home and I'll be able to understand the different stuff he has picked up from Guatemala. Hooray! Anyway, I think it was Monday that we were coming home from lunch and Elder Escobar was sleeping in the front seat. I drove really calm and easy for most the drive so he wouldn't wake up, and then later (because sometimes I just can't help myself) I abruptly slammed on the brakes, swerved, and screamed. I wish I would have filmed it. The look of panic on Elder Escobar's face when he woke up was absolutely priceless.
We had our first district meeting this past week – which, I felt went pretty well. I am grateful for the hermanas in the district. They are working really hard and it's really helping encourage the office to work and keep up with them.
Ok, let's get to the zone conference that we had on Thursday. I have to say it was the best zone conference I have experienced. The assistants did an excellent job. Instead of giving separate talks, they did a team talk, and it was more like a discussion really. In all truthfulness, the mission has not been working up to full speed lately as it has in the past. The assistants gave very clear reasons and explanations on what we need to do to get the mission back to where it needs to be. I really love how President Chipman works the assistants. He has them doing a lot to help other missionaries be better. President gave an excellent talk. He spoke very direct with everyone about obedience, as recently there have been some serious problems. He and Hermana Chipman gave great talks about Nefi, and how we need to strive to live the life he lead, and bring about the miracles he was able to see for his incredible faith, incredible diligence, and even more incredible obedience to the Lord. They gave an awesome relation to the story about Nefi and his brothers trying to obtain the plates, and how we relate that to ourselves by not giving up, not getting discouraged by low numbers, and striving to press forward. Something Hermana Chipman said was that we ought to be 100% devoted to the Lord, and not just when we are in times of trouble and need. Conference was amazing.
We were able to teach quite a bit this week, and found a few new people. Danitza is still coming along well, although we are at a bit of a standstill with her. But as long as she is keeping her commitments and coming to church, she is still progressing. We had another lesson with a family this week, just talking about the gospel, and faith in Christ. We got into a great discussion about the Sabbath Day when they said they felt that they could still worship God correctly while selling their fruit in the market on Sunday. I love teaching about the Sabbath day.
We have had a great week. Really, I am just loving my time as a missionary. I cannot begin to imagine not serving a mission. Certainly, there are probably 1,000 other things I could be doing with these two years – but when I think about it, those other 1,000 things would be a complete waste of time. There are just too many experiences I have had as a missionary that cannot be experienced elsewhere. The spirit I have felt, the growth and positive change I have experience, the increased capacity to deal with adversity, a stronger desire to love, to be patient, kind, and to be more like Christ - I owe all to the time I have had as a missionary. Also, I have met so many great people that I would have never met if I didn't choose to serve a mission. Missionaries, members, and non members alike – I have met so many wonderful people and friends that I will never forget. The only influence we receive that tells us not to serve the Lord, to not be among His army of representatives, comes from the adversary. Heavenly Father would never put doubt in our hearts about we should accept the sacred calling to serve and save His children. So, to Jordan and all the young men out there I say: Don't put anything in front of serving a mission. Marriage? You're gonna be married for like…the next 70 years! What's the rush? School? Believe me, this two year break from school is the best thing that ever happened to me. I will be a much better student when I return to school. A car? You'll probably crash it anyway, or get buried in debt. Anyone thinking: "A mission is not for me" needs to just imagine the Savior walking along the Sea of Galilee, calling to them as they are engaged in their activities on the shore, and consider whether they would be as Peter, James and John and follow Him straightway, or if they would ignore the call (and opportunity) and just continue in their personal pursuits. Following the Savior straightway is something I feel very strongly about. There is nothing better we can do. No, a mission is not easy, but - welcome to the path to salvation. The Savior never promised a path of ease. Honestly, I am sad to hear of people wasting their time at home when they should be serving. There is just nothing like it. There is no substitute. So Jordan, other young men: stand tall and fulfill the calling you accepted when you chose to follow the Savior long ago. Don't waste your time. It's way too precious. So, does everyone understand that I feel very strongly about this? And, I should add, that I am wring all this with a huge heart full of love. :]
So Thomas Sullivan is back from his mission now? That's great. Cool to hear that RJ talked with you guys at the game last night. Please tell him (and Thomas) I said hello. I'm including a few more pics for your enjoyment. I hope my smiling face warms your hearts. ;) I know the Church is true. The Savior lives. He loves us all, far more than we can begin to appreciate. He suffered and died for us that we might live for Him. I am so grateful to have Him in my life and love the blessing of being able to serve Him with all my heart, might, mind and strength. Live it, love it, and just do it!
Elder Put Your Papers In Now! Royal
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