Hello from San Diego,
Time is the weirdest concept as a missionary because our schedules are the same every single day and Saturday and Sunday are just ordinary days for us except for the Sacrament on Sunday. :) Missionary life is so different than I ever expected and it is more rewarding than I could ever have imagined. It is such a blessing to have the confidence and trust that I am in San Diego at a specific time, with a specific work to do, and with specific experiences before me. What I love most about it is the way I am set apart as a missionary. I am freed from all the regular distractions in life that I will one day welcome back, but I am able to throw myself into the work and gain a deeper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I thought reading the scriptures and studying would be hard to do eveeryday for 2-3 hours but it is so precious to me! I absolutely love it. I also have a deeper love and appreciation for the Savior and for what he has done for me and all of his brothers and sisters. It is an incredible privilage to be a part of his work and help invite others to come unto him and find true rest and happiness.
I have been anxiously awaiting a rainful and yesterday it rained off and on all day but it poured throughout the night. This is a special occasion in San Diego and I had one of the best nights of sleep since I've been here. I felt right at home w/ the windows open and the soothing sound of raindrops, not to mention the smell! It was wonderful! I've always loved rain but the thing that makes me love it so much is the way the earth is cleansing itself. There is a certain stillness that comes from a calm storm that makes me think of Jesus as he calmed the storm.
Last month we studied faith as a mission and we had a really rough week here in Green Valley. Many things were causing us to be doubtful and discouraged but in the end Heavenly Father blessed us to witness many miracles. One of our investigators is no longer moving to the other coast, which will be a huge blessing for their family. Many people were praying for that. Another of our investigators asked for time to let things sink and that scared us but she now has a baptismal date. He works in mysterious ways but it was definitely a lesson for our companionship to learn. As we had faith through the hard times we were blessed to better appreciate the miracles occuring before us. The Lord is absolutely in His work and I just have to do my part trusting that he is guiding it all.
Oh, I also found out last week that I could go home 12 Feb 2013 or 1 Jan 2013...I didn't realize that and now I know i'll have to make that decision someday. I could start up school right away because of the semester that starts a few days later or come back home later on 12 Feb and take time to "normalize" and get a job....time will tell but that's an interesting situation to be in. Luckily I have a long time before I really have to think about that. :)
Finally, I would like to extend an invitation to all that read this entry. Every time that we meet with members we extend a challenge to them and their families. Elder Ballard has promised us on more than one occasion that if we come together as a family and pray sincerely for opportunities to share the gospel as well as to recognize these opportunities and to have the courage to act on those opportunities, that we would be able to help others find truth. After extending this challenge over the pulpit, Elder Ballard one day received a letter from a woman. She was furious that she and her family had done the 90 day challenge and had prayed as a family each day and nothing had happened. They had not found someone to prepare for the missionaries to teach. He decided to call her and he said, "Hello, this is Elder Ballard from the Quorom of the 12 Apostles in Salt Lake City." There was silence on the other line (haha!) They had a chat about her experience and he asked her what she DID. They had only prayed as a family, which is certainly the first part but Heavenly Father doesn't just make things happen. He typically works through his children. He asked her to take the challenge again but to this time also talk to everyone! Make friends with the mail man, the grocer, her neighbor. Seek opportunites to share the gospel with those around us, recognize them, and act on them. She agreed.
3 months later he recieved another letter from the same woman and she explained that there was a family about to be baptized. This happened because her daughter had invited a friend to a primary activity and she really loved how she felt there. Then she told her family about it and they became interested and soon they were invited to take the lessons from the missionaries. Be an example to those around you, BE who you SAY you are. As I like to say, "Wear the Badge" sometimes I forget my calling and have to remind myself that I am a missionary for the Lord and have no reason to be apologetic about the things I know to be true. I am who I am and I don't ever have to switch hats. Obviously we still need to be respectful of others and their beliefs but never hide your light. Let your light shine forth!
I love you all! I really do. Thank you for all the love and support, I am grateful for your prayers and know that I pray for your and your families too!
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