Landmarks and Landmines

It was a great last week in Fort Ord Ward. It’s really sad to leave it behind, but bigger and better things are in store. It’s been a week full of strange false leads, skunks, fried Raccoon, and unexpected accomplishment. 

Spiritual: It’s interesting to be a missionary and be able to chart your progression in an area. Most of the learning and growing that takes place on a mission is a very spiritual change and is not able to see with the outward eye. Occasionally though you are able to find a landmark where you can judge your progress and see how far you have come and be able to see that you have grown. I have had a few landmarks come my way this week. The first was a very physical land mark. The first day in Fort Ord we biked from seaside to fort ord. to get to the housing you have to climb a really big hill. It might not be huge to other people but this was a big hill to me. When I first came here it was one of those throw the bike into 1-1 gear and start trucken. This past week I threw the bike into 3-5 and flew up that hill. Another landmark for me was standing up to bear my testimony to the ward for fast and testimony meeting. The first time I bore my testimony I remember looking into the congregation and not knowing anyone and being a little freaked out by the intense military faces that I saw there. Sunday I looked down and saw family and friends that I have grown to love sitting there. It was also really funny to walk down the row and get a fist bump from one of the members. Yeah! It has been a good time of spiritual development to interact with such amazing members and to hear their stories and their experiences. Another landmark that I observed was last night when I went to the outgoing fireside and saw my good friend Elder Fisher who was giving his final testimony before he went home. What an experience it was to remember the interaction that I had with him and how our relationship has grown. It was very special to me. In all of these landmarks of progress it’s very easy for me to say that I was the one who grew in strength, in social prowess, and in spiritual strength. It would be very simple for me to dismiss my growth as a result of circumstance or a product of environment, but I know better than that. True spiritual, physical, mental and social growth comes from the master gardener. The one who has the power to truly change our desires and our hearts. I know that the progress that I Have made is due to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He lives! He has the power to change us and to help us grow. He is my king and I am eternally grateful for His sacrifice and his everlasting Love. 

Funny: Our solid awesome investigator Beth went to the hospital this week due to a potassium deficiency. It gave the ward an excellent opportunity for service and it was really neat to go visit her and share a lot about what the gospel and the church provides. She had somehow smuggled her dog into the hospital with her and because she had not been able to leave the room the small little yorkie named peanuts was getting a little spot of cabin fever and a full bladder. She asked us to take the dog for a walk. We said yes and went out to walk the dog. We rounded the first two corners and then the dog does the dirty. That little ball of fluff runs over to a carpeted waiting room and sits down and does her business right there in the middle of the hospital. Thank goodness it was only urine. That little menace finished up while all sorts of people were walking by and chuckling to themselves. Awwww man! Seriously Little dog??? I was not a happy missionary. It was really funny though. We went to the bathroom and got some paper towels and cleaned it up. That little dog though knew that it had done the dirty deed and was scared for its life. It was shaking and was absolutely terrified. We ended up walking it around a little bit more and a few people actually requested to see the dog in their rooms so it turned into a missionary tool but it came with a price. 

Where I am at: I am leaving Fort Ord ward. It’s a sad day but I know that it’s on to bigger and better things. We avoided getting sprayed by skunks again this week and we are very excited to see the progress that our investigators are making. It’s absolutely killing me to leave these people that I love, but that is what is required. I will be sure and fill you in on the new adventures that await in the land of California. I love you all!