Men on a Mission

This week was a good week. We are gearing up for transfers and for another busy week of putting pieces of the puzzle together. It never quite comes together until the very end. Then it works out perfectly. I love this work.

Spiritual: One of the goals I have before I end my mission is to make as big of a difference as I possibly can. I truly believe in my heart of hearts that Heavenly Father shows His love for us by providing us with small tender mercies. Small acts of kindness that help us know and understand Him better. I have seen that pattern over and over again with investigators and even with myself. He blesses us often times with small things that over time have a large impact on our lives. I have tried to follow that same example. I want to make a big difference, so I have been praying and asking Heavenly Father to help inspire me with little things that I can do to make a difference in someone’s life that day. The result has been very inspiring. This week has been full of little opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. Small ways every time, but still meaningful ways. These things included leaving an orange on someone’s desk, putting my arm around and Elder and just telling him how awesome he was, picking up things for people, telling a joke or two, listening to a friend and writing a note. Every time not only did I feel the spirit confirm that what I was doing was pleasing in the sight of the Lord, I saw their lives get a little brighter as they realized that someone cared about them. Often times in the Gospel, we are so concerned with the big things. Do I have a testimony? or The Second Coming could happen tomorrow! Do I have my food storage? It would be good for us to remember that the ways God communicates with us, through small feelings, thoughts and impressions, are ways that we should emulate as we communicate with others. One of the purposes of the gospel is to bring joy into our lives and give us a vehicle to bring joy into the lives of others. Heavenly Father will inspire you with ways to bless and help those around you. The key is to let Him know through prayer that you are willing and ready to act on those promptings and be a blessing in the lives of others. The Spirit will bear testimony to you that what you are doing is right and you will see the impact in the lives of those you love. 

Funny: In the mission we are driving a huge 8 passenger van while our other car is being loaned out to another set of missionaries. Almaden valley right now is going through a massive crime wave. We have heard that there is a 400% crime increase in the valley. As such there are a lot of concerned citizens who are constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters driving suspicious looking cars. Unfortunately we look pretty suspicious. The other night at dinner we were talking to our host, Brother Yu and he got a phone call. A concerned neighbor had reported that two suspicious looking men in white shirts walked into his house! He said that they were missionaries and had a good laugh. We thought it was funny and moved on. It would be an okay story but then it happened again the next night! Good heavens! A woman came over during dinner and told the host the same story. Two suspicious looking men driving a huge van were in the home! She in turn introduced us. We wanted to have her make a payment of listening to the missionaries for false accusation but we decided not to. :) 

Where I am at: Things are great in Almaden. We just had a lesson with Lori and she is doing great! Learning and growing. She wants to know what she is getting herself into before she commits to be baptized. She is so cool! I love it here. Things are going really well and I am happy as a clam. I love you all! 

Orange you glad I didn't say banana?!?