Week 38

The "If"

So when Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan. Satan said, "If thou art the son of God, then turn this stone into bread"(Paraphrased). The temptation was not to turn the stone into bread or any of the other things he tempted him to do. The temptation was the "If", the slight thought of doubt that he was the son of God.

I don't like it when missionaries use the word "if". "If you receive an answer from God, will you be baptized?" It is far better to say, "When you receive an answer from God, will you be baptized?"

Elder Penrod is leaving. There is a new car person now.

I am finally 20 years old. Wahooooooooooo!

I learned that perfume.... (In Spanish it is the same word for cologne)

attracts bugs. They always land on my companion but not on me.

Week 37

Add 9 weeks in the MTC to week 38 and I have 47 weeks in the mission field. Wow, almost 52 weeks.  This is what happens when you have a companion that is really trunky.



I have been having lots of problem because I won’t notice things that my companion does (always with all my companions). They will notice that someone across the street booked it when they saw us. They always seem to see tones of things that I don't. I realized that one reason why I am not really observant is my way of trying not to find out more information than what a person wants me to know. I have not trained myself to be an observant person because to me that is like reading someone else's mail. I don't like people doing that to me, so I don't do that to them. So as a result I have trained myself to not be very observant, even with things that are not like reading someone else's mail. I think the only time I am really really observant is when I am paranoid about something. Also, when you are observing things you are making assumptions about people. And you know what "assume" does. Makes a donkey ("ass") out of "u" and "me."

Week 36

So the other day I was getting my hair cut at a local learning school (they cut missionaries hair for free). When the girl finished my hair, she made a comment that my hair was so fun to run her fingers through it. I sort of remember Tacia saying that same thing.

So this last week has been nuts. We had to move places again. (My companion has been in 6 different areas and 7 different apartments. I have been in 2 areas and have been in 6 apartments). But it was sort of annoying because they suddenly had to try and find members for us to live with (they wanted to move the new (they opened a new area) set of English elders into our place).   We finally move in on Friday the place is nice and the members are nice. "Sigh....."  It was a long week and hardly any missionary work got done because of the move.

I am very pleased that I have been with this particular companion.

Week 35

So for a while I thought I was getting really dyslexic. Then after a while I was able to determine that it is actually my companion that is getting those things backwards.... or I actually am really really dyslexic.

So someone said the other day that they were talking to someone and that person said that the nursery was the worst calling ever. He then said, I don't know it is pretty nice. Also, if Jesus were to come to church I think the first place he would go is to the nursery.

Week 34

So this last week we helped out at an old folks home to set up Easter eggs, there were 1400 eggs. 6 elders helped hide all of them in two hallways. .... If you look at the picture you will see that it was really hard to hide them all.

So, a while ago (4-6 months) we were told not to use any slang at all. It is really hard. Now our district just says, "well, poop", but with the accent of the Canadian in our District. It is hilarious.

I was told by the stake president here, and then it was restated in general conference that

"What can I do to help, really is no help at all."  It may be good intentioned but it really does not help. It almost makes it worse because now they have another responsibility to find something for you to do for them.

Really that is the problem that we have been discussing. To be honest, I just completely forget about my wants and things, so when anyone asks "what can I do for you?" I honestly don't know.

Then again I have found myself doing the same thing at times.

PMG. "Most people will not change until invited to do so."

When it comes to the order in which you serve whom first. As a missionary it makes it quite clear: The Lord first, then the mission president and then your companion.