Changes are on the way.
Another week. Another seven dinner appointments. I've always felt like my
perception of time was different from the perception of most other people, but
the passage of time on the mission enters a different paradigm entirely. I was
warned that mission time is like prison time: the days feel like weeks, but the
weeks feel like days. I'm not sure I like the idea of comparing the mission to
incarceration, but it's the best analogy I can bring to mind right now. I can't
make up my mind as to whether it feels like I've been on my mission a long time
or no time at all.
Strictly speaking, I've been an Elder for three
months. Simple enough.
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to push two
different broken-down cars. One of them was a Domino's delivery guy, who told us
he would get us free pizza sometime. I'm more stoked about the fact that one of
our potential investigators saw us pushing this car. I think he'll be more
likely to listen to our message now that he's seen us getting our hands dirty
for the benefit of other people in need.
This week was my week to act as
the senior companion, as part of the 12-week training program. It wasn't nearly
as scary as I thought it would be. I did what I needed to do, and I fulfilled my
responsibilities without fear of what would happen. I wish I could be a little
bit more decisive when it comes to making the most of our time. There were a
couple of times where I didn't make a decision about our backup plans as quickly
and efficiently as I would like. It's easier to make plans in advance rather
than in the moment, and when our original plan falls through and there are
multiple options added to our original backup plan, I get bogged
down.
I'm never going to be satisfied with my ability to teach everybody exactly
what they need. But I guess that's a good thing.
We taught a great lesson to our friend "BC", the Jewish lady. We
explained the Atonement and testified of the divinity and love of Jesus Christ,
and we all felt the spirit for most of the two hours we were with her. It was a
very sacred experience. Of course, then she called us up a couple days later and
said that she had prayed and decided not to continue her studies. I'm used to
her filling our hearts with the Holy Ghost, and then avoiding us for a few
weeks, but this was an especially high upswing and a very abrupt downswing. We
invited her to a fellowship dinner and got her some friends - namely the entire
Relief Society presidency - who I'm sure will fellowship her back into sincere
investigation eventually. I just have to keep on loving her and hope that she
comes back to us with a desire to be baptized.
Elder "G" has prepared
a new suit, new shirt, new shoes, and new belt to wear home. I don't know if
I'll really care to look good at the end of my mission. He's still far from
packed, so next P-day will be a bit hectic, I'm sure. He managed to lose his
memory card for his camera, so I let him borrow my extra for the time being.
He's lost two cameras already on his mission, so perhaps I won't see that memory
card again. But that's okay, I'm sure God will provide a way.
I am loving my mission and the
people that I've met! Soon I will have to learn a new companion, and perhaps a
new area, and that's both exciting and a bit sad. But I'm looking forward to
whatever comes next.
No comments:
Post a Comment