I Swear I Can Fly - 07/08/13

This has been the most encouraging week I've had in a long time. I was expecting it to be a bit tedious, but I've been uplifted and strengthened and I rejoice in the work I've done and the reward that follows. 
The first two weeks in my trio were refreshing because we worked really hard, and I haven't worked hard like that in a while. Well now we're finally seeing people progress and show promise. Our numbers are way better this week. And I feel like a really good missionary and a good leader.

 

We found six more new investigators this week! The ones from the week before haven't met with us again yet, but I still have hope that maybe some of them will shake out. We taught more lessons this week than anybody else in the zone, including the Spanish elders! We're still not reaching this area's potential, but things are growing in a big way. I'm super proud of how much work we've put into the area and how determined my companions are to keep on working. 

The "G" family, my dearest bittersweet challenge, is moving forward slowly but surely. We gave the Mom a blessing after she had a seizure, and we're hoping that she will talk to a doctor about maybe adjusting her medications. I feel like most of her problems are caused by stress, and that perhaps the stuff she's taking isn't working the way it should. I'm hoping that my impressions on the matter are the result of the spirit talking to me and not just me talking out of turn.

 

The Dad, who previously was supportive of his daughters but not interested in making changes, asked to sit down with us and talk religion. He's very faithful, and I think he will make a great priesthood holder with a little motivation and a push in the right direction. I'm still in awe of his faith throughout that conversation. We all felt like asking him to be baptized during that lesson, but Elder "B" was the one that got to ask the question. Brother "G" said "If it's God's will, then absolutely." It sounds like we just have to get him to pray sincerely. I couldn't be happier! If we get both of the parents trying to set a good example, and the whole family working as a cohesive unit, things are much more likely to change for the better in their situation. This is a great deal more promising compared to the "I think my family is falling apart" conversation that I was presented with a week or two ago.

 

Lots of meetings this week. District Leader meeting with the Zone Leaders on Tuesday, Zone Development Meeting on Thursday which the Assistants to the President decided to attend, and a District Leader Training with President Smart in Riverside on Friday. I also went on exchanges on Saturday. The word from up top is that our mission is full of new missionaries that need training. We need to set an example in our missionary work for the young elders and sisters. We need to train effectively during district meetings and offer support and encouragement during nightly call-ins. We need to be constructive and sensitive when talking with the sisters. President's words stuck out in my head: You need to learn now how to talk sensitively with women if you're going to be a good husband someday. Luckily for me, I don't have responsibility over any sister missionaries. 

I am a bit concerned about the Elders in my district. One of them in particular is struggling to stay motivated and focused on the work. He is discouraged by deep doctrinal concerns that he can't seem to resolve in his head. I wanted to touch on them but didn't get very far before we had to run off to more meetings and more work. His area is struggling, but I think they have a couple potential baptisms, and seeing a baptism will help him keep his chin up, I hope. I'm wondering if there's a way we can address his doctrinal concerns, as well.

 

I'm super awkward. I wiped out on my bike pretty hard while on exchanges, bringing my bike accidents count up to 3. My bike is still functional, and I've only got a few bruises, so I think I'll be okay. I feel kind of dumb though. 

I had two very vivid dreams this past week.  In one of the dreams, I was at home. I was hugging everyone before church where I was to give my homecoming talk. I sat down on the far left side of the second center pew from the front, right where Grandpa Hansen used to sit next to Grandma. I looked at my worn-out old suit, being held together by duct tape in a couple spots, and in one forceful breath, I realized that my mission was over. I put my head in my hands and wept out loud. Again, it felt so real, like a vision, that it stayed with me after I woke up.

 

But my mission isn't over. I will be returning home nine months from today. I still have lots more good I can do, and there is nothing to be ashamed of in the wonderful good things I've done so far and the beautiful work I've put in. I will finish my mission with honor. In nine months, a new Tyler will be born, one that is converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and can continue to bless the lives of others in loving ways. For now, Elder Hansen has a great work to do.