Week-2

Another week down, and I think I'm starting to get used to mission life a bit. I still forget I have to back my companion out of parking spaces a lot of the time, but I'm getting used to tracking, lessons, and just talking to people for a while. I'm assigned to the Tijeras and Sedillo Hills areas and have been told that it's the best area in the mission. There's been more rain than I was expecting, but it's nice because it means that it's not as dry out.


Monday was my first P-day in the mission, and it was interesting because we got up bright and early to drop off my trainer's old companion so he could go home. It was cool to see all the missionaries going home and to hear how they were all feeling. They were all excited to be going home to their families but sad to leave the mission. It really just goes to show how much they enjoyed the mission and how much they loved serving the Lord. After that, we all went to one of the churches in Albuquerque to play basketball and call our parents, which I enjoyed. It was great to be able to talk with my family and see how they were doing; it really set the mood for my day. After P-day had ended, we went out and visited some investigators and some members so that I could introduce myself and give a lesson.


Tuesday was a lot rougher for us. That day we weren't able to talk to anyone besides being told that they weren't interested. It was hard, but it gives me a bit of an idea of what some of the tougher days will be like. Wednesday was a lot better than Tuesday, which was very needed. We had much better luck with contacting and setting up appointments, which was awesome. One of the lessons we taught that day was also pretty surprising as we were teaching someone I knew. The lesson was with my old Sunday school teacher, Sister Smith, who I hadn't seen in a couple of years. It was a very nice surprise that helped me be excited for the day. After that, we had a couple more lessons with some members, letting me get to know some people in the area in the process.


Thursday was an interesting day because we were going on exchanges, which are when missionaries swap companions to learn about teaching in other areas. I was swapped to the more urban part of Albuquerque and spent a lot of time tracting at apartment buildings or teaching at people's homes. At the end of the day, we went tracting at the park where we talked to a couple of people before turning in for the night.


Friday we ended exchanges before heading to District Council, before spending the day tracting, contacting investigators, and contacting people over Facebook. We also had a great dinner with a member family where we invited them to use the new Preach My Gospel in their family home evening lessons.


Saturday we had dinner at a member's house with an investigator which went well, ending with us giving a lesson on the commandments and the importance of following them. After that, we had a lesson on the temple with an older couple, which was fun seeing how they talked with each other.


Sunday we had a very long day at church, with us being there for 5 hours because of having to go to multiple meetings and both wards. After church, we had a very good lunch with brisket, mashed potatoes, and watermelon. After we ate, we gave a message on enduring to the end in the gospel, which they seemed to enjoy. We then had a meeting with the stake president where we discussed how all the areas are doing.


It was a nice week with its ups and downs. I'm grateful for the experiences I'm having on my mission and hope to continue serving faithfully. I'd like to share a scripture that stuck out to me while I was studying this week. Mosiah 29:20, "But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him, he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards those who put their trust in him." If you put your faith and trust in the Lord, he will help you to overcome your challenges and trials, whatever they may be.


1: My old teacher, Sister Smith
2: Me in mission clothes
3: Snake statue
4: Mormon road



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