Well I missed 2 nights writing, but it has been for a good reason. We only have about a half hour to write in our journals at night and the past 2 nights Elder Lejohn (from Boise, serving in Honolulu, Hawaii) has been giving me great advice. Elder Lejohn was one of the missionaries that taught us on Friday night (see last entry) and he's really been looking out for me. He comes in our room at night, after we get back from all our classes, and asks how I'm doing, then we get in a half hour talk. I've been doubting and worrying and he gives great advice. His testimony is so strong and he's only been a member for about a year and a half. His dad is even a pastor of another church, and he is out here, serving a mission. What a great example! He doesn't get a lot of support from home, but he has the faith to be here. I'm so glad that he is here, because he's helped me a lot. Last night I was feeling really homesick, and doubting myself. I prayed for help, and in walked Elder Lejohn. His inspired words brought me back up. I hvae also realized how blessed I am to be here while my family back home fully supports me, and prays for me and writes me! Elder Lejohn is a great example of faith to me. He leaves for the field tomorrow. He is going to tear it up in Hawaii! I have learned that the Lord blesses us through our trials. I sometimes don't realize those blessings, because I'm too busy feeling sorry about myself or doubting, but the Lord helps us so much. Sometimes I just want the Lord to fix all my problems, but if He did that, then I would never learn anything. Through my trials here I have had great blessings through Elder Lejohn, my Branch Presidency, Personal study, companion study, and the list goes on. Scriptures that have brought comfort are: D&C 6, D&C 121, and Alma 32:16-43. In my interview with a member of the branch presidency this Sunday, Bro. Robinson promised me that this week I will receive what I need and have a confirmation to my questions if I work hard. That brought a lot of comfort! I'm grateful that we are taken care of here at the MTC.
Well things are going great. It's our first P-Day today. We got to go to the temple this morning and it was a good experience. Classes are good and we are learning lots about what, and how to teach. My companion Elder Rushing, is catching up great! He memorized everything we need to (D&C 4, our purpose, and the First Vision) in half the time than the rest of us. He is a good missionary, but I really have to work on loving him. The Lord is testing my patience. He is just different and really annoys me, but I just have to keep loving him, and keep praying for charity. If I do the best that I can and always work hard, I know the Lord will bless me. I have to work on getting rid of my doubts and worries and go forward with faith. I can do it! I'm not going to give up.
Tonight me and my companion had a great experience. We taught the first lesson - in full, to two other missionaries and we were scared. I was doubting, even before we started, and it was obvious that the spirit wasn't there. We crashed and burned! It was horrible. The lesson was everywhere and at times we were at a loss of words and just sat there! After that bad experience, we went to an empty class room, we opened with prayer and began going through the lesson. We worked on it for about forty minutes, then taught it to another two missionaries.
the difference was amazing! The spirit was there to help us. After our disaster, we didn't give up, prayed for help, then went to work, and the difference was drastic. It was a good testimony builder and I want to keep getting better and better. The Lord is there to bless us. I am also grateful that the experience united us more as a companionship. I hope to have charity for my companion now and all in the future.
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