Our Labors unto the Californians

And it came to pass that fourscore and six weeks passed away since the beginning of our labors unto the Californians.

 

Haha.. why hello family! It sounds and looks like this fort building has been quite the project! I'm sad I didn't get to be a part of it. I honestly miss good old fashioned physical labor. Be ready to put me to work when I get home! Oh as far as school goes, I won't make winter semester if I come home the 21st. I could come home a few weeks early, at which point I might as well just be home in time for Christmas. However, I don't want to come home and immediately start school. I really don't. I would have to spend time out here figuring out classes and other things and I don't want to take time away to do that. I deferred for 2 years and that deferment ends this year. So if I do stay for the rest of my mission, which I want to, I might need you to talk to someone at the school for me. When I was at the office at BYU-I filling out my deferment (don't remember which one...), I told them I wouldn't be back in time for winter semester in 2014 and they said they'd just figure it out when it got closer. Also, I would prefer to fly home and not be picked up down here. I'd love to tour back through the area, but not while I'm still a missionary. Maybe we can take a break from the Idaho cold during President's week or something. Sound bueno? :) Sister houser in the mission office actually called me this week because she needed to know what airport I would be flying into... haha. She's been working on my flight info. Trunky!

 

Anywho. It's been pretty same ol same ol round here. I feel like there's not a lot different to talk about. We're continuing to work on all the lists - the member area book as well as the ward lists. The ward clerk has been updating the information that we've found out so that the ward lists are more up to date. We've started making origami white shirts out of paper with little origami ties and drawing a little name badge on it and then writing a little thank you note to leave at dinners. Elder Judd and I think it's pretty cool :)

 

We had another similar experience regarding the pamphlets with a different family this week. This was an idea the president van cott gave us about a month ago that I really feel was inspired. We might not see the success in having more people to teach, but the seeds being planted by all these youth and young adults with their friends is really cool to see.

 

We seemed pretty unsuccessful in all our attempts to visit people (we litterally exhausted the whole list of less actives/former investigators/recent converts) but we'll keep trying. The bishopric talked to us about not giving up on our increased efforts, which was cool because I don't feel disheartened or anything. I think I've gotten more and more used to not always seeing the fruits of my labors as a missionary. As long as you keep trying, keep working, keep staying faithful to your purpose, you'll be successful.

 

So this is now my 6th transfer as a district leader. Any thoughts on what I'm not learning that I'm supposed to? haha.

 

A bunch of crap hit the fan with the missionaries specifically in the polynesian wards, and we're some of the only ones that didn't get hit. It just shows to me, once again, that when we're obedient, we get blessed; and when we're not obedient, even to mission rules, we lose that blessing. Elder Judd's helped me to keep an even truer course than before and I'm definitely grateful for that. I've started to really see the depth and importance of goals and of making them an active part of our life.  

 

I think that's everything. If I forgot something... oops! Remind me again about it next week. haha.

 

I love you guys! I say that every week, but I mean it!

Elder Nelson Browning