Monday, January 13, 2014

          Today marks nine months since we left Idaho Falls to start our missionary service.  Looking back over that much time tells us that it is going fast and we want to make the most of every day.  Serving a mission has two sides—one embraces blessing after blessing, tender mercies from the Lord, taking on and learning new responsibilities, meeting new people and learning to love them, growing closer to Heavenly Father, understanding better the Plan of Salvation, and increasing faith and testimony.  For us, it has been wonderful to see how our relationship as a couple has grown and flourished as we have served together. 

          I just read an article that described the difficulties that missionaries have faced for which they were not prepared and did not anticipate—both the young elders and sisters as well as senior couples.  There is no reason to dwell on specifics, but to note only that it is hard, is full of challenges and change, and is definitely a testing and training ground.  We are happy that we are overcoming obstacles and can recognize progress!!  The social environment tends to glamorize all the good and lessen or overlook the challenges.  Perhaps that’s okay as long as each missionary is willing to work hard, sacrifice, and depend on the Lord.  Then the blessings will flow.

          It was our P-day and we spent it cleaning, shopping, exercising, preparing for another week, and going to FHE.  Glade called David who took him in his taxi to the fitness center where he did his swimming and biking.  I hiked up and down the hill as usual.   David has a new car—not a new model, but new to him and definitely an upgrade.  It even has a seat belt for the front seat.  Then we called him again to take us to the Mall, Price Mart, and Office Depot.  We are stalked up now and ready for a new week.