January 19, 2011

January 19, 2011 - Week 4 of Transfer 8


Hello Hello!

So I keep sharing with you how busy and hectic my weeks are... well its going faster and faster. I spoke on Sunday and was able to pick my topic so Sunday morning I gathered some thoughts and stories related to slowing down and focusing on the basics, similar to E. Uchtdorf's talk this past conference. I mainly picked the topic for myself because E. Dick and I find our self finishing planning and phone calls at 10:30 every other night and getting into bed at 11 without writing in the journal. Which is key! John Bytheway spoke at the Taylorsville Institute and we were able to attend so I stole a few things from his talk as well. His was focused on the difference between someone who grows up on the farm compared to the city, and all I say is that my kids will be raised in the country. There is even doctrine behind it!

So this past weekend we had four baptisms in our area and yes, we have been on our knees in gratitude because it couldn't get any better. It is a blessing to assist in the conversion of so many people in this mission and it is something I'm trying not to take for granted. The people we teach I grow to love them every time and I don't just say that. Some of the people I have taught I connect with big time and I just have this familiar feeling about them, like I new them before. Usually there is always someone at home they remind me of, be it a close friend or family member. I know I was called to this mission for a reason. I can picture it. In the pre-mortal existence God came up to Dung and I. "Blake you will be raised with the Gospel in your life, you will go on a mission and serve in the Salt Lake valley. Dung you will be raised without it and be searching at a certain time. Both of you do all you can to find each other!" Then we hugged and left. I always think of it like this, some may say that's weird but no it happened! We were there together as family and friends before this world was even created.

Now I don't like picking favorites but if I could, I would say the Curleys are probably one of the greatest people I have been able to teach. The fun young couple I shared with you a few times. We didn't have anywhere to teach Rocco the other night so we called up the Curley's and asked if they would be comfortable with us doing it there and YES! Of course. Well we have been encouraging Rocco to tell his mom (he's 17) about his baptism on Jan. 28th for awhile now and finally he did! So his mom opened up to him and told him how she used to me active in the church and loved it when she was. Well the experience he had with his mom and having to build up the courage to share his feelings with her made him grow spiritually! He came to this lesson telling us he is going to serve a mission and can't wait too! We have dropped hints and asked him if he ever thought about it but now he can't wait. This almost, almost brought tears to my eyes. Next year there will be miracles. Going through the temple with the Curley's as they get married, going to Rocco's farewell talk.

So I was able to go on four exchanges this past week, intense I know. We are going nuts this transfer then next transfer we are going to slow it down. Anyways each exchange was action packed and I'm serious about that. If there is one thing I have learned so far that is to completely control myself in heated situations. Having learned this I have been able to see some worse situations turn into the best, even spiritual. Real quick. We were in the trailer park and got into someones home and they started to get real angry with us, trying to argue. The man recently found out he has cancer and I just kept putting myself into his shoes and trying to imagine where he is at. E. Reynolds and I were able to get out of safely and peacefully. It actually turned out to be great. He accepted a Priesthood blessing and when I finished and we were walking out the door he was tearing up. Hopefully they will be able to start teaching him in the future once his miracle takes place.

This is just one of the stories of a heated moment turning into a great moment. The mission is a learning experience and I've made a goal to always be open to suggestions. Even when I'm out 23 months and someone brand new tells me how I could be better. I love exchanges there is always something I learn from the person I'm with. I think I need to do a better job of writing them down. The journal isn't getting as much time as she should, only like every second or third day. Just to hard, but I'll try harder. Well things are great, I love the area. We are working with some unbelievable people and are able to witness miracles everyday. From being in jail for 6 months and reading all the standard works and being completely converted to a person dialing the wrong number and reaching us and accepting the challenge to meet with us. Its happened and I'm amazed everyday.

Love your son, Elder Pizzey.