Thanks for the entertaining e-mails this week. It sounds like General Conference had a positive impact on everyone and I'm anxious for the Ensign to come out next month so that I can review the talks. It's interesting how much we look forward to General Conference as missionaries. It's like Christmas for us and it helps us out when we're tracting for sure because we can tell people they have the opportunity to listen to a prophet in a few days.
In response to Taylor's speculation about my weight, I started my mission weighing 215 lbs. and I now weigh 192 lbs. This weight feels good to me and I've noticed some benefits of being lighter when we play basketball (jumping higher, moving quicker, etc.). E. Gentry and I have an unofficial challenge between the two of us about who can eat the healthiest diet. We rarely eat fast food and dessert is almost completely un-appealing to me now. We had a piece of pie last night after eating dinner with a member family and I felt like a chunk afterwards!
I appreciate the family updates and getting to know how life is treating everyone. Taylor will probably see his number of shifts increase as he works there longer. The "newbies" tend to work 1-2 shifts per week until they're experience (6 months usually) and then the management will increase it to 2-4 per week. One nice part about being on a mission is not having to worry about a job to pay for things. I've began to think about what I want to do for money right after my mission ends and the thought of working at Finish Line again isn't too appealing, but it may be my only option. We'll see what happens.
Life in the City of Angels continues to press forward and my first transfer with E. Gentry as my companion will come to a close on 15 April. We've been working very well together and we were able to set a baptismal date with two of our investigators who come from the same family last week. We've been teaching this family (Winter family) since the beginning of January, but they've told us repeatedly that they just want to take things slow. We taught them the "Gospel of Jesus Christ" lesson last week and E. Gentry extended the baptismal commitment and they accepted. They're an awesome family! (Note: Father of the family is a member, but the wife and three kids are not.)
I forgot to comment about the "April Fool's" letter that I received two weeks ago that was mailed out of Draper, UT. The envelope said it was from an Internal Tax Service and the document inside said that the collection of shoes I was holding at Grandma Robie's house was being taxed because they were items where profit could be made. I read the document 3-4 times and I was convinced it was real. I asked other missionaries what I should do to clear everything up and they gave me a few ideas. I read the document again and at the very bottom of the letter underneath the signature it gave the e-mail address of the person who sent the piece of mail and it said: irs@aprilfools.com. I felt like an idiot...haha. I think Camie may have sent this, but whoever it was got me good!
As time on my mission moves along, I've noticed more and more of my inadequacies and areas where I can improve in my life. There are many aspects of missionary work where I feel inadequate and it's a definite process to develop the skills and talents that earn someone the label of a solid missionary. I've recognized that my missionary experience has helped me come to know how much I don't know and how I can learn from other people and situations. It's been a humbling experience for sure. We had a missionary who will be leaving for home next week share his testimony with all the other Zone Leaders at a Zone Leader Meeting last Tuesday and he commented about how inadequate he felt as a person and as a missionary. He was a great missionary and he'll be missed.
I've been reading from the "Teachings of David O. McKay" book during my personal study lately and here are a couple quotes I really like:
1.) "What you sincerely in your heart think of Christ will determine what you are and will largely determine what your acts will be." 2.) "The greatest battles you will ever fight will be within the silent chambers of your heart." Take care and have a great week!Elder Brycen GoldP.S. Go North Carolina!!
