Mission Stories

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

It’s not often that Jeff writes or journals so I cherish every word that he writes! He copied me on a letter to a missionary that was in his Priest Quorum last year, an awesome young man who was called to the Vanuatu mission. He is in a very remote area and has to catch all of his own food and purify his water with a filter he brought from home. I loved reading Jeff’s letter and hearing his encouraging words and stories from his own mission that I have never heard before. I thought our kids should have these stories so I’m saving this letter for them!

Elder M…. - 

I wanted to drop you a quick note to say hello. I have been reading your emails. It looks like you will have quite an adventure to share when you get home! Listening to your stories reminds me a lot of my mission in Quito, Ecuador, especially my first area. I remember using an old milk jug to pour water over our heads to take a shower. Our water only came about once a week, so when it came, we had to fill our big tank of water so we had it ready to use. Crazy stuff. But those experiences are what make mission life so humbling. And when you are humbled, you are teachable and then great things happen for you and those you associate with.

My first baptism was in the ocean. The two elders that served as witnesses waited by the shore so they couldn't be out by me and make sure I did it right. I was terrified. Waves crashing over us. Me trying to say the prayer in Spanish. Me trying to make sure that they were fully immersed with the water level going up and down. Me not sure I did any of it right. A year later, I ran into the teenage girl (Lucy) I baptized that day and she was still active and loving church. I was amazed that such a small act done by me in such a clumsy way, had such a huge impact on her.

Keep a journal if you can. It's one of my big regrets from my mission is that I didn't keep a good journal. At the time, I was in survival mode and/or things seemed not that interesting, but trust me, you will want to go back and look through these experiences. The only way to remember them is to write them down everyday. Five minutes in a journal everyday will make all the difference in the world. The weekly emails are great, but so much more happens on a daily basis. Take lots of photos as well.

The priests are doing well. The same as always. Do you have any advice that you can share with them? I'm sure they would love to hear what you have to say. 

……

I think Kira is going to get asked out to prom at Lone Peak. She turns 16 a week before prom. I'm freaking out. I'm too young for this. At least that's what my brain thinks. She also gets her license soon. Not cool. 

Have a great week and keep making progress. Focus on the people. It's the best part of the mission. You may not speak the language well, but they love you and you can show them that you love them as well just by being you.

All the best,

Jeff