大家好!
The word of the week has been BUSY! Transfers have now come and gone, and there was a lot to be done in order to prepare for the weeks ahead.
The question on everyone's mind is, of course, the new companion. It was hard to say goodbye to Elder Ratliff, but the Lord has blessed me with another great companion. His name is Elder Raymundo. He's from Corona, California, but was born and grew up in the Philippines. He was initially called to speak Tagalog, so it's cool to have a common bond of initially being language-speaking missionaries. He's a convert to the Church, and (get this) was baptized by Jacob Dyer, someone I grew up with in China! He's really into football, cooking and baking, and is very committed to missionary work. I have never met someone who is able to feel the Spirit like he can. He's been a lot of fun!
Like I said, the majority of this week was spent doing logistical stuff. We were so busy moving Elder Raymundo in and getting situated to the new transfer that we have had little time for proselyting. We've been busy with Stake Reports, trainings, and meeting. Earlier this week I got to head up to Oakland to train a new group of District Leaders about their assignment. It made me miss preparing for trainings and studying for meetings more often. Our Zone was also able to be given a training by our Stake Presidency all about the upcoming Tabernacle of Moses event. The whole thing is hopefully going to play off like a Temple Visitor's Center, and we will be there to facilitate and guide people through it. It is probably the coolest way I can think of to end a mission experience. Elder Raymundo and I will be up to our necks in preparations for that. Already we have put together a schedule of "shifts," and will have more to work on as we get closer to October.
The word of the week has been BUSY! Transfers have now come and gone, and there was a lot to be done in order to prepare for the weeks ahead.
The question on everyone's mind is, of course, the new companion. It was hard to say goodbye to Elder Ratliff, but the Lord has blessed me with another great companion. His name is Elder Raymundo. He's from Corona, California, but was born and grew up in the Philippines. He was initially called to speak Tagalog, so it's cool to have a common bond of initially being language-speaking missionaries. He's a convert to the Church, and (get this) was baptized by Jacob Dyer, someone I grew up with in China! He's really into football, cooking and baking, and is very committed to missionary work. I have never met someone who is able to feel the Spirit like he can. He's been a lot of fun!
Like I said, the majority of this week was spent doing logistical stuff. We were so busy moving Elder Raymundo in and getting situated to the new transfer that we have had little time for proselyting. We've been busy with Stake Reports, trainings, and meeting. Earlier this week I got to head up to Oakland to train a new group of District Leaders about their assignment. It made me miss preparing for trainings and studying for meetings more often. Our Zone was also able to be given a training by our Stake Presidency all about the upcoming Tabernacle of Moses event. The whole thing is hopefully going to play off like a Temple Visitor's Center, and we will be there to facilitate and guide people through it. It is probably the coolest way I can think of to end a mission experience. Elder Raymundo and I will be up to our necks in preparations for that. Already we have put together a schedule of "shifts," and will have more to work on as we get closer to October.
Unfortunately, Chad hasn't made contact with us for a while, and he didn't come to church. We are really worried about him; we have heard that he really doesn't feel comfortable at church. I am learning the importance of ministering as a result. This whole experience with Chad has taught me that loving others must always come first. I will continue to pray for him. I've challenged myself to be more charitable and loving with others.
I have had the opportunities to begin the My Plan Course for returning missionaries this week...that was SCARY!!!! This week, I had the chance to reflect on all the things that I have learned in my mission. It's hard to sum up a two year experience in a 400-word summary. I have learned that I need to do better at trusting God, I have learned that God's love is real. I have also grown in my desire to develop Christlike attributes, some of which that the Lord has helped me to develop in particular are Hope, Virtue, and Diligence. It's so interesting. I feel like I have one foot out the door and one still very much wanting to be inside. So strange.
Lots of good things are happening, and I am definitely feeling the weight of my responsibilities. I I need to do better at getting out and about next week. We have some plans for lots of finding and reaching out people, some plans due to some miracles of calling people and then picking up and responding for our invitations to make appointments. Fingers crossed we start finding some new people.
I love you all. I pray for each of you, and thank you for the prayers for Elder Raymundo and I. Please continue to do so, and pray specifically for Chad!
Have a great week!
Elder Butters/Bao ZhangLao
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