I Am Alive

As you can tell by the title I am not dead, I'm just unwise and busy. These last few weeks have actually and then not so crazy and then crazy again. We had a baptism recently with our friend Anaka and it was really cool to help set that up. The thing is we were hit hard with the plague and we couldn't do much. Luckily the ward is the best and helped us out a lot.

I have noticed that this week will be my last week of training so what I wanted to talk about this week in my email is 12 things I've leamed the first 12 Weeks of my mission

"I don't think we're in Utah anymore - Things are different even if you're just a few states away from home, the culture, the wealth, the policies, the food (kind of), and the people are all different than they are back at home. This can either be an awesome experience or a bad one depending on how you take it. Some people like different cultures, but hate different food and some people love different people, but hate living with them. Things change and it's part of life.

All the lonely people - sometimes people just need someone to talk to and that's okay, but also sad sometimes.

Agency!!!- People have agency, deal with it. That sounds kind of harsh, but it's something I had to realize. Yes it is disappointing to see people despite the fact they recognize the spirit, they believe the church and the Book of Mormon to be true, they love your ward members. And yet they exercise their agency to turn down any commitments you give them and wish to stay in their worldly ways. But that's their choice and it doesn't mean they'll never accept it, maybe you're not the missionary who will baptize them. Do what you can and recognize what you have done, but realize they still have their agency.

They ignore the tag not you - sometimes people will treat you like an ad rather than an actual person. I just have to remember that they do that because they see the tag not me.

Every interaction is awkward- To quote a missionary from the mission "you need at least one awkward interaction a day". I hate awkward interactions and you can imagine that's tough because pretty much every interaction I have with someone will be awkward because of the tag. But you have to embrace the awkwardness because you don't know if what you will say will help that person later on.

Rubiks cube - I learned to solve one.

God called you- He did not call Elder/Sister Missionary number 607.008,559 on a mission he called Elder/Sister

*insert whatever name you think of here". So be genuine and be the person you are. No one said you can't be you and let the spirit guide your words at the same time. Did you know that many people had prayed about your name and over your picture to know where to send you. God chose you.

Facebook is a numbers grind try not to scroll - message people that's what you are on to do. Don't get distracted Members are the Means - The members absolutely dominate when it comes to missionary work. They really are the best missionaries.

People can be crazy - crazy people do indeed exist.

Communication is key with you and your companion - learning to communicate with your companions is reall important. Honestly I would recommend listening to marriage counseling and advice talks. It really helps. 

The mission is hard but can still be fun - Just because the work is hard doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy it.

Yeah sorry for the absence P-day was Friday this week so that was rough. Anyways this email is already long enough. I wish you all well see you Tuesday. - Elder Penrod