This past week has flown by, a lot of good things are happening in this area. We had about a dozen lessons, even though a good number fell through. One of our investigators came to church yesterday but only stayed for sacrament, I hope she will continue to find interest.
This past week I saw this quote on the back of a CrossFit magazine that Book sent me. I don't remember it word for word but I'll paraphrase it the best I can.
"Don't settle. Don't be satisfied with pats on the back, or a nod. Strive, burn, and do everything you can to be greater. Rage against the tepidness and mundane with every fiber or whatever makes you, you. Change this place."
I pinned it up on my wall and this past week I've been thinking about it all of the time. This area has been a little slow in the past for when it comes to finding new members. But Elder Manu- Tuinei and I have committed to changing that. Everyday we come home tired, but we know that everyday we have put in the work that is expected of us.
One thing that I have seen while being here, is how hard Satan works against missionaries. This whole week, we have had opposition, ridicule, doubt, and even before we started to e-mail today, a man approached us using a Bible verse on us saying that the Angel Moroni was an impersonation of Satan. Satan has worked against me to make me waver on what I believe or my own faith in God and myself. However, with all of these oppositions, I just smile, because I know what I'm doing is right....
Nothing worthwhile in life comes without opposition. In order to see the light, sometimes the dark must be endured. I'm happy to be here. Because I know its where I need to be. I have already caught a glimpse in this past month of where I will be at the end of two years. And I know I must reach that point. And I know that opposition will come. But more than anything, I know that I can be of some worth to the people whom I serve, and why would I have stayed back home to fulfill my own goals, when I can help others. I think I'm understanding now what it means to "lose yourself," I always thought or pictured it being a total shift from the kind of person you already are. But now I see that its not being subject to and not allowing all of the little insecurities and restrictions hold you back. The mission for missionaries is simple. Bring the Gospel to others. With no girlfriend, school, or work. I can focus solely on the work here. No restrictions. And I'm grateful for that once in a life time opportunity. Because I know that after my mission I will need to learn how to continually "lose myself" even with the duties of everyday life.
I know that it is a big task in front of both me and Elder Manu-Tuinei. But I feel as though that God will help us succeed in whatever task he requires of us here.
