January 13, 2014: Another Week.

So, pretty hectic temple trip. We were starting to panic about getting a ride to the temple, because from what we could see, noone could take us. Then the Brewster Elders said they were just talking about how they were planning on going to the temple, with an investigator family, and the dad said, "Well I can take you if you want!" The mom's dropped, and the missionaries were like, "Wait, are you serious?" This family has 7 members within baptismal age. The dad had shown a small amount of interest until now, and he was only going to get about 2 hours of sleep. But he was still willing to drive us 8 hours roumd trip to the temple, apparently partly out of a desire to go see it! (We later found out it was against the rules to get rides from non-members... after the trip.)

 

So, I actually ended up going with some other missionaries because there wasn't quite enough room for all of us in the dad's car. We took different routes to the temple, and my car made it to the 8am session there alright... but the others ran into freezing rain on their route. After several near death experiences (including trying to take a U-turn right when a semi drove by), they made it in time for the 9:30 session. BUT the investigator had to start driving home to make it to work on time back there, and because the other elders were late, he had to leave without them. So then the Brewster elders, along with my companion Elder Smith were stranded in Kennewick. For the next hour or two, while they were still in their session, I was working on finding them a ride. Luckily, another companionship in our zone, had a brand new car that they didn't know about, waiting for them in Kennewick. They got a call, picked it up, and had three extra seats, just enough for Elder Smith and Brewster. Finally, I got a ride to pick us up from Wenatchee, and take us back home. It was a hectic day.

 

In spite of all that, I still mostly remember the temple. I remember the peace I felt there. I don't remember exactly what was running through my head the whole time, but I felt happy. At peace.

 

I also got to see Elder Kelly, my trainer there, one last time. He's finishing his mission in two weeks. I'll miss him, but I got one last picture. Speaking of which, I've got to email him!

 

I love you all. Remember, if you ever have a hectic day... Go to the temple if you can. ;)

 

Elder Grant

Jan 6, 2014: Another Temple Day

That's why I'm writing so late. We were asked to write during our least productive proselyting time, and up here everyone's asleep by 8. -_- Pretty dumb, but it's alright. So, unlike when I went to the temple from Oroville, this temple trip will only take 4 hours instead of 5! Yay! In other news, I always hear other missionaries talk about how being in the boonies is terrible, and I usually remind them that it's an oppurtunity to appreciate the blessings of being in a city. Which I've never served in, so I will one day, REALLY appreciate the blessings of living in a city. Actually I kind of want to be able to finish my mission though, being able to say I never served in a town of more than 5,000 people. The forever small-town missionary. In other news, I'm cold, but I'm alright. I hear the weather is terrible in Utah, and great in Vegas. I'm about to start P90X to start getting buff and have more energy. What else? Oh, and I'm super old. People keep telling me I'm in my 60's (in weeks) and about to die (end my mission). Sad. All the new missionaries are two years younger than me! AAAAAHHHH!!!

Anyway. Everything's all good here. Let me know what you're doing in your lives, about all the exciting things you're doing! Love,

Elder Grant

December 30. 2013:Don't ever think too much.

Mi Amada Familia,

Don't think too little, but don't think too much, unless it's about good things. That's what I've learned.

So, lately we have been practicing asking inspired questions. There are some characteristics to inspired questions, but to put it short... They're questions that people need to be asked. Ones that will help them do some introspection, and come closer to God. So, it's not very easy. We did a role-play, with an AP over my shoulder, and at first I did alright, but later on, I asked a question, and with a smile, the AP told me, "Okay. Now make it an INSPIRED question." He didn't say it in a mean or rude way, but it still hurt haha. So then, I took about a 30 second pause (they told us we could do that) and looked toward heaven to receive an answer. It's SO hard. But so worth it... I'm already seeing lessons... I've seen lessons improve, and instead of saying 30 sentences of doctrine, you ask one inspired question. And the Spirit is there. The Spirit is talking, instead of myself. 

I've enjoyed my entire Mission, because I'm doing the right thing. Some times things are hard, and sometimes those difficulties are avoidable, and other times they're not. But... I guess sometimes I'm generally happy, and sometimes I'm TRULY happy. Not happiness from the world, but from God. And you have to earn that happiness! You have to choose God's will, instead of your own. And that's something I haven't even always done on my mission. I suppose my point is... There are guidelines to being happy. The Church gives us those guidelines in so many ways (The Scriptures, for the Strength of Youth, Church talks, etc). And yet how many of us didn't follow ALL of the counsel of the Apostles and Prophets last conference? I would say a good majority of us, including me. So for this new year, I want to consecrate myself to the Lord. I want to give everything of me. Stop doing what I want. And start doing what God wants. Because it will make Him happy, and it will make me Happy.

Thank you everyone for your love and support everyone. In the words of a song I recently got, "Say what you will, but the time that we fill, while we're on the Earth, should be alone, we were meant to be known, and you make me what I'm worth." I hope each of you will make goals for this new year, and commit to them. I hope I will do the same. :) Love you all.

Elder Grant

December 16, 2013: Another Transfer in Twisp

So, the new transfer. I am staying in Twisp, and getting an Elder Smith, who I think has been out for 5 months. Elder Sanchez is going to Walla-Walla, which we never hear anything about. Seriously, I have no idea what Walla Walla is like, and I ask so many questions, it's annoying. The Brewster Elders, who we live with, are staying. All I'll say more on transfers, is it's comforting to know that President Ware is so inspired. I get so nervous for transfers!!! While we were driving, I was literally doing breathing excercises, because everything I thought of lead me back to, "What if this happens?!?" But I'm alright now. :)

mm... Between having our tire blown out, and helping out at our branch nativity exhibit... and the Christmas Conference (WHICH WAS AMAZING!!!) we worked in our area 2 days this week. So we did alright, considering that! I feel like this transfer has been slow, but yesterday we were able to visit 5 people, and all of them went well, and I just felt productive. It felt like the good old days in Oroville. :) There's something so fulfilling about getting things done. I just wish I had starting getting things done 8 years ago. But oh well. Better late than never! We had Selena on-date for 2 days, on the 22nd of January, but then she talked to her parents and she changed her mind, and wants to wait. We need to figure out what's up there. Our on-date for Christmas is working in Wenatchee right now with crazy hours, but he should be back by new-years. Evodio is probably closest to baptism right now, he went to Daniel's baptism, an investigator from Brewster, and everyone that spoke spanish there talked with him, lots of good stuff. 

Hm... Kind of a good letter, right? Before I forget, Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you have a good week getting ready! Mucho amor!!!

Elder Grant