Doozy

I could sit at this computer and struggle to adequately communicate the experience that was this week and this one word would still wrap it up more fully: Doozy. 

To begin with, allergies are the worst. I know this, because I have been sent to the allergy capitol of the universe. Being sick on a mission is by far the worstest. I am blessed to have the Lord's support. #thankHeavenforprayersbeinganswered

Last Monday: We played the usual kickball with the District and the Crouses. You'd think I'd be better at kickball by now, but...nope. Later that night we had dinner and an FHE with our family. We organized a 30 Day plan for the girls and set their baptism date in stone for the 6th of September. The only resistance we got was from Aaron, who wanted to be baptized sooner. This is not a common complaint for us. It's outstanding, but this family is just outstanding in general. After the lesson we watched one of them do the ALS Ice Bucket challenge... "social media fast" blessings. We celebrated by playing Table Hockey. A different side of Sister Mitchell was displayed that night. 

Tuesday: I mowed a massive lawn. The work wasn't too bad. The humidity on the other hand... Since when is it 90 degrees outside at 10:00 am? completely whack. But hey, service is worth it. If I could just do service 24/7, I think I'd be satisfied. No problem can't be solved or made lighter when you look outward and help someone else. I have leaned heavily upon the doctrine found in the talk "The Character of Christ" this week. It's a Bednar. look it up, you won't be disappointed.  

Wednesday: We had another excellent Gahanna District Meeting. We took a picture organized by height. The tallest Elder is 6'8 and Sister Loder is 5'0. We make a perfect staircase. The Youth Missionary Challenge that we've been working for a month now had it's closing ceremony that night. The YW won, so the YM had to make them breakfast for dinner and put on a skit for them. After district meeting we decided since it was our idea, we could put on a dance of gratitude. Enter in G-Crew: The thuggiest missionaries to ever hit Columbus. We danced to a remixed Love at Home rap, and made complete fools of ourselves. It was wonderful. The youth deserved it. We saw many miracles from them accepting the challenge to share the gospel. There is even a baptism coming from one of the most prepared YW I've ever seen. Moral: You never know who God is preparing. Give everyone the opportunity to hear the gospel!

Thursday: Zone Conference happened. I needed to hear what President had to say so badly, and I didn't even know it. Listen to your leaders, they are Heaven's Angels. It was wonderfully inspiring for me, I just hope that the sound of me coughing up my lungs wasn't too distracting from the spirit for everyone else. That night we met a family of five who is totally going to get baptized(#optimism). The dad lived by the West African MTC for years and has met dozens of missionaries. Talk about exposure to the church. 

Friday: Weekly planning, a lesson with the family that didn't go so smoothly... well have to recap the restoration again. I'm definitely learning a lot about how to work with kids.

Saturday: Who even remembers... We worked hard.

Sunday... oh Sunday. One of the hardest days of my mission yet. After Wednesday the rest of the week had just started to roll downhill quickly, and it felt never ending. I faced rejection, confusion, feelings of inadequacy, and a little touch of devastation. But as always, I was blessed with the opportunity to live the principle that I teach, The Atonement. I was cleansed, sanctified, and enabled by my Savior's sacrifice this week. I prayed for strength and grace. I prayed for peace and support. None of my problems went away, but Heavenly Father bore me up. I am so grateful. D&C 84: 88.

This week was a doozy, as is this email. If you've made it this far, thanks for listening. Remember your potential, and the only way to reach it. Look to Him. 

Lots of Love

Mitchell