Getting Better

This past week we had some drama going on in my companionship. First off, Elder Jenkins is a total stud and he and I are quickly becoming best friends. At the beginning of the week, he was really struggling with all the junk he's been dealing with from back home. We spent quite a few hours in the mission office while he spoke with President Pendleton about all that's happening. Elder Jenkins told me that he just about gave in and decided to go home to try and get things straightened out, but he called his seminary teacher that he's super close with to talk about everything. His seminary teacher kind of kicked his butt over the phone a little bit and helped Elder Jenkins decide to hang in there. Things aren't getting much easier right now, but we're working through them and he's determined to stay out here. Keep praying for him and we'll keep working.

Last week was our Trainer-Trainee meeting up in Gridley with President and Sister Pendleton. I think that it was probably one of the best meetings that I have been to on my mission. We discussed a lot of different topics: giving the baptismal commitment in the first or second visit, teaching about the purpose of the Book of Mormon, remembering our purpose as missionaries, etc. I remember that the Spirit was really strong throughout the entire meeting. One thing that really stuck out to me was the way I felt about President and Sister Pendleton. I know that I was supposed to come to this mission for a lot of different purposes, but one of them was so that I could be with the Pendletons. The influence that they have had in my life is huge. Mom and Dad may be the only ones now who have helped me more with who I have become. I've been thinking a lot lately about just how involved our Heavenly Father is in our lives and I am amazed at how perfect of a plan it is that He has for us. Everything that we experience, from our trials, our joys, our successes, our relationships, - everything, is meant to help us come closer to our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the wonderful people that He has placed in my life to build me into who I am today.

We were able to set a baptismal date this past week with our investigator, Patricia. We have been visiting her for a few weeks and we finished teaching her about the Plan of Salvation. I had my companion extend the commitment and then we waited for an answer (silence is a beautiful thing). She said yes! It was great. She came to church for the first time yesterday too and I could really tell that she enjoyed it. Something that Elder Jenkins pointed out when we stopped by on Saturday to remind her about church was how Patricia's countenance has changed. You can literally see a difference in her eyes and the way she smiles. She just seems to radiate a peaceful feeling. The ward did great at welcoming her (thankfully!). As a missionary, you always worry about how the members are going to do at reaching out to the investigators and less-actives that we bring to church. I think that one of the biggest things that serving a mission has taught me is how to be a missionary when I'm not a missionary anymore. I've realized just how much I can do as a member of the church to help my brothers and sisters around me come closer to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. It's not easy all of the time, and it takes getting out of your comfort zone, but isn't there a scripture that says something like, "Wo unto those who say all is well in Zion..."? I'm determined to carry what I have been learning into my life when the time comes to take off the nametag.

Well, I think that's it for this week. I'd love to hear how everyone is doing. The mailbox has been collecting dust for the past few weeks. Keep on keepin' on and be sure to act on those promptings you receive from the Holy Ghost. Miracles happen daily when we do. I love you all!

Be Mighty!
Elder Hammer

PS. Kurtis, I apologize for not saying this two weeks ago when it was your birthday. Happy late birthday, bro! I didn't forget about it, I just forgot to tell you. Love ya man!