Frustrated

I had the chance to visit with Justin for a bit as we were trying to get classes situated so I can get him registered for school. Can't believe he'll be home soon. The time flies too fast!


This past week has been slow. My feelings lately have been ones of frustration. Seriously though, things are good and I'm happy, just struggling trying to figure out how to get things rolling more. I feel like I am working harder than I ever have and I am being more obedient than I ever have before as well, but it's kind of like I am just treading water. Our main frustration is with our ward. I can't even begin to list off all the things that are driving us crazy. For example:

There is a family in our ward, the Jenkins. Their entire family has been baptized over the past year or so and they are awesome. The problem is, they are struggling. They have told missionaries in the past that all they really want in the ward is a friend. Sis. Jenkins wants so badly to go to the temple to be sealed. Her husband wants to go as well, but he needs some help kicking some Word of Wisdom problems. When they come to church they tend to only stay for the first hour before they take off. As far as I can tell, nobody really reaches out to them. Sure, they get the occasional hi from somebody, but that isn't enough. One of the three things that Pres. Hinckley said every recent convert needs in the church is a friend - somebody to stand by their side to help them through the struggles they face and to answer questions that they will have. Well, that isn't happening. We as the missionaries can do what we can, but we can't do what the members can do. There are a select few in our ward that are solid when it comes to fellowshipping those that are in need, but it just isn't enough. I am just praying that people like the Jenkins get the help that they need before they decide to throw in the towel.

Well, now that I've been on the phone with Mom for the past 45 minutes I've run out of things to say. Things are going well, other than the typical missionary frustrations. Hopefully everyone has a great week. Be mighty!

love,
Elder Justin Hammer

PS. Thanks for helping me out, Mom. I really appreciate it.