"Alright, Elder Harris!" proclaimed Elder Parker, interrupting the previous silence of thought from finishing a long day's work. He shot to his feet, and said "I've had enough, I think I AM taller than you!" The other missionaries, who occasionally cannot tell us apart, had previously determined that I had about a quarter-inch on my beloved companion. We knew this must be settled, because if he was in fact taller than me, he could rightfully claim the position of senior companion and district leader (this is how a mission works, for those of you who have not gone yet). We did not even have to communicate how this duel would take place, it is just kind of a primal instinct. We marched to the bathroom, stood shoulder to should, and turned to face the mirror. All we could see was from the chin down. This was a very large obstacle to our test of vertical maturity. We then tried to settle it by crouching to be able to see our heads, but quickly realized that this is difficult, as whoever crouches less is guaranteed the victory. For now, I remain unchallenged.
This week we were able to have a virtual mission tour by President Paul Pieper of the seventy, who is the area president. We had a big zoom meeting with the whole mission on Tuesday. He taught us a lot about helping those we teach develop a personal connection with God, prayerfully setting daily goals, and helping people make their own commitments. It was really great. It made me realize how much general authorities sacrifice, too! His wife never served a full-time mission, but with their assignments as general authorities, she has lived outside of the United States for 20 years and has learned two languages in addition to english. They also were assigned to Kazakhstan in a time when there were no members of the church there. When they left, there were 50! Anyway, the next day we were supposed to apply and talk about the things we learned in district council. But, that day, I got a text from President Rodarte, asking if I would be available to plan our district council together with Elder Pieper. So that morning, Elder Parker and I got to be on a zoom call for half an hour with just, us, the mission president, and a member of the seventy. It was a super awesome experience. I was scribbling notes faster than possibly ever before. We then had a meeting with him and all the Spanish missionaries, and one with the whole mission again.
I am super grateful to be training Elder Parker. The other day we had some exchanges with missionaries that were less than obedient, and it felt so good to be done. I love just being able to be on the same page with Elder Parker knowing that we would probably rather just lay down and die than sleep in or ignore phone rules and things. He is a great companion and has learned Spanish very well.
The start of this week was a little tougher. We were just having little success and lots of appointments falling through, so we would have to just make phone calls for hours. I was feeling just a little down, but then Sunday was our first week of going back to church every week (and last week of feeling inactive, haha). I think the announcement excited the ward, and all the missionaries in the district have been working hard to get people to come back, so when we got to church, there were so many people! It was probably almost double the attendance in both groups than we have been having in either one until now. We were able to help two young women who got baptized a while ago but haven't gone in a long time come to church with a neighbor family, and it made us so happy. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time we were at church. It just felt so good. The Sabbath truly is a blessing. It picked me right back up when I was feeling a little down.
We had another great experience that same day when a man we are teaching texted us that he got off work early and wanted to see if we could meet up in about an hour! It is always great when they schedule their own appointments. Previously, we had had one video call, and then another appointment in the church. He is a great guy, and in that last lesson, we felt confident we could invite him to be baptized. We gave him a chapel tour, taught him a little, and invited him, but things just weren't clicking, and he wasn't really understanding what we were saying. We were a little saddened. But then on Sunday, we had this second lesson in the chapel. We went and started talking about the Book of Mormon as we sat beneath a big picture of Christ coming to the Americas. He is interested in learning english, so we read a little in english and spanish to help him practice. After reading and discussing the story of Christ's visit to the Nephites, we asked him, "If all of this is true -- if there really are prophets on the earth again, and if Christ really did come to the Americas, what do you think the next step for you would be?" He responded, "Join the church, I suppose!" He has already been baptized in another church, so this was a pretty big thing for him to say. We then talked about our purpose, and how through baptism, he could not only accomplish that, but could also receive a remission of his sins. We asked if he thought he would like to be baptized. He said, "Well, what is the process like in order to be baptized?" We smiled and looked at each other, because this was one of the exact things Elder Pieper taught us about, and we and knew exactly what to say. We read D&C 20:37, and discussed baptismal requirements. We also talked about things like going to church. He liked it a lot, and we then invited him to prepare to be baptized on a date about four weeks out. We asked what he thought, and he seemed to think it was a little soon, but asked how long it usually takes people to prepare. We told him it usually is about 4 to 6 weeks, so if he wanted, we could potentially put his date a week or so later. He responded, "Oh, well if that is the case, I think I would like to try the challenge of doing it in four weeks." This humble man has such great faith. He is working so hard to bring his wife and young daughter from their home to the United States, and the gospel will bless his family so much. I don't know if it comes across in writing that well, but that baptismal invite was the most normal and natural one I had ever been a part of. The Spirit was very strong as we really tried to listen, ask good questions, and make his commitment something he wanted to do instead of just persuading him to say yes to something we throw at him. It was a beautiful little miracle to tie up the week, and we are excited to continue helping him.
You know, 'home' is a simple word, but one that has a lot of deep emotional meaning. Somewhere your heart stays, maybe. This week I thought about how home is kind of like the Shire. Right now I'm off on a grand adventure, which, like any adventure, has plenty of fun and excitement, but also the hard work of the body, sacrifice of the heart, and effort of the soul that make it real. We're already far beyond the Misty Mountains and the rolling green hills of The Shire, and there is no sense spending every second wishing oneself somewhere you're not. That takes the fire out of the adventure. And I suppose there is no greater adventure than the literal battle of good versus evil, the long road to becoming like God, and the giant task of bringing light to another human soul. Easier adventures aren't so memorable nor so rewarding. I love this awesome journey and everything that comes with it. It is so beautiful to me that those young missionaries are called to rise and sit at the table of those giants among men that bear the title of 'Elder' and spend their days in the service of their God. It certainly is an adventure of monumental proportions. But anyways, I think that 'Shire,' or that connection to home that you take with you, gives a little warmth on the occasional dark, rainy night of lonesomeness or sorrow. Even though now is not the time, there is always that peaceful place of memory that will be there again one day. It is a source of strength to keep pushing, and to know that there is something worth fighting for. To a greater extent, I think of our heavenly home, and the knowledge that though we have our trials and challenges, one day we will return to a place of joyful reunion with all those we love. I read something by President Eyring today: "If you feel a little overwhelmed, take that as a good sign. It indicates that you can sense the magnitude of trust that God has placed in you." So anyways, someday all too soon the adventure will be over and I will be called home. But for now . . .
. . . here's to an adventure.
Elder Harris
Pictured is some exceptional sewing of my sheets, a Sunday bike ride, the best barber shop in the west and my new favorite meal to cook - a scrambled egg bean chicken patty bagel!
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