Week 11: Thousand Oaks

December 21, 2020

There's not a ton to say about today, because we had our Christmas Zone Conference. It was fun to see everybody from the old district, and during the conference the Spirit was very strong. We didn't do much before the conference, but we did go to this place where they took our Corolla and did a really good interior and exterior wash. We actually won the Most Excellent Car Award, so Elder Sexton and I are practically celebrities now. It was weird not having P-day today, it being Monday. I also got my Christmas package today, but we'll see if I wait until Christmas to open it.

December 22, 2020

Today we made a little progress, we got someone's email, and we did a good job at talking to literally everybody we could. Recently some people saw us coming, and they literally picked up their blanket that they were sitting on and ran down the hill away from us. I always wonder how people feel about themselves when they turn away in fear of the missionaries. Some people are so worried that we'll talk to them that they get up and walk away. It's actually kind of sad, because what they're doing is getting up and walking away from the Savior's invitation to come unto Him. They reject Him before we even give them the chance to. But I still love every last one of them, and at this point, that's one of the main reasons I am still working so hard. 

December 23, 2020

Today was really productive! We met a lot of really nice people, and some less nice people, but we got about 4 new potential people that we have contact info for. Today I really felt a love for the people as we talked to them and expressed to them how Jesus Christ truly can help them. My love for them and the Gospel, and Jesus Christ grows with every passing day. My testimony is being strengthened as I bear it, and I'm starting to find a groove and be able to recognize the Spirit more easily. I'm trying to sanctify myself and purify my heart and my mind so I can be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. That's the best thing that I can do, and it is the work that is bringing me joy. I wish I could be a perfect missionary and be a complete master at everything I do, but that's not how life works. I continue to grow and learn, and that's how we learn to appreciate the gospel. 

December 24, 2020

Well, Christmas Eve came and went pretty fast, I wouldn't have noticed if it weren't for the Christmas lights and the members. the temperature was on average around 65 degrees, so we were nowhere even close to snow. But I didn't mind, it makes it easier to street contact haha. I've almost been a missionary for 2 1/2 months now, which is crazy. I just opened everyone's letters and gifts, and thank you all so much! I am blessed to have such an awesome family!

If you've been following along so far, you know we haven't had much success, but I have had so much growth personally in this short time. I've gained a stronger testimony, a charity and love that before was lacking, a zeal for learning from the scriptures, and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Before, Jesus Christ kind of seemed like something of a character in a book. I knew about Him, and liked to read about Him, but I never felt as if I had a deep, personal connection with the Savior. But I know I have felt His Spirit walking with me. I know He's with us whether we are missionaries or followers of Christ. Learning and reading about Jesus has brought a light into my life that sometimes I don't even realize is there, because I almost always have it with me. 

And concerning our success in this area, I only have to worry about one thing: Giving my companion, the members, the people of Thousand Oaks, and the Lord every last drop of who I am. I want to meet every single person I have talked to in the Spirit world someday and tell them that I loved them enough to give them all the happiness, love, and peace that the Savior could offer, or try to, at least. 

Anyway, my testimony is growing, and I don't know what's ahead, but isn't that the fun part? To all a good night, I guess.

December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas, we had a full P-day! We had brunch with the Wrights, played some frolf (frisbee golf), played some piano, got some McDonald's, and watched all three movies on the Gospel library. That's a good Christmas to me.

December 26, 2020

Today was really weird, because yesterday was a P-day, so it feels like the beginning of the week, but it's a Saturday today, and we have another P-day in two days. But I realized today that I have a love for the scriptures. I was reading from Doctrine & Covenants, Book of Mormon, the Bible, and the General Authorities, and I just have a true, genuine interest in learning about the Standard Works and the people who wrote them. 

Anyway, we had a pretty unsuccessful day, until we met with the Vance's and they might have a referral for us! But the family they have in mind is moving to Moorpark, so hopefully we'll get a referral for some other missionaries in the other district. But we'll keep working hard, and whether the Lord's timing brings us someone to teach soon or not, it's not going to change how much I'm putting into this.

December 27, 2020

Today we did some more work, but we still were rejected, even though we talked to a lot of people today. But we did all we could, so it's all good. It's a grind, and I can work hard. But if we were to be sent one of the Lord's elect, I wouldn't complain. We have some good potential, but it is just potential as of now. We'll keep working hard, so we won't miss anybody that is prepared for us.