Week 105: Arroyo Vista

October 10, 2022

Today was a really good Preparation Day, we did our usual chores and then went to our district activity. We were lucky to go to a nearby country club that is managed by one of the members in the Wildwood Ward. We got to use the driving range, and had some free lunch. We were spoiled. 

We had a lesson with Freddy, we taught the whole Restoration in one, clean cut lesson; he is seeking to understand God. We also got to see Rachel and invite her to a trunk-or-treat, and had a visit with the Fanger's. The first thing I'm having to pack is my board, to see if I can ship it home somehow. It's going to be a great week. 

October 11, 2022

We started out with some service at the local Adventist Church, I love doing service and getting to focus outward in another way. We had a bunch of lessons today, including one with Nadia. We taught about prophets and what their function is. Also about Jesus Christ and early church organization. 

We also had member visits with the Wadman's, the Bennett's, and Sister Wutkee. the trees are turning colors lately, there was a little bit of rain, and a cool breeze was blowing while we were doing a companionship study at a park today. I love this kind of weather, and I've been styling gratitude lately; there are many blessings that I forget I enjoy on a regular basis. 

October 12, 2022

We had many studies to do today, but luckily we were able to break it up with a few things. We had a mission Zoom about listening to music, and they taught us some principles of listening to music while on the mission and after. Elder Anderson kind of got destroyed because he's a fan of heavy metal music. 

After lunch, we had a reflections Zoom for new missionaries. We had dinner with the Rasmussen's and had a lesson later with the Wolf's. I think that's when I feel the most joy in missionary work is when I'm teaching very plain, pure truths to young families. Finished off the night with Facebook, we are all super ready for the temple tomorrow. 

October 13, 2022

Today we went to the temple. We were lucky, because we didn't have to drive too far. I had a spiritually fulfilling experience, even though it didn't start that way. I was kind of tired and uneasy during the beginning of the endowment session, but as things kept going, I felt the Spirit and things went all right. It was a blessing to see everybody in the mission one last time before I go. We got back to Thousand Oaks at about 4:15, and then we carried on the rest of the day. Had a diner with the Heathcote's and a visit with the Neves'. A good day, one to remember. Luckily I took a bunch of pictures.

October 14, 2022

It was a good last district council today. Elder Barnes gave a discussion on studies and receiving revelation, and I gave a discussion on gratitude and remembrance. We went to Panda for some lunch, and then headed off for my departing interview with President Carter. It was really good I felt the love and we talked about the next chapter of my life. So I'm a bit more ready to take things on. We had a pretty normal day otherwise, had visits with Sister Dorothy and the Conant's. Tomorrow is pretty wide open, so we'll see what happens. It'll probably be the last day that I'll use my bike. 

October 15, 2022

Today was a fairly slow day. We were able to talk to a lot of people, but few of them were interested. We did have a guy named Jacob say we could come back, so that's good. Tomorrow will be busy, and so this was my last grind day. There's been many. I was just grateful that we were able to talk to people, and fulfill our missionary purpose, which is to invite others to come to Christ. Our lesson with Freddy cancelled, and we made a bunch of calls. It's days like these that taught me how to find motivation through when I was lacking, and keep going even tough things aren't working out the way we'd hoped. 

October 16, 2022

Finished up the week well. It was a pretty standard Sunday. The weird thing about the changes that have happened recently, is that it all feels very normal. It felt surreal all transfer, but now I just feel pretty normal. 

We went to church, did some studies, and had a member dinner with the West's. A good family to end off on. We had a good day, contacted some people, stopped by some dots, talked to people, just like we usually do. Gave my departing testimony tonight to the mission, it was pretty simple. Something Elder Kartchner said that stuck with me, something like: "The more I learn about the Gospel, the simpler it gets."