Greetings from The Great OCM.
It has been a
great week of improvement. My trainer Elder Prettyman would always say
"you are either green and growing or ripe and rotting." Often
missionaries will find themselves in a comfortable position where their
teaching is adequate and so they kind of stop progressing. However, just
as we are often advised not to give repetitive prayers, missionary work
should not become a repetitive routine or lifestyle. Every day should
be an experience of learning, and growth. If we are to give all of our
heart, might, mind, and strength for this calling then that requires
improving upon what we have learned the day before for the entire two
years. "Live life in crescendo."
Missionary work is all about being focused on the
important things. Some missionaries constantly dwell on the day they
will get home, instead of recognizing that right now they are "livin the
dream." Home is where your heart is and it is of utmost importance to
focus on the people you are serving, that is when you find joy in the
work.
Last week our numbers went down some which was
discouraging. No one showed up at church (two of our progressing
investigators were sick) And one of our investigators went off date when
she failed to reach her goal to quit smoking. I suppose it happens
sometimes, but we just have to look forward to this week and improving.
We especially need to get the members fired up about missionary work. We
receive almost no referrals here and it is hard to get people out
teaching with us. I will try to be more specific with experiences this
upcoming week.
The weather here is cooling off where it is a little
chilly in the morning and the days are gorgeous. I only wish there were
mountains to look at. The trees haven't changed color yet, but I hear
that it is brilliant in the fall in Ohio.
Mom, thanks for your letter about your personal study. I
appreciate all the letters. Hopefully Kristi finally got her package
being 2 weeks late or so. I can't believe Sadie is turning seventeen!
When do you guys leave for Ireland? How is the football team doing?
Cross Country? I love you all and hope you have a great week.
Love, Elder Beutler
