This week I hit my 6 month mark! Definitely scary, because 1/4th of my mission is already over... Still don't feel like I've accomplished/experienced much yet, but I could just be hard on myself or have extremely high standards/expectations. Anyways, this week was... fun? Well maybe eventful.
We had tradeoffs with the Tamworth Elders, they came to our area and it was a nice change of pace. I made Navajo Tacos 3 times this week. Definitely not mom or grandma quality, but my dough is getting better! People don't know any better, so as far as they know my bread is the best. My companion has been feasting on it. He said once, "You know last night I was thinking 'Man, we're gonna have Navajo Tacos again tomorrow with the Pococks...' but now I just can't wait." Haha so needless to say, he's enjoying them. Navajo Mow is now making Tacos!
Friday was Zone Conference and we got to be with our mission president and his wife! They are honestly the best. During the training we got, the way we do missionary work is going to change a lot. We aren't going to be doing as much tracting (door-knocking), but rather do more member missionary work. So helping them to find opportunities to share the Gospel in a normal and natural way. I'd invite you to check out this video (https://www.lds.org/study/video/online-proselyting-videos/2016-07-1060-help-members-find-through-facebook?lang=eng#title1). Start thinking of people you could share the Gospel. They don't have to meet with the missionaries right away, but even just mentioning you're a member or sharing a video/scripture. It's easy! Have faith (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/ask-in-faith?lang=eng#title1) Check out this talk by Elder Bednar, that talks about how you can pray in faith and how you can do missionary work.
We had interviews with President and Sister Runia, and it definitely seems like some changes will be taking place during transfers next week. So stay tuned! Also they took us out to some Korean BBQ afterwards! Plus sides for being the last to do interviews!
I'd like to emphasize how crucially important it is to be kind to everyone. You do not know the full story. So, as Brigham Young taught, "understand men and women as they are, and not understand them as you are". This extends to everyone you come across. Friends, family, and yes even missionaries. You have no idea what people are going through, and how critically they just need a friend who will listen to them. I'm learning about a whole new world of mental illness that I've never really come across before. I've never seen it's crippling effects. Elder Holland so greatly addresses it in his talk "Like a Broken Vessel" (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng#title1).
"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend... “That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.” Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart."
If you are experiencing these things, please seek help and find someone to talk to. Anyone. If you need me, please reach out.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
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