G'day Mates! Hope you've had another awesome week. This week was a pretty busy one for us too. So went on 3 tradeoffs this week. 2 with District leaders in my zone and 1 with the Traveling Trainers (2 missionaries who go around the mission, training missionaries on how to be more effective). I love tradeoffs b/c I get to see how missionaries do work in their areas. Get new ideas and inspiration. Before, I really loved them b/c I had no responsibility or "leadership", so I could enjoy it more. However, now that I'm a Zone Leader, there seems to be more pressure to GIVE the training and advice. Which is hard since many of these missionaries have been out much longer than I and have much more experience.
On Friday, I went out with an Elder Maloney from Mesa, AZ! He went to my rival high school and we found out that we actually raced each other in track race once! Found a picture of both of us in it! It was my senior year and his freshman. Small world! Anyways, he's been out about 20 months. So just right at the end. He's served all over and spent a lot of time in downtown Sydney, which means he's an awesome missionary and teacher (since they teach SO MUCH in the city). I learned so much from him. We had a lesson with these 2 girls who attend a Pentacostal church nearby, teaching the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'll tell you he knew his stuff. They asked HEAPS of questions, but he would just whip out a scripture to answer their question right away like nothing. His answers were clear, simple, and backed up with his own personal witness and testimony. I want to share with you how POWERFUL the account of Joseph Smith's First visitation (thanks Paco) is. Far out... it was just breath taking. I wasn't paying attention, but he says he thought he saw one of the girls we were teaching tear up. What really allowed for that to take place though was the time he spent to gain his own personal witness before hand. Preach My Gospel says, "The Spirit will draw upon the KNOWLEDGE and skills you have developed to help you teach more powerfully." You can't fill a bucket of water in an empty well.
Definitely loved my tradeoff with him. I learned a lot and I developed a resolve to be better. To study harder since I haven't been doing as good as I know I can. Plus, I don't feel like I'm as good of a teacher as I should be at this point in my mission. Fortunately, I still have time to improve.
Seeing President Nelson was just... I can't explain it. When that man walked into the room. 8,000 people went silent and all rose. As he went around shaking everyone's hand on the stage. One by one. I couldn't help but think that THAT is how the Savior ministered, one by one. I could see his genuine smile and sincere interactions with everyone. I felt the love of God emanating from him. Chills flowed through my head and chest constantly. I received that additional witness that night that Russell M. Nelson truly is called of God to lead and guide His church as a prophet. He spoke of the importance of the Book of Mormon. Wow did he know his stuff. I mean, yeah I know he's the prophet, but wow. Nothing has gone past him.
This week has been a "Do Better, Be Better" kind of week. Lots has been going on as I try to be there for everyone at the same time, try to build relationships, heal some wounds, unring some bells, etc. I definitely haven't been the best and with all that's been going on, it's definitely taking a toll on my body as I just always feel exhausted. Trying to take care of everyone, not offend anyone, be more loving, PATIENT, and understanding. Sometimes it works and I feel I'm making progress, then the next second I slip up and back to level 1. I see where I want to be as a missionary, teacher, Korean speaker, companion, person, etc, then millions of other things jump in the way. However, I've gained a lot of comfort as of recent from this passage of scripture. Although, it is not as extreme externally, it sometimes feels like it internally. "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
I definitely haven't been the best at handling everything that's come my way. Last night, while walking back from the train station after seeing the Prophet, I was talking with one of my flat mates, Elder Tuivaiti from American Samoa, and he mentioned how he now understands what leaders talk about when they are stressed from their position and caring for the people they watch over because he could see it in me. So I guess I wear it on my shoulders sometimes, and people definitely see. Anyways, I have one last week to try to make everything up before the end of the transfer. We'll get transfer calls next Monday! Can't believe it's already the end of my 5th transfer and I hit my 9 month mark in 2 days. Time flies... Have a great week!
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 시다니 선교부
Elder Grant and I (current companion) at the Opera House
Part of my district at the Opera House!
I saw some members from my old area - Port Stephens!!! One of the best parts of yesterday
Sisters who were in my District last transfer
Me and my dad! 스코트 장로님! 제 사랑하는 아빠! Elder Scott, my first companion. Now he's a Zone Leader in Mortdale and I'm a ZL in Prairiewood/Liverpool. Like father, like son!
The venue for the prophet, 8,000 people!! (70% islanders haha)
My second dad, Elder Neas! Miss him heaps. He's in the city now and has 2 transfers left Elder Scott too! in 2 transfers I'll be the last assigned Korean speaker...
The Prophet!!