Missionary Life is the Good Life

 

 

My mom just sent me an email asking what I'd like for my birthday...that's strange to think that it's almost my birthday already. I'll be 21 in just 2 short weeks! Wow. Speaking of time flying, yesterday I hit 19 months as a missionary. I love doing this all day every day. Yes, it's terribly difficult, but it's the best thing I've ever done so far in my life, even better than any of the performances and such things that I've been involved in.

Last P-day, we went to a member's house and had a blast on their zip-line (they have a HUGE backyard)! Great times. We did a lot of service the next day, including staining a fence, cleaning out a bunch of poison ivy, weeding, and removing a front door!

On the 3rd, we went to a fireworks show in Rutland, a town in our area. Several members gathered at the home of a member of the bishopric, and we enjoyed snacks and games until the fireworks started. It was a pretty good view from their street!

I didn't go to Boston this year - we were only allowed to go up to 15 miles outside of our area to see a good fireworks show, and we're too far away. Last year was plenty for me - public transportation was packed and impossible to get through, and the crowds were just insane. A small-town show was good enough for me this year. It wasn't bad, either! We were actually able to see another show on the 5th, when I was on exchanges in Marlborough with Elder Starley, and that was fun, too. But no firework shows on the 4th this year! Worcester held theirs on the 3rd, and we figured being at a ward function would be better than dealing with the crowds in the city. On the 4th though, we attended 2 separate cookouts: one at lunchtime, and one at dinnertime. It was a great day, and a time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy. I'm thankful for the inspiration of our Heavenly Father to our nation's founding fathers, and even more grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel that was able to take place because of the freedoms provided for us here.

Our week rounded off with a surprise visit at sacrament meeting! President Clayton Christensen (1st counselor in our mission presidency, dean of Harvard Business School, and author of "The Power of Everyday Missionaries" which you should ALL read) and his wife came to our ward's meetings. We had no idea they would be there, and it was a pleasant surprise to see them! They spoke with the four of us and counseled us after sacrament meeting for quite some time about our ward and the struggles we're facing here. Their counsel (and even just them being there) was invaluable. I'm glad that the Lord knows our needs and sends us help when we need it most. May He bless you in your needs, as well. Godspeed, my friends and family!

Love,

Elder DeLong