My goodness... 1/13/14

Sorry for not really writing the last little bit. Things here have been a bit hectic and crazy, and my world has been a bit topsy turvy the last couple of weeks.

So update, the investigator that we've been teaching for nearly 2 and a half months is finally going to get baptized!!! I'm so excited!!! But the sad news is I'm getting transferred to work in the mission office for a while so I may not be able to attend the baptism (I really hope I can though).

As a way of distracting myself, I want to post some of the funny things I've learned through what may have been the hardest period of my life so far:

-People are ticklish, and don't like to be tickled (namely my companion)

-People think Mormon Missionaries are Jehovah Witnesses, but once they find out we're not, they're usually pretty happy to talk, even if they're not interested.

-I haven't really had to eat much fish

-I don't have as much time to bake as I'd like

-I have some of the coolest friends in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!! Who write to me sometimes and send me awesome packages!!!

-I don't like exercising when it's a little bit cold outside, or it's hot.

-I'm not the biggest fan of meat pies

Other than that, not much to tell. Hope you're all doing well. :)

Much Love,

Elder Ryan

Trials are a learning tool...

So, this week has been a very good week in some aspects, and a very grim week in other aspects. Another 2 of my former investigators have been baptized!!! One lady from the Bronx that I taught, and one of the people in the branch I'm currently serving in. It's amazing to see the miracles that come from serving selflessly. In contrast of the amazing things I've seen, personally, I've experienced some challenges in my self belief. I know that all things are possible through Christ, but sometimes it's difficult to believe that you are worthy enough, or capable enough to accomplish the things that God has asked you to do. I've felt that way this week. One of my personal goals is to trust the Savior more; trust in His atonement. Be willing to ask for help when it's needed from God and those around me. I know God loves me, I know he wants me to succeed. I'm working on knowing the same thing of myself. I hope you're all doing well. With Love...

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My journey to becoming a missionary was far from your stock-standard, trial ridden, discovering of myself experience that it seems to have been for most of the missionaries that I served with. For me, the experience was pretty much just normal life, decisions, and an increase of trust and faith. Anyone who is familiar with the culture that exists in most LDS congregations (wards) will understand; missionary service is highly respected, and highly encouraged (even expected) of young men. At an early age, in Primary (Sunday school for children) I remember being taught about the great calling of missionaries. We would sing songs about hoping to serve a mission, color pages and write letters to missionaries serving from our ward. Growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the church) I don't ever really remember being confused about what it was that missionaries did -- Even if my original idea was that they came to people's homes ate dinner and shared scriptur...

Life as an Uncommon Elder

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