8. Fish Out Of Water

Hi everybody!!

 

 

I'm shocked that it's Monday again already. It's true what they say; the days drag on forever but the weeks and the months fly by. So much happened but can I really remember any of it? Nope. 

 

 

I do know I had my first zone conference! This is when about 80 missionaries from my zone and some surrounding zones in my mission all get together and listen to the mission president (leader of the mission) and other leaders give lessons on missionary work and gospel topics. It was super uplifting and was focused on covenants (two-way promises we make with God). It really made me reflect on how much Heavenly Father loves me, you, and all our families!! The next day we had interviews with the mission president. This is when we get to chat with him about how we've been doing, concerns we have, struggles we're going through, etc. President Weekes is an incredible man! He is so close to the Holy Ghost and always knows what to say to help us through our trials. Talking with him gave me a lot more confidence in my role here in Oregon. 

 

 

After the zone conference we tried voodoo donuts, a must for Eugene. It may be a little overhyped, but if you asked me if you should go I would still say yes. We also got to meet Abi at his food truck! He was a super dope guy from Germany and we talked to him about families. You may recognize him from my Facebook post! If you haven't added me on there, you are more than welcome to. It's where I post more often and you can see a little more of what I do as a missionary! We also met our neighbor Chris, who is interested in learning more about what we believe. He may be one of the nicest people I have ever met plus he builds his own motorized bikes. We also met Colleen, who runs the pasteleria by our apartment! I got to speak a little Spanish with her and she gave us some of the best tamales, horchata, and tres leches I have ever had. 

 

 

Other than those things, we did the usual missionary routine. Lots of studying, lots of service, (almost) lots of lessons. I say almost because Sister Peaua and I set up tons of lessons, but all of them cancelled. It was a huge bummer because most of them cancelled at the last second, so we felt stood up. Oh well, such is the life of a missionary! And the Lord loves effort, so as long as I'm doing my very best, I won't be disappointed in myself. I also have to say that I have become quite proficient at taking the bus around Eugene. This definitely comes after missing a lot of buses and waiting for 45 minutes for the next one, but I feel pretty confident in my public transportation skills. Another miracle this week was that for the first time I walked into my little apartment and felt like I was home. It smells (a little less) funky, it is cramped, and we still hear drugged out people arguing in the street. But it's home and I love it. 

 

 

Honestly, adjusting to missionary life is hard. Most of the time I feel like a fish out of water. I'm with girls who have been doing this for a lot longer than me and I always feel like I am saying the wrong things, saying things at the wrong times, or not saying anything when I should've spoken up. I'm not used to feeling so insecure in myself! However, in my interview with President Weekes, he laughed when I told him I'm not the missionary I pictured myself to be. He told me to open to 2 Nephi 28:30 which says " For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more..." Heavenly Father and I both know I am not the missionary I want to be... YET! I will get there if I keep working towards it; I have 16 more months to grow into that Hermana Thrasher! So here's to remembering to take life one day at a time, improving every day, and repenting every night. 

 

 

Love you guys! Stay safe! And send me letters! My address is 130 River Ave Eugene OR 97404!

 

 

Hermana Thrasher

 

 

PICS! (Lots this week)

1. This is true

2. More service at Judy's garden!

3. The resident turkey at my apartment complex (named Paco by Sister Crouch)

4. Brother Stockwell let us pick blueberries in his garden! They are SO good.

5. Zone conference selfies

6. Walking everywhere gives me a lot more time to appreciate the pretty sunsets

7. The cat that followed us for a mile on our way to a service project

8. Church time! It's fun to see other missionaries there

9. Obligatory bus crew selfie