9. Smoke

Hi everybody!

 

 

I have learned so much this week and I have been doing so much. Last Monday feels like 10 seconds ago, but when I really stop to think about what I did last week, it feels like 10 years. Either time works weird on the mission or the smoke from all the wildfires around here is starting to affect my cognitive functions. Probably a little bit of both.

 

 

Well this week started with visiting some people we haven't seen at church for a while. We just went to check on them and make sure they were doing alright.  Something I love about the mission is that people are so open and willing to share their lives with you, even if you just met 10 minutes ago. I love people!

 

 

Our lessons keep cancelling, which is still frustrating, but it gives opportunities to meet people we wouldn't have met otherwise. Something I have come to appreciate more is Facebook! Just like ye olde missionaries were guided to knock on the doors of the people who were prepared to hear the gospel, I am guided to message and friend people who are also searching for truth.

 

 

I got to meet Brett on Facebook. He is a super cool guy who just got out of the Marines and he had so many questions about life after death, second chances, and the grace of God. He said he has seen some things and had friends go through awful stuff too and he was really struggling with his spirituality. It felt awesome to tell him about our Savior, His Atonement, and the comfort we can all receive from Him. I don't know if Brett will ever be interested in joining the church, but being able to share a little piece of God's love for him is an awesome experience.

 

 

One other person I met this week was Ibrahim. We originally went over to help him weed his garden, but he ended up telling us that he was struggling with coming to church because he didn't feel like he fit in here. He was born in Africa, raised in Paris, and felt like he didn't belong in Eugene. He said that when people came to visit or bring cookies, he felt like they just did it as an assignment or to cross something off their to-do list.

 

 

Hearing that broke my heart. How often am I that person who just ministers to the people around me because "I have to". How often do I walk down the street with my head down, not noticing all the people around me who could use a helping hand. Charity is such an important trait to have, and one of the hardest! Jesus is truly "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and our perfect example of having a true love for the people around us. I want to work more on loving deeper and having no hesitation on reaching out to those who are struggling around me. Who can you serve this week?

 

 

This is already far too long, but I love you all! Have a wonderful week, and I will catch y'all next Monday!

 

 

Hermana Thrasher

 

 

PS- My companion informed me I am in fact a dunce (I'm paraphrasing) and got our address wrong, sorry if you sent a letter haha! It's actually 130 River Avenue #58 Eugene, Oregon 97404

 

 

PICTURES!!

1&2: We have a bad habit of eating out. I mean it's so much easier to run and get burgers while you're out than to bus all the way home. Work smarter not harder.

3: Awesome red sun sunset from the smoke!

4: Henna night! If you look closely, you can see our janky A/C installation... Good thing someone is coming to actually install it tomorrow.

5: Angry roof cat

6&7: At the Medford temple! We just stopped by on our way to a baptism service.

8: Amen.