Wow, it's been quite a week again. My world was turned upside-down yet again as I said goodbye to Elder Gumiran. In the past two months, despite coming from a different country, lifestyle, and speaking a different language, I came to love and trust him like a brother. I learned so much about being a good missionary, and person, from him. I'd say he never lost his temper, but really, I can't be sure he had one to lose. Everything he did was thoughtful and patient, and his focus was always on relationships, and not just tasks. He was so . . . here. In the work. It was so great to be his companion.
Chris, Dad, and everybody, it's time for tips for a brand-new follow-up-trainee. Believe me, I feel brand new. My new companion is confident and talkative, and although his style and attitude is different from my trainers, he is hard-working. What's your advice? How can I make the most of my time as a follow-up-trainee? I'm supposed to "lead the area" now -- choosing where we go, who we visit, and what we teach them. Stress! I'm blessed to be stressed. I'm loving Capas, and although the work has been a little hard these past few days (why don't people come to church???) I'm excited to be out working. We are going to do some MAJOR "tearing it up" this transfer.
All these changes have taken me to my knees repeatedly, and I feel the love of the Lord for me, even though I'm not perfect, and sometimes I make mistakes. I read earlier a quote by Elder Wirthlin that "the Lord's love for us is such that even if we give up on ourselves, he never will" that was the jist of it. It's amazing how many chances he gives me to change for the better.
Sister Puzey talked about plants becoming root-bound if they're left in a little pot. We need change and room to grow. As hard as being uprooted may feel at first, there is new, fertile soil ahead. I'm glad for the change, because I know this is my chance to take the next step in creating a more Christ-like Elder Peck.
Happy Birthday BRENDAN-CHARLIE!!!!
Happy Birthday ELDER CHRISTIAN PECK!!!!
I love you both so much! Chris, I wish I could sit down and talk with you about the mission for a couple days, I know I would learn so much. Dad, you too. Please, I've got so much to learn from your experiences!
It's amazing to me to think how close we can get as companions in such a short time -- eternal friends despite differences that seem like they should be just too much to conquer! The love of the Lord breaks down any barriers men can erect. That was one thing Elder Gumiran said to me on one of our last nights -- People put up walls to protect themselves, but when they see how hard you're working to build a bridge to reach them, the walls come down. And as we talked about the coming challenges, he told me he knew it would be alright. You'll live it. You can't escape it! That's life, isn't it? (And it's even cooler when it's Taglish, and broken English)
Wow, family, you're great. I love your letters, especially on days like today when the world is spinning they remind me of the greatness of this gospel, and the effect it's had on my own family and experiences. I love you all so much --
Love,
Elder Loren Peck
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