great trainings. Afterwards we had a house inspection. I don't think
I've ever seen someone so critical in my life. The house was probably
the cleanest I've ever seen it and we got comments like, "of there is
some crumbs over in the corner." "Your sink isn't shiny enough." "Your
shoes aren't in a perfect line." It amazed me at how nitpicky they
were about everything. At night we went to go visit one of Elder
Alfonso's recent convert family. They were a fun and crazy family.
Wednesday: We made a new Zone picture with photo shop. And then had a
meeting with our new high councilor over missionary work.
Thursday: We started exchanges with the Zone leaders on the morning
after Elder Alfonso had his departing missionary interview with
president Lansing. Elder Mestre had to go to physical therapy at 1 for
his back so Elder Harvey and I had to go to their house for their home
inspection. Let's just say they were a lot nicer haha! We went to work
in their area which is a huge area because they are designated to the
YSA (young single adults) so they cover Riverton, Harriman, Bluffdale.
Bluffdale is out of our mission so it was pretty fun to go outside the
missions and to work there! After dinner we went to go contact two of
my childhood friends. I think I found a reason for being called to the
Salt Lake South mission. Just a reminder to all those who aren't
familiar with missions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, we volunteer to serve 24 months as a man, and 18 for girls. We
are called by a prophet of God to a mission without knowing us. But
through the wisdom and power of God he is given revelation to place us
where we need to be. We could be called to almost anywhere in the
world. And I've been blessed to serve in my home mission. So we get to
my friend’s house, who have been going through a rough time and not
making the best life decisions. Nobody answered the door, so Elder
Harvey asked if I wanted to call him. "Hey Jadon you home?" "Yeah"
"come open the door it's Aaron." They were downstairs and they
answered the door in about 5 seconds haha! We started talking to them
and just seeing how they were doing. Shortly his dad came in and we
had a good conversation. We wanted to share a message but Silvia
(their step mom) wasn't home so we told them we had to go do something
real quick and then we would be back to share a message. We went to a
half-way house where other missionaries are teaching someone. There's
was a lot of YSA age people there and we picked up a few new
investigators. After that we headed back to their house. The whole
time I was thinking what can I share that they need to hear? My mind
came to the only answer, the atonement of Jesus Christ. So we started
off the lesson by stating our purpose for being there and it wasn't to
hang out but it was for the benefit and welfare of their souls. We
shared the message of the plan of salvation, or in other words, our
plan and purpose in this life. With an emphasis on the atonement and
how we can use it. It was a real powerful meeting. I was telling them
about short term happiness vs long term happiness and how we need to
do the things that bring us true happiness. I started crying as I was
expressing how much I loved them and wanted the best for them and how
I want them to be happy. Other began to tear up as well. Their father
who is a return missionary said he saw the difference and change in me
in just a short 6 months. I have changed so much, and so happy I
decided to help those who need to feel of the saviors love.
Friday: was probably one of the most fun days in the mission! Elder
Alfonso got the opportunity to go to the Salt Lake Temple so I spent
the day with the Zone leaders after we dropped him off at the Midvale
tracks. Elder Mestre has been in his area for 7 months and never went
to the west mountains which are in their area. Elder Harvey thought it
was a waste of time. But since I was added to the mix we had the odds
in our side and wanted to go to the mountains! So we went over to
basically the copper mine and butter field canyon. We eventually found
a house, it was a less active man but was really nice with us. He had
three pigs just roaming around in his front yard so we had to stop! We
decided to take a back road and I couldn't believe my eyes! There was
a group of YSA age people! And another YSA guy by a truck while his
dad was on the phone. The group went off on a trail before we could
get out of the car to talk to them so we talked to the guy by the
truck. We figured out he has a Christian background and lives in Iowa
and was visiting. He has never met with missionaries before. We shared
a mini version of the restoration and gave him a Book of Mormon. He
said he would read and pray about it! But wasn't ready to meet with
missionaries in Iowa! In the middle of nowhere we found someone! The
Lord always provides a way for his people! Elder Harvey was pretty
humble after that experience haha! To add to it there was an albino
turkey with two chickens by the guy we gave a Book of Mormon too!
Saturday: we had to fill up the baptismal font for a elderly lady who
was excommunicated and was being re-baptized. It's pretty cool to
think that no matter what we do in life, Jesus Christ' atonement is
for us all! After that we went out to eat lunch with elder Alfonso's
aunt and uncle from Layton. We had some good conversations about
multiple things. At night we went to go visit one of Elder Alfonso's
old Ward mission leaders in the Spanish Ward in daybreak.
Sunday: We got a text from out Ward mission leader who met with a part
member family and one of their daughters wants to meet with the
missionaries and be baptized! We will have an appointment with them
on Wednesday!
Today: I figured out I will be staying in my area, but will be
covering another Stake. My companion is Elder Gilcrest. He did a trial
mission here because he has Asperger’s and wasn't sure if he could
handle a mission, but will stay here to finish his mission. He came
out when I did. He's from Kaysvile, Utah, crazy to think two Utah
natives will be serving together in a Utah mission! And I will be the
new District Leader!
Pictures of this week...
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