First off, I conquered the I5 freeway! I had to drive on it this week on our way to Pasadena. I'd heard it was pretty sketchy, but it wasn't too much worse than driving in Utah! haha we also drove on the Arroyo Seco Parkway, which was like one of the first freeways here in Cali. Neat!
On Wednesday we had a world-wide missionary training broadcast and it was awesome! My goodness I learned so much. It made me want to be a much better missionary. Thankfully I still have a good 13 months to keep improving and learning :)
Thursday's district meeting was super good as well. Later I tried one of those corn things that they eat on Nacho Libre--they're called elote. Basically it's corn covered in mayo, butter, crumbled up parmesan cheese, and chile powder. Looks nasty, but it's surprisingly good :)
We met some cool people on Friday: Victorino and Ubaldo. They're both really interested in learning about the Gospel, and Ubaldo even came to church! It was so cool
Then Sunday Hno Gonzalez told me my Spanish is basically perfect! #youknowit! Haha nah, I have a loooong way to go still. Spanish is hard kids. Takes lots of practice. But compliments asà are always super appreciated.
Anywho, this Gospel is beautiful and missionary work is a blessing. In Ether 12:27 it tells us that God gives us weakness so we humble ourselves. Being here I've seen just how weak I am and how much I truly need Him. But I've also seen how He's helped me be able to this. I'm not a good teacher--I never have been. And I'm still not. I don't have the perfect words, I can't speak Spanish fluently or even as well as the 6 years old kids here. I'm just not a good teacher on my own. But in spite of that, I've seen how the Lord is able to make my efforts enough so those we're teaching can understand and feel the Spirit. It's comforting to know that He'll help me do all I need to, but it also makes me remember and realize that none of this is because of me. I'm not converting anyone, I'm not the driving force behind these people choosing to change their lives. It's the Gospel and the Lord.
But like I said, missionary work is a blessing :) It's such a privilege to be able to see these people recognize the Spirit and understand the Gospel. It's so beautiful to see them learn for themselves the power of prayer or realize that the Book of Mormon is true and it helps them feel better after a bad day at work. I feel so, so blessed to just be able to see these amazing children of God grow in their relationship with Him and in their faith and testimony. I can never really express how grateful I am, but I want you all to know that I know that being out on a mission is worth it. This Gospel is worth it. Every trial, sorrow, pain, and affliction is worth it. Because if we endure life well, if we make the sacrifices to live the Gospel, how sweet will be our reward :)
-Hermanita Johnson
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