Yup. That thing they have "Primer Doce Semanas" been there, done that.
3 months into the field and Osito has graduated to just a normal old Oso ("Bear" my nickname with the guys in my apartment). It really is a crazy thing, and a crazy last 3 months. Tomorrow we get the call for transfers, and Wednesday morning they'll be put into action. We´re 99% sure that Elder B will be leaving for a new area, and I'll be left here to take care of the good ole ship Paraguarì 1.2.
The last week has been a lot of reflecting on these last 12 weeks. I came in with the mindset that I just wanted to learn, I wanted to learn a lot and find the best ways to go out and do mission work, and apply that to my own vision of what I wanted to do here.
In reality, it's been really interesting. I thought I spent a lot of time prepping for the mission before I headed out. I really wanted to 'hit the ground running.' I saw myself slipping right in and sprinting and adjusting so fast, as if I didn't even need training. Wow, oh wow.... how wrong I was.
I came in wanting to learn a lot in my training, and that I did. With it coming to an end, I look back on it as a whole and want to share some of those thoughts with you guys.
Never in my life have I felt more inadequate, more frustrated, and so unlike myself. I learned that sometimes Heavenly Father really does have to tear you down to build you back up.
Every day was a chance to see what I still lacked, whether it be the language, scripture knowledge, knowing how to study, how to work with someone you're with 24 hours a day, and many many more.
It was a very frustrating experience, but I have to say, I think I learned a whole bastante more from living every day in my weakness, than if an easier path had been provided.
My greatest strength I have learned on the mission, is how to depend on my God and lean on my faith of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I learned that He does not just give you things, and place them in your lap, but He will walk by you, supporting you, as you learn little by little, and line upon line. He will show you where you are weak, where you lack, and then He will do with you, what he has done with me, and will make your weakest areas, your strongest. And through the refiners fire you will come out a better person, a person more suited for your calling. He truly does qualify whom He has called.
The words of Jeffry R. Holland, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, run constantly through my head. 'Im convinced missionary work is not an easy thing, because salvation is not a cheap experience. Why would it be easy for you, when it was never easy for Him?'
It's here at the end of training I see how far He has taken me. It has been an honor and a privilege to walk, and sweat, and teach, and laugh, and learn, and cry, to live every day in my weaknesses, as one worthy to represent His name, His teachings, and Kingdom. I of myself am so very, very weak, for that it is not optional. I must depend and lean on Him every single day.
Now, I know my Savior that much better, and because of Him I am the best missionary I have ever been so far. Now the dots have connected. The language is there (I feel comfortable talking to people!!) the knowledge is there, my love for these people is so huge and I am so humbled and thankful to have the opportunity to wake up, and share this gift and knowledge with them.
Our Lord Jesus Christ lives, and not only does He live, but He loves you so incredibly much. He walks by you and supports you and like a good friend, like the loving brother He is, wants the very best for you, wants to make you the very best you can be, all we need to do, is turn to Him.
In the words of Moroni, 'Seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have testified.'
If you seek Him, you will find Him.
That is my testimony.
Live from Paraguarì, and on the brink of a new chapter,
Elder Parker John Yocum
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