Consider the Lilies

 Well some great news and mostly studies this week! We did exchanges with the AP's and it was fun to be with Elder Gappmayer again. We finally made the whole circle after arriving here the same day and then finally he's training me to be a better zone leader! That's how it should be!

 Here is how my social interaction has plummeted IMMENSELY during COVID. We went to pick up a dinner that a member bought us at Mission bbq (literal mana from heaven) and while we were there we ran into a group of YSA's who were on a group date. It was so hard to not sit and chat for a while but we managed to run away all awkwardly because #quarantinelife. While we were getting our food, we went to pick it up under the name Danielle (the member’s name) and the whole time we were doing that there was a worker that kept eyeing us down. I thought she was a member and wanted to talk and as we started to walk out she nervously blurted out, "Is your name Danielle?" I kinda looked at her confused and gave a nervous laugh and was like "haha no it's Daniel." and then we left. It was just an awkward exchange between us hahaha. Not to mention we then went next door to Gelati Celesti to get, you know, some gelato and while I was trying to figure out how to pay for the ice cream and sliding my card the lady said, "You have a cute tie!" But I was so in my zone I didn't even acknowledge her and just walked away hahahahaha. Anyways, turns out I can't talk to people face to face!

 

However, this does end on a good note. While we were in person church, our bishop asked us (again) to sit on the stand. Right before the meeting started he went, "I served in Utah covering 7 stakes so almost every single Sunday we were asked to speak. Be ready." So for the next 10 mins I gathered a few thoughts and we were able to speak for a bit that Sunday. I didn't realize how much I thrived in that situation. I think I took a bit longer than expected but I guess it went well! In fact, Bishop Palmese stood up and said, "You know, I have worked with a lot of good and amazing missionaries, but I think these 2 are the best missionaries in the mission." I was so blown away that I legit turned to my companion kinda just aww struck and said, "Is he talking about us?" Apparently all the effort we have been putting into working and fellowshipping and loving the ward has worked! The ward has completely broken the stigma that I first heard when I came here of "they do nothing" to becoming one of the most missionary minded wards I have yet to serve in!" It's such a blessing!

 I just wanted to end (haha, I feel like I'm typing a church talk) with a quick thought. This past week I've had A LOT of feelings and memories and doubts and excitements and worries about what my future for my mission may look like? Will it be a cold Virginian winter or a blazing hot Brazilian summer? What language will I even be thinking in here in 1 month? It's gotten me pretty frazzled and I decided that Matthew 6:28,30,33 provide my answer. Here is what they say:

 28) Consider the lilies of the field. How they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin.

30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

 Wow. Those verses are powerful. The Lord will "fight for you and he shall hold your peace." There's one last poem I wanted to share and a talk by Sheri Dew which is 1000/1000 (I included the link so go and read it!)

 "To walk with God, no strength is lost.

Walk on.

To talk with God, no breath is lost.

Talk on.

To wait on God, no time is lost. 

Wait on."

These things are true! So whether in the southern hemisphere watching toilets spin counterclockwise or in the northern where the trees are bare of leaves, I will go and do!

Elder Gardanier

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/sheri-l-dew/born-lead-born-glory/