Well, this week was an interesting one! It started with my comp getting way sick and ended up with me having the flu. So all in all there wasn´t actually too much that got done lolz. So since there´s not too much to report on, I will take the long-awaited opportunity to cite some of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite fountains of doctrinal and emotional wisdom - the inspired librito, "Adjusting to Missionary Life." I consider it one of the most inspired things to ever hit the missionary world, and I´ll fight anyone who says differently. Aint nobody gonna make fun of "Adjusting to Missionary Life" in front of me, cause I won´t stand for it. So here goes some citas that have gotten me through some hard times (p.s. my real desire is just to copy and paste the whole book, butttt that´s not realistic. So just read it when you get the chance. It´s short and helps with all aspects of life ever.):
-Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself with the same kind, comforting words you would use with someone else. Everyone gets frustrated or makes mistakes sometimes. Know that the Lord understands. Imagine Him sitting close to you, listening and offering support. Remember, thoughts of helplessness, hopelessness, or harsh condemnation are not from the Lord.
-Break down big or difficult tasks into smaller pieces. If they still feel too hard, break them down more. Then act. If you wait to "feel like" working before starting, you may wait a long time. Get started, and motivation will follow.
-Let go of what you cannot control. The past, the agency of others, the rules, the weather, government bureaucracies, the culture, your limitations, or the personality of other missionaries are outside of your control. Focus on things you can do something about, such as your behavior, your part in a relationship, your current choices, and your attitude. (yeah, this one can be WAY HARD)
-Accept the reality of some boring routines. Not all of life is deeply meaningful and exciting. Avoid creating drama, intensity, or conflict to deal with boredom. Instead, appreciate and enjoy the good around you, and look for ways to improve and serve. (hahaha this one kills me. Looking at you Baby Ray)
-Realize that everything you do can´t be above average. You still want to work hard to improve, but no matter how good you become at something, you will perform below your personal average some of the time. This is not a cause for alarm.
-Listen to the Spirit, not negativity. If you are having thoughts that are belittling, mocking, angry, sarcastic, murmuring, critical, or name calling, they are not from the Lord. Shut them out.
-Give yourself extra credit for doing something you don´t enjoy or don´t do well. Don´t tell yourself it only counts if you are happy about it or if you did it perfectly.
-Write in your journal. It helps to at least feel understood by yourself. (lololololololol, TOO TRUE, omgosh)
-Identify and use your strengths. Some people find talking with people energizing; others find it tiring. Both types of people can be effective missionaries. If you are someone who becomes weary talking with strangers, don´t give up trying. You have other strengths to contribute to missionary work, such as being a good friend to those you know well, having creative ideas, being insightful about people, or excellent at planning. You may assume others don´t like you, even though they really do. Seek inspiration and listen to the Spirit to help you use your strengths in His service and develop more of the attributes of Christ that you have access to as a missionary. You represent Jesus Christ, not yourself.
SOOO as you can see, there are lots of boss things to be learned and internalized from this booklet. The spirit is so chill that it´s always gonna whisper to us what we have yet to work on and how we can improve. One of my favorite conference talks is "¿Que más me falta?" (aka What Lack I Yet?) by E´ Lawrence. He says, "As we travel along that strait and narrow path, the Spirit continually challenges us to be better and to climb higher. The Holy Ghost makes an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will take us by the hand and lead us home. However, we need to ask the Lord for directions along the way. We have to ask some difficult questions, like "What do I need to change?" "How can I improve?" "What weaknesses need strengthening?"... The Holy Ghost really does give customized counsel. He is a completely honest companion and will tell us things that no one else knows or has the courage to say... the possibilities are endless. The Spirit can show us our weaknesses, but He is also able to show us our strengths. Sometimes we need to ask what we are doing right so that the Lord can lift and encourage us... Heavenly Father knows our divine potential. He rejoices every time we take a step forward. To Him, our direction is ever more important than our speed."
I know the Lord loves us and will use us how we are and help us to become better as we continue to make efforts (even if our efforts are sometimes small or not even our "best efforts" #perfectionistmyth). Our direction is more important than our speed. Truly "the fullness of the gospel [is being] proclaimed by the weak and simple unto the ends of the world" (D y C 1:23). So if a missionary (or anyone) is feeling weak and simple, THAT is when the Lord can use them. And I know that´s true cause I feel it and have had the truth of it confirmed unto me.
Love you so much!! Hope you have a great week. And also plz keep Hna Lundberg in your prayers cause she is still recovering.
<3 xoxo Hermana Ross
p.s. Here are lit-rally my only pictures from the week.
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| When my comp´s entire physical and emotional systems failed her and we had to be in the hospital all day. It was a fexhausting experience |
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| Our first-class Paraguayan bathroom. I chilled on that bathroom floor for a decent amount of time this week, so #pray4Holly #parasiteprobz |
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