Back to school
August 25th, 2010
As we drive past Bella Vista High School this morning I see teenagers everywhere – all of them heading back to school after an undoubtedly enjoyable Summer. We arrive at the office and there are several more cars than usual in the parking lot – seminary has begun. Later on I enter President’s house, sit down in his office, and he tells me my new assignment. Everything points to the same conclusion. Vacation is over. It’s time to go back to school.
I’m excited to go back. Though I would hardly call my time in the mission office a “vacation”, it has been one of the most cherished parts of my mission thus far. Spiritually, I feel I’ve grown a lot. From the experiences I’ve had, and from the wonderful missionaries I have served with. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Though my purpose as a missionary never changed, my responsibilities did. It’s been unique and exciting. Now I’m ready to leave it all behind and lose myself in these last 6 months of my mission. Serving wherever I’m called, in whatever capacity required.
My new assignment is Junior Zone Leader with Elder Knudsen, from Sandy Utah. Together we are responsible for the leadership of the missionaries in the Cordova zone. You’ll remember I spent several months in Cordova (the Brighton Ward) last year! Now I’m going back. I’ll be serving in the American River YSA Branch & River Park Ward. Elder Knudsen is an amazing missionary, and I’m excited to be his companion. He’ll do a good job training me, and teaching me our responsibilities.
More than anything I’ve been humbled by this assignment. “I want to be the BEST I can…” as that Primary song goes. And I know I can’t do that alone. Elder Buhler, our soon departing Assistant to the President, has talked to me a lot, I’m so grateful for his council and advice, which in a nutshell is this: It’s not about you. It’s about others. Be obedient. Seek revelation. Work your hardest.
Well, I’m casting away my fear (as best as I can) and I’m going into this full force. I hope you’ll all keep me in your prayers.
This last week in the College Oak Ward we were blessed to miraculously find two people, a young man, and a young woman, who I feel will eventually be baptized. Sadly I won’t be here to help them along, but I know I’m needed elsewhere. I’ve loved serving in the College Oak ward. The members and the leadership there are awesome. You know who you are! :)
My brother Derek wrote me an email recently about his vacation. He had the chance to go to EFY in California, visit British Columbia, and see lots of family; it sounds like he had a blast! I was a little jealous at first, I’ll admit. But I did want to comment on something he said in his email (And I hope he doesn’t mind me sharing this), he said “Yo if your mission is ANYTHING like my experience at EFY, then sign me up!”
My response brother; It’s better! XD
Well, I thank you all again for your prayers, your love, and everything else you do. I’m going to need it more than ever now. I’ve had my fun, I’ve studied up, and now I’m going “back to School” — mission style.
Till next time!
Love,
Elder Macpherson