For instance, before the mission, when I had about a half hour before work, I would think of how short of time that is. Now, on the mission, we find ourselves with 30 minutes of time and it's like "Wow! We have a half hour! What should we do? Where should we go? Who needs us?"
Also this past week, we had some problems with one of the tires on our car. The elders ended up switching our tire to our spare, and we called the office to get an appointment with a mechanic. We drive in to Pep Boys, but the GPS took us to the wrong one (about 40 minutes away instead of 20) and we had never been there, so we didn't realize where it was. Oh, and by the wrong one, I mean we ended up at an Irish Pub. Yeah...so, we turned around and headed back to the correct mechanic, and then waited for about 1.5 hours there. All in all, it was about a 4-hour ordeal. FOUR HOURS is a very long time in mission work! It was frustrating to feel like a "normal person" again with car problems. Can you see how time is different? I kept thinking of all the people we could be visiting. And I kept scanning the phone to see if there was anyone we could call and talk to while we were waiting. Yeah, I think I understand now how difficult it is for missionaries to get home and feel like they are wasting time because every hour isn't scheduled. Eek.
But, in better news, Elizabeth passed her baptismal interview (I was a nervous wreck the whole time and my stomach was in knots! I knew she had been taught the information and we'd had mock interviews with her, but she sometimes freezes up with new people). Anyway, it went well and so we will have her baptism this Friday at the beach! It has been such a huge blessing to have seen her progress from finding her day one to teaching her and now seeing her make the covenant of baptism. She is definitely opening up and becoming more active in discussions at church.
And, things are progressing with our investigator Laura. She hasn't had coffee in two plus weeks, even working 70+ hours. She really has a desire to continue learning and applies what we're teaching. When we taught her on Saturday, she was even wearing an undershirt under her tanktop dress. That was pretty cute :) Her biggest challenge is that she wants to get married before she gets baptized, but that also includes getting divorces squared away...yeah, it's a bit of a mess. But, even if I'm not here to see her get baptized, I know it will happen. She is determined and has the desire this time (she started learning 2+ years ago and just recently became on fire with this desire to learn, which is awesome). Our lessons with her are so natural. I love that as we teach by the Spirit, even if it is what is different than planned, it is what she needs to hear.
On Sunday, we visited a member of our branch who has been in the hospital since July (for a bone marrow transplant). We went with our RS president and it was quite the experience. It made me feel really grateful. I was thinking about the experiences we are called to go through in this life and how we will never be given any more than we can bear. While it's a challenge to remember this when we're going through the trials, I do know it is true. Sometimes I think about things that would be "too hard" or something I don't think I could handle; but then I realize that I'm being a hypocrite of the things I'm teaching. For, truly, we can do all things with Christ. Sometimes I teach something and realize that I need to strengthen my faith in the very thing I am teaching! A mission is great for pointing those things out :)
Finally, I wanted to share something I learned in personal study. What a great hour each morning to delve into the scriptures and other resources to start the day! I have been reading through the New Testament lately and was reading in Mark the other morning; the parable of the sower. There are a few types listed:
1. Sown by the wayside (characteristic: Satan takes the heart)
2. Sown on stony ground with NO ROOT (these people are not forever changed. It says they receive the word with gladness but fall when trials come. I thought of Helaman 5:12 and having that firm foundation to keep us grounded)
3. Sown among thorns (This is what I would characterize as those with wrong priorities; people who put riches/worldly desires above God. I thought of 3 Ne: 13:33 and seeking FIRST the kingdom of God).
4. Sown on good ground (These people hear AND receive the word and bring forth fruit. They WANT to share it, like those who taste the fruit in 1 Ne. 8:12. After they receive, they desire others to have it. Also, in the same parable accounted in Luke, it says they bring forth fruit with PATIENCE. Isn't it funny how that word sneaks into so many scriptures? I think it's kind of important...
But really, I spent a good portion of my study that day thinking and studying that parable. I thought of many people in our branch and in my life and investigators who were categorized by these things. Where do we find ourselves? I hope that we can fit in number 4. It is the only way to true happiness. To have a firm foundation and then share what we have found with others.
Also, Sister Hale found out yesterday that her dad has skin cancer; it should be easily removed, but please keep her family in your prayers! As the transfers approach, I've been feeling more and more this transfer that we won't be together after this; for a while, I had the feeling that I'd be staying here in Riverhead, but with this new change, I think I might be leaving. We will see in two weeks!
Wow. Sorry this email was so jumbled! But, that's how it is sometimes in my mind.
I love you! Enjoy the photos :)
-Sister Peacock
Celebrating Baker's birthday ... yeah, this encapsulates each one of our personalities. i love it. Matt isn't a missionary, but he might as well be since he comes to just about everything!
Elders changing our tires. We love Baker and Spencer!
This is NOT Pep Boys, GPS...
Elizabeth, seeing if this beach would be a good place for her baptism.
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