Life is absolutely brilliant as usual, but even more so because the sun has been shining this whole week! I think we finally got our glimpse of summer. Let me tell you about all the excitement that has been happening.
As we attended district leader council on Saturday, we discussed a lot about vision. When asked "where do you want to be ten years from now?" I have a very clear vision of what I want from life and who I want to become. Ten years from now I want to be a wife, a mother, a teacher, a friend, a disciple of Christ, a college graduate, a worthy temple recommend holder, etc. But when asked about my vision of my mission it is not quite as clear. I want to be an eloquent speaker and an effective teacher, yet who else do I truly want to become? While discussing, I was reminded by Elder Robbins' talk from general conference where he talked about to be lists. He mentioned how often people make to do lists, but rarely do people make to be lists. It is when we change the desire and who we want to be that our actions and the dos change. Becoming is getting at the root of things and making a real change to our actions. Therefore, I took this opportunity to ponder and reflect on my vision as a missionary. I was able to see more about who I want to become, what Christlike attributes I want to develop, and how I can grow as a person. It is when we take a step back and seek for the vision that we are able to get a clearer grasp on where we are at and where we are going.
Additionally, I have been enjoying my study of Preach My Gospel. I am learning so much from my re-commitment to these words of prophets and apostles. In my personal study, I read in Chapter 11: Keeping Commitments, which states the following: “Every finding opportunity...should lead to an invitation to act...” (Preach My Gospel, 196). It was clear as I read this sentence why we invite people to meet with us when we meet them for the first time. I was reminded of Elder Caner’s (another missionary in my mission) quote from the Harvester (the mission's weekly newsletter) this last week, “There is not agency until there is a choice.” Without inviting, the people simply do not have that choice to say yes or no. Our invitation allows each individual to exercise his or her agency and decide whether or not to seek further understanding. Inviting is essential in all aspects of missionary work, and this quote highlighted the importance of invitations in finding settings.
Things continue to go well, and we are meeting wonderful people. I have been able to use my Spanish a few times this week as well. I'll admit it is a bit rusty, but I am able to have simple conversations and understand what they are saying. One great thing about being in Manchester is the diversity of the people. It is wonderful to be surrounded by people who have a variety of backgrounds and speak all different languages. I can't think of what other updates I have at the moment. We are going to go play football with the elders today and then frisbee tonight with the YSA (Young Single Adults) for FHE (Family Home Evening) so that should be fun. I am continuing to enjoy life each and every day, as well as making the most of my time here in Manchester. It seems like I never stay anywhere very long, so I am enjoying the area while I am here.
Hope you all have a wonderful week. Know that I am thinking about you.
Love, Becca
p.s. Sorry no pictures this week, but I should have some next week :)
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