Dear Family,
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| Hey everybody, it's a Mexican Spencer - Nick imitating one of his brother's classic poses |
This week, I had the opportunity to attend a leadership training for those who are district leaders, trainers, and zone leaders. We were trained on a bundle of stuff. but my favorite part was where we learned about conflict resolution. You know, when both parties express their opinions, and then you compromise (if you suck--only cool people win lol just kidding) Also something that stood out to me was what are you willing to do to be a good missionary.
So this week, I was liking--I was in a slight paradise. I had sunlight, a total gym, a bench, a blender, and a dog (Never thought I liked dogs. I learned that I like labs.) What more could a missionary ask for. Then the zone leaders had us move back into the dungeon*... I thought this was a great time for conflict resolution... or for me, to get my way.... I didn't want to go back to the hole... so I followed my motto, "If you want some thing act like it." I pulled all my cards I had from A-Z. Some of them were some pretty good cards mind you.
I was wrong. It took a day or two, but I came to accept that. You might say I was ticked. But as Nephi says, "for the lord hath commanded me and I must obey." I went back to the hole. So I came to understand that you have to make sure that what you want is really what you want. (Oh tell me what I want what i really really want)** It is hard to realign your will with the will of the Lord, but it is the most important thing that you can do.
To realign your will, you must step back from the situation and see the greater goal, the long term outcome. I had to see that by living in the dungeon, I was allowing the ward to feel like the missionaries were a blessing rather than people who need a home. This allows us to gain the trust of the members and push the work forward. This is what I came here to do. That's what I really wanted, so I needed to act like it.
So I'm back in the hole. But it is for the good of the work-- so I will keep on going even if they take away the shower. "If you want it, act like it." It has been a great week to grow and learn. Sometimes we want one thing, but we have been tricked. We really want the opposite. We just have to chase our real desires.
The Hernandez family really enjoyed church last week. They told us that they would come to church this week.... but he had to work late. I think they will be a good family in the church . I got to teach gospel principles this week. Halfway through the lesson, the teacher walked in and just joined the class, so I just kept teaching.... on Friday we had a branch activity that was a bit weird...
Well, no more time.
Love you y'all
Elder Pinegar
*The basement apartment he has been living in since Thanksgiving. He has to duck to not hit his head on the beams of the ceiling and water is only available from the laundry room sink.
** If you're wondering--this is a reference to the Spice Girls 1996 "Wannabe" song