Sure is almost spring isn't it? It's been an eventful week,
for sure. I will see what I can do to try to help you see just how busy it was.
We had 2 Zone Meetings that we conducted this week. One in Regina on Tuesday and one in Saskatoon
the next day. They were so different! Elder Dunn and I do not want to set goals for
the missionaries, instead we want to help them set effective goals. Again, the 2 meetings were very different. The faith of the elders in 1 was dismal and
the faith of the elders in the other was very good. The elders in the more faith-filled meeting
were optimistic, yet realistic, and because they were, in general they posted
more success in terms of their goal. I
was very excited about the other meeting though. The zone requires Elder Dunn's and my utmost
attention--so I apologize to anyone that may feel I have not written them
lately, there are probably a few. Sunrise to sunset I am busy. I
really enjoy this new responsibility but it sure stretches me. I have never had to do anything like this
before. Perhaps what I enjoy most is
seeing people do better and be better. There
is one missionary in particular up in Saskatoon that I am very impressed with. He was a downer but changed areas and appears
to have turned the corner. He and his
companion posted huge success this week despite being sick! I also enjoy providing encouragement,
especially in practicing. I remember
early on in my mission that encouragement really helped me feel as though I
was going to be a good missionary.
Something that Mike hinted at in his last email to me in
response to one I sent him, he mentioned how missionary work is not always
easy. The thought has crossed my mind:
with such a divine work, shouldn't people be flooding to me? I recently heard a talk from Elder Holland
where he said "Why is missionary work not easy? Because salvation is not cheap, because
Christ's suffering was not easy." He went on to discuss that we cannot feel an infinitesimally small amount (does that make sense?) of Christ's suffering, even
with our trials, but with the trials we have, we can only begin to feel as He
felt. It sure is hard sometimes. I can get to wit's end with rude people. But it all helps me grow, and I recognize
that. I see that I am learning things as
I experience it all. I know that I am
better prepared to stand up for what I believe than before. To be honest, I don't really remember if I
knew some things or not before my mission, but I am grateful for the
experiences I have had and the added knowledge and faith I have.
Thinking back to the goals set in zone meetings, something
that Elder Dunn frequently quotes Pres. Paulson goes like this, "high
failure is better than low success". Let me explain. If I set a goal to read my scriptures for 1
hour every day of the week but only do that for 6 days, technically is a
failure. But if I set a goal to read my
scriptures for 1 hour one day this week and do exactly that, that is a success.
Which is better? I think this is profound coming from someone
as experienced and accomplished as he in the workplace.
I want everyone to know that I am no longer a picky eater. We went to a Nigerian's house for a meal and
we ate some great chicken and beef and rice, and...the member taught me to eat
the bones of the chicken. So...what did
I do? Ya, I ate the meat of the chicken,
and the bones. Oh ya. I felt
accomplished, and never would have done that one before coming to Canada. I know that Nate and Brendin have probably
eaten crazier things, but you know what, that's ok with me. While on the
subject of food, I saw a can of butternut squash soup and instantly had a
craving for it. I know that the canned
stuff cannot compete with Auntie Sharon's homemade soup, Oh...
We tracted into a less-active family yesterday. We are
hoping that the YSA-age daughter will come to FHE tonight. (That's Young Single Adult, and Family Home Evening.)
Well that's about it, except for one thing. I did not mention my travels nor a big thing
that happened. I went to Saskatoon, to
Prince Albert, back to Saskatoon and then to Regina. Phew. While in Saskatoon I was street-contacting
on a bridge with a new missionary (on exchanges) and I approached a guy whose
response caught me off guard. "Mormon? Ya...I'm already a member". Really? Well, I struck up a conversation and was just
as spunky as could be and we talked for probably 20 minutes and he said he has
gone away from the Church and usually would never talk to anyone, but felt like
he should to me. He would not give me
his address, but did give me his phone #, and I have yet to call him. He felt really connected to me, and said he
would not like other missionaries to visit unless I was there. Ugh! I
wish I were in Saskatoon for a few more days! Get this--I mentioned my Dad was from Vulcan
and his eyes got big and he stepped back and said "NO!" in terror. I was actually pretty scared, and then he
said, “ I'm from Vulcan, no-one knows of Vulcan!” His name is Roger Brown, and
his father was Carl Brown. Ever heard of
them Dad? Let me know if you have, there
could be a reactivation in the process here.
Love ya lots, and as always, I am eager to hear from you
again,
Elder Galbraith
My new mission President's name is President Thomas, from
Juneau Alaska. He will come June 28th, and will finish me up. Scary thought.
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