WEEK 56: (Slow) Moving!

Hanging out in a tree stump

Another week has come and gone here in Marietta. We were able to accomplish quite a bit this week, even though it seemed to move a little slow at times. And we helped another family move. Good times of hard work!

We were able to do some yard work for a local member named Wendy. We met Wendy at the beginning of last transfer, and we have been able to help her do manual labor several times since then. She has a huge backyard full of ducks, chickens, some deer at times, and a large dog. We have grown very close to her and her husband, Oze through our service. We were actually able to film their conversion stories this week as well - so stay tuned for a video on that. We have loved helping them out. 

It was also Elder Hatch's birthday this weekend. He is with the other companionship living in our house, but it was fun to celebrate all of the wonderful things he's accomplished in 21 years of life. It made my head spin a little when I realized it was already September. Time has moved so quickly ever since I landed here in Georgia. I am so excited to see what the next year holds for me here. 

We were not able to meet at all with our best investigator - Mary - this week. But we also weren't sad about that, because she was on vacation with a member family of the branch!!! Mary has been getting super close to the church members here, and it has been great to see her grow and learn. We hope to meet up with her this coming week, but we have personally learned so much about the importance of members in missionary work. The members are really the ones that get people moving, and help to "love them into the church." Our experience with Mary has touched my heart. 

This past week, I've reflected quite a bit on service. Service has been our main channel by which we do missionary work these days. And even in the moments of stress and exhaustion, it's important to remember that we are serving the Lord. "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." While we were at Wendy's house, I had an actual, physical shed on top of my back as we moved it. Under the crushing weight, I remembered that I was moving that shed for God. That we were at Wendy's house for God. And that I was in Georgia to serve God. This perspective is one that I would like to be a defining theme for the rest of my mission, and even my life. Always look to serve, and to love, because you're serving God. 

I love you all! Have a great week and go out and serve!

Elder Perry