Better Late than Never

5.3.17

Hey everyone!

Okay, so the only thing that changed at Transfer Conference was my P-Day. I am still working on the International Floor, my companion is still Elder McElwain, and I do not have to change apartments. You will be getting my E-mails on Wednesdays now, though. Sorry about keeping you guys waiting! I can't say I am a huge fan of the P-Day change, as Wednesday is the day on which the Choir practices. That gives me less time for all my P-Day stuff. Oh well, I can't change the weather, I can only adjust the sails. 

The mission has been given quite an opportunity this month. We will be travelling to Goshen, Utah, to visit the LDS studios, where they make certain Bible videos and the like. We will be able to tour the facilities, and even do a service project of sorts there. This will be my first time leaving the Salt Lake City area since I first arrived on the mission, so this is a very interesting activity! This will happen on the 31st of this month, so I will let you know how that goes!

However, some elders got to go today. I have no problem with this, aside from the fact that they used all the vans. This means that Elder McElwain and I did not get to take them to shop at Smiths. Instead, we had to shop at Harmon's, the grocery store which is within walking distance of the apartments. Don't get me wrong, Harmon's is a very nice grocery store with good quality merchandise - almost too good, however. It is a pricier place to buy food than Smith's and Walmart, so the missionaries don't shop there often. However, me and Elder McElwain were able to make it work within the limits of our budgets, and I think that we got everything we needed!

Aside from the Goshen trip, the mission sometimes does make special trips. Mostly, these are temple trips, to add more variety than going to the same old SLC temple every time. Last Friday, the young elders made such a trip to the Bountiful temple. It was a great experience there, just as it always is. I was even able to give one of my names to another missionary! We did eat lunch while we were there, which the mission payed for. After that, it was business as usual in the day.

Yesterday (my old P-Day), the International zone had a zone photo-shoot and recognition luncheon. I am not sure how often the zone does a photo-shoot, as this was my first one, but the luncheons are a monthly thing. Essentially, they are to recognize the people making progress in their research learning. I was recognized at the last one for passing off the basic Level 1 training. I guess this goes to show that the mission is beginning to go by faster for me, as this last one doesn't seem so long ago. I still do have a long ways to go, though. 

Well, I think I owe a couple of people some personal E-mails now, to further verify to everyone that I did not get hit by a bus or something. Again, I am thankful for all the support I am getting from you guys, I truly do appreciate that. My challenge for the week is this: the temple is always a wonderful experience, and I would advise you all to make temple worthiness a goal, and a conscious effort. If you are behind on church attendance, begin showing up a bit more often. If you are having trouble keeping a commandment, then try a little harder to be a little better. That is my challenge for you. Stay awesome, guys, and know that I love you all!

From,

Elder Bryce Petersen