Knead more practice

Hello everyone!

Well, this was a good week. Last Monday, I began to accept calls in the contact center. It seems a bit crazy that I have only been accepting calls for a week now, it seems that my training was not too long ago. So far, things have not been too stressful. The patrons which I have helped out so far have been agreeable, and I have not been too overwhelmed with the workload so far. I wonder how long this will last though. I have heard that, mentally, this zone is the most strenuous. I do think I can handle it, though. Even if it turns out to be a real challenge (which I believe it may), I will come out stronger in the end. That is what life is all about: going through trials you may originally view as difficult or challenging, but making it through them alive and coming out even stronger than before. 

Last Friday, after I finished typing out my weekly update for you guys, I went and bought myself a cookbook titled Bread Illustrated. Bread baking, though the ingredients required for most recipes are already within the reach of most people, takes quite a bit of work, and I can't make it most days. That is what makes days like today a bit more special - I have a loaf rising right now as I type this! It is something to look forward to (without distracting from the work at hand, of course!), and it gives me a creative outlet. So, I look forward to learning how to learn a bit more about cooking while I am out here!

We have also had mission conference this week. I have actually had to attend three sessions of this - one for the Young Elders, and two for the Senior Missionaries (I think I may have told you all about this sort of thing once or twice, I had to sing in the choir for the latter). Singing with the choir is amazing! I may not be able to play guitar on the mission, but at least I can not only keep my voice in tip-top shape, but I can also exercise it and make it even stronger! Anyway, back to the conferences. These were the first conferences for President and Sister Fenn, so they were the only ones to speak. They both gave wonderful talks at all the sessions. I know I may have said this before, but President Fenn is a phenomenal speaker! He will do some wonderful things with this mission, and I am excited to see it all come together!

I have also been working towards certifying to become a mission driver. I have actually gotten my papers for it a week ago (thanks Mom), and I have turned them all in. Though it has been a while since I have last driven, I do feel like I have quite a bit of experience from doing that (that's what happens when you live in Woodruff, Utah), and I feel like I can pick it up again. The test I was given was also a bit challenging, but I think I did well. All that's left to do is get a photocopy of my driver's license and set up a day when I can do a test drive. At that point, I can guarantee that the only thing that will make me go to Harmon's again is the availability, specifically the lack thereof, of any mission vehicles. Which is good, I am tired of having to carry groceries home (which, thankfully, didn't happen this week, me and Elder Garfield were able to find a driver today).

So, the week has been wonderful. Thanks again to all of you out there who have been supporting me, and cheering me on from the sidelines, it means a lot to me! I know I have probably been saying that so much it has maybe become a bit redundant, but I assure you that it still rings as true as always. Stay awesome everyone, and have a great week!

From,

Elder Bryce Petersen

Challenge: It has been said by many that the Book of Mormon is the cornerstone of our religion. This is very true. It is another testament of Jesus Christ, containing much more needed revelation which will help us make it through this day and age. So, study the Book every day. Choose a time which is convenient to you - if this means squeezing in a bit of study before bedtime, then that works too! If you haven't read the Book of Mormon, I would kindly ask that you give it a shot, and pray about it's truthfulness. If you do so sincerely, you may know the truthfulness of it.