Pioneers and Transfers

Hey guys!

Okay, so with this transfer, not much has changed at all for me and Elder Garfield - not even our P-Day is any different this time around! The only real difference for us is that our district is training one of the new Young Elders, Elder McDonald. He is living in the same apartment as us, and so we now see a lot of him. He is still getting used to the mission, but he is doing exceptionally well so far - though Transfers happened only last Tuesday, he is already almost done with the zone training it took me a week to finish! I believe he will do very well in his zone, though we do need to set a good example for him. This means living to a higher standard than we have been previously. But, that hasn't been a problem for us. It's been great seeing a new face around, and I hope he sticks around for a while (which I think he will). However, we also have lost a lot of Young Elders that Transfer Conference as well. They will be missed, though I will still keep in touch with them through E-mail.

It is a bit crazy that this is my 4 month mark. As I may have said before, the days are short but the weeks are long out here. It's a bit crazy to think that I am already one sixth of the way through the mission! I am not one to count down the days though, it just does not seem quite like that long. Before I know it, I will be packing my bags to return home. But, for now, I am to focus on my work out here in the mission field. I have still got a ways to go, and I will serve well, not just for myself, but also for you guys, who have supported me through all this. I will continue trying  my best to make you all proud!

The day before Transfers, however, we got to celebrate Pioneer Day. We started the day off by watching the Pioneer Day parade. The floats were outstanding, more impressive than most I have seen before (no offense to you guys back home :)). After the parade, the Young Elders went on a hike to Ensign Peak, where we were told about the significance of the place. After that excursion, we walked back down the hill to have lunch together at President Fenn's house. The food there, slow cooked barbecue brisket, was outstanding! Sister Fenn truly knows how to cook, because I could have eaten that stuff any day of the week! After that, President Fenn shared a devotional with us in his backyard. We then went home, and had sports together a little later that day. All in all, it was a day well spent, despite not being in the office!

Aside from this, the week has been fairly typical. I have kept learning in the zone, and improving how I could help serve. I have practiced baking, and have had varying amounts of success in that endeavor. I have eaten out a couple times too many this month, and have stretched my budget to the limit (I plan on being better about packing lunches). I have gone to the temple earlier today on the Young Elder's monthly trip (I haven't been able to go myself for a couple weeks due to it being closed). The week has been another good one, though I say that in each of my E-mails, don't I. Well, the mission is generally a good experience, and it is good to be here. Thanks again for the support, guys, and I will talk to you again next week!



From,

Elder Bryce Petersen



Challenge (D&C 64:10): I have heard before that holding a grudge describe has holding a hot coal, with the intent of throwing it at someone who has offended you. The comparison is not inaccurate: the only thing such feelings will do to one is eat away from the inside. Forgiveness is almost never an easy choice, especially when you feel like you are correct, and the one who has offended you is in the wrong. However, even if you are right, these feelings of anger and resent are still destructive. So, some time this week, I would like to challenge you all to try your best to forgive others. Apologize to someone whom you may have offended. Make amends with someone over any troubles you may have had, even if you the problem or problems were his or her fault. As you begin to become more forgiving to others, you will find the truth in the statement that forgiveness is just as beneficial to the one giving the forgiveness as the one receiving it.