Hey guys!
Well, I finished up with the training course for the Contact Center yesterday. That has not been my most favorite part of the mission, though it has been good for me to learn a new skill such as that. I am still the greenhorn in the zone though, so I think I will be given some practice interactions before I am let loose helping actual patrons, or at least I will start off helping patrons with some help from the more experience missionaries in the zone. Part of me is excited to finally be able to do some actual service in the zone, and another part of me is just happy to be done with the training, that stuff burns out your brain!
As I am sure all of you know, Tuesday was the 4th of July, aka Independence Day. Now, as most of you previous missionaries know, the 4th, in most missions, is treated as any other holiday - that is, it doesn't mean much, and service is done anyway. However, all the missionaries work among paid staff, and so everything closes down on work holidays. This means the missionaries get the day off too - sort of. Of course, we still have the day planned out - you know, keep-us-out-of-trouble activities. So, the day started off with a movie to match the theme, "A More Perfect Union." The movie is based around the Constitutional Convention which shaped the United States Constitution which we still use today. Personally, I am not a huge fan of political-themed movies such as this, but some of you may like it, so I would recommend giving it a go!
Later that day, we had activities in the Stake Center. A lot of different activities happened there, but a lot of it was team-based. I started off with Dodgeball, and did that for an hour or two. We then had dinner together, after which we played a game of Human Checkers, which is pretty much what it sounds like - normal checkers, but instead of pieces, we used Young Elders. I like to think that went well. All in all, it was a good day for me.
It should also be noted that President Fenn began his service in the mission this week too. We got to know him and his wife at a fireside they put on for us last Sunday. Sister Fenn (who actually is the daughter of Bruce R. McConkie) spoke to us first, and she seemed pretty likable. Then, President Fenn spoke, and he was a phenomenal speaker! He shared his message with us very well, and all of us Young Elders agreed that we were going to like him!
I had my monthly interview with the President the other day, and it was a great opportunity to get to know President and Sister Fenn a bit better! I first met with Sister Fenn, who's interview reminded me a lot of the ones I used to have with Sister Tate. I then got to meet with President Fenn, who I think I will like quite a lot! He reminds me a lot of my Dad, for one. Also, not only does he like music about as much as me (he plays piano like I played guitar before my mission), his first two instruments he learned to play were the piano and saxophone, like me. But he does seem like he will do his job well. He previously served as the president of another mission, like President Tate did. He has some experience, which I think will carry over well to this mission. All in all, I look forward to serving with President Fenn.
I will have to work towards certifying to become a driver soon. The mission has lost a lot of it's certified drivers, and a lot more will be finished with their missions this coming month. Without drivers, me and Elder Garfield have had to walk to Harmon's. Don't get me wrong, Harmon's is a great grocery store, though it is a bit more expensive than Smith's. That's not the problem though - while the store is within walking distance of the apartments, that is still a long way away if you are carrying a week's worth of groceries with you. It is also quite noticeably warmer outside than it is in good ol' Woodruff, especially during the summertime. All that makes for an uncomfortable time hauling groceries back home. Elder Garfield has been trying to get his driver's certification, but he needs a new driver's license, which he is still waiting to be sent over to him. So, in case that doesn't work out soon, I will take matters into my own hands.
So, there is my week in a nutshell for you. I am still new in the Contact Center, just as President Fenn is new in his calling. But, while we are still green, I think we will both come to be great in our callings. I am doing well, and I am thankful for your support. Thank you very much, and see you again next week!
From,
Elder Bryce Petersen
Challenge: This week, we have celebrated our country's Independence Day. But let us not lose our sense of patriotism. We are living in a great country, and we should not forget to give back every now and again. Look for ways you can help out around the community, and keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities. Keep yourself informed about public issues, and let your elected officials know how they can do their job just a bit better (in a civilized manner, of course). If we can put in the effort to make our country a better place, little by little, it will deserve even more the praises we sing to it at the beginning of the July of every year.
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