Email to Ben and KoriAnn
You're just fine! I have my days like that occasionally. I've been hard at work studying the scriptures on what I need to do to fix this impatient problem and then I narrowed it down to something: I lack trust in God. I had a neat, moving experience this weekend. I came across Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not into thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" I read that and started getting so emotional because to think that I, for even one second, doubted that our Father in Heaven would put me in places that I needed to be. Last year was a complete 360 for me, and that is how I know that I can trust the Lord, because the second I did, my life took a miraculous turn for the better. After reading that, I came across Ecclesiastes 3:1&11 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also, he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end" which then led me to D&C 122:7 "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" pretty neat study if you ask me! The scriptures are great and I love all the treasures that lie in not only the bible, but especially the Book of Mormon. I bore my testimony on it on Tuesday in a meeting and got so teary-eyed, because if the Book of Mormon wasn't true, we wouldn't feel the love we feel for the prophet Thomas S. Monson, and the thought that people don't believe he is a prophet baffles me. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and if he didn't call prophets, that would contradict His own ways, which would make Him cease to be God. The logic is all there, and the book of Mormon is that proof that people strive for. They're so busy trying to disprove it, when it's right in front of their faces that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ, prophets are called on the earth today, the priesthood is back, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored once again to the earth. I'm very passionate about this subject and hope you are too.
I love being on a mission very much because every second I can devote to other people and allow myself to build my relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and steer every thought on how to become more submissive, which President Hobbs says is Christ's greatest attribute.
Thank you for emailing me, I'm happy to hear Ben is so close to graduating! I bet he loved spring break. And best of luck with the car searching; I remember those days, yikes.
I love you!
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Friday, March 28, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Staying in Hesperia
My Mom and Shawn have little conversations throughout the hour while he is at the computer on P-days.
Mom,
You don't need to send me a wedding invitation, I honestly couldn't care less haha. Thank you for your letter! I'm gonna respond today. I'll write out more in there than I will here. Today's the start of the new transfer, so me and Elder Kirkham are here for another 6 weeks (at least), God has someone here waiting for me and it's hard to be patient for that, but everyday I receive a witness that He is watching over me and wants me to be successful. I know how much he invested in the church and how he wants it to thrive, but it will be done in his due time. I love my mission and am so glad I chose to serve, wholeheartedly, I cannot think of a better way to spend my time giving to others. I love you mom (: I normally dream about you guys at least once a week, it's odd. By the way, love the family pictures, they turned out so good (: I love you more!
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Email to KoriAnn & Ben
Koriann,
My P day last week was ridiculous. I wanted to write really bad, but it was just so hectic! Plus, obedience is really big here on a mission, so I figured a letter can wait one more week. I tend to justify things too often, but I decided to be a good boy about the letter writing.
Daylight savings time I swear was going to kill me ha! We got in super late that night so when the alarm went off at 6:30, I was SO exhausted and could tell how much I love sleeping here. That's the thing, bedtime is bliss. And 6:30 without fail always comes way to early! I suck at getting out of bed on time ha.
Your calling sounds like a lot of work and a lot of time is going into it! It seems demanding, but boy doesn't it feel good to give to the Lord! I love serving so much, whatever it may be. One of the people in our ward is moving and her house is a disaster but we've been helping her a bit and it just feels good. I really hope my attitude towards serving lingers for quite sometime, because I do love it. The law of consecration is so neat to me and I love fulfilling it. Our Father in Heaven who 'preserves us from day to day and grants us breath' allows us so many opportunities and so much happiness and the way we can allow him to feel happiness is by giving back to him. I just feel so fortunate for what I do. I'm learning that every soul is precious in the sight of God, even the one guy who said the F word 3 times to me and Elder Kirkham at his door. Now that was not a fun experience. That was really the only rude rejection I've had since I've been out, and I hope I can avoid that as much as possible haha.
So let me tell you what. I love my mission, but i'm having a hard time with something; Patience. I'm not sure if Ben had the same problem, but I just see my time here to be so short and I want so badly to leave Hesperia better than I found it. That is my motto, but at the end of the day, I don't really feel like I did all I could. I think it's because I take to heart the fact you can't control people's agency and I focus to much on the numbers. If you really look at what me and Elder Kirkham are doing, we're doing quite a bit, but I was just expecting more investigators and baptisms. So if you could ask Ben his expertise on Patience, I would love anything.
But yeah, life here is really good. Today is the first day of the new transfer! I've been serving for 6 weeks already! Time makes no sense out here. I'm gonna write you a letter today though! Thank you SO much for the milky ways. Unfortunately, I was not smart enough to catch on to the 4 thing, but props to you! that was brilliant. Ben is right; packages and letters are gold. I absolutely love hearing from you. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support, I love you guys! Have a great week.
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Mom,
You don't need to send me a wedding invitation, I honestly couldn't care less haha. Thank you for your letter! I'm gonna respond today. I'll write out more in there than I will here. Today's the start of the new transfer, so me and Elder Kirkham are here for another 6 weeks (at least), God has someone here waiting for me and it's hard to be patient for that, but everyday I receive a witness that He is watching over me and wants me to be successful. I know how much he invested in the church and how he wants it to thrive, but it will be done in his due time. I love my mission and am so glad I chose to serve, wholeheartedly, I cannot think of a better way to spend my time giving to others. I love you mom (: I normally dream about you guys at least once a week, it's odd. By the way, love the family pictures, they turned out so good (: I love you more!
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Email to KoriAnn & Ben
Koriann,
My P day last week was ridiculous. I wanted to write really bad, but it was just so hectic! Plus, obedience is really big here on a mission, so I figured a letter can wait one more week. I tend to justify things too often, but I decided to be a good boy about the letter writing.
Daylight savings time I swear was going to kill me ha! We got in super late that night so when the alarm went off at 6:30, I was SO exhausted and could tell how much I love sleeping here. That's the thing, bedtime is bliss. And 6:30 without fail always comes way to early! I suck at getting out of bed on time ha.
Your calling sounds like a lot of work and a lot of time is going into it! It seems demanding, but boy doesn't it feel good to give to the Lord! I love serving so much, whatever it may be. One of the people in our ward is moving and her house is a disaster but we've been helping her a bit and it just feels good. I really hope my attitude towards serving lingers for quite sometime, because I do love it. The law of consecration is so neat to me and I love fulfilling it. Our Father in Heaven who 'preserves us from day to day and grants us breath' allows us so many opportunities and so much happiness and the way we can allow him to feel happiness is by giving back to him. I just feel so fortunate for what I do. I'm learning that every soul is precious in the sight of God, even the one guy who said the F word 3 times to me and Elder Kirkham at his door. Now that was not a fun experience. That was really the only rude rejection I've had since I've been out, and I hope I can avoid that as much as possible haha.
So let me tell you what. I love my mission, but i'm having a hard time with something; Patience. I'm not sure if Ben had the same problem, but I just see my time here to be so short and I want so badly to leave Hesperia better than I found it. That is my motto, but at the end of the day, I don't really feel like I did all I could. I think it's because I take to heart the fact you can't control people's agency and I focus to much on the numbers. If you really look at what me and Elder Kirkham are doing, we're doing quite a bit, but I was just expecting more investigators and baptisms. So if you could ask Ben his expertise on Patience, I would love anything.
But yeah, life here is really good. Today is the first day of the new transfer! I've been serving for 6 weeks already! Time makes no sense out here. I'm gonna write you a letter today though! Thank you SO much for the milky ways. Unfortunately, I was not smart enough to catch on to the 4 thing, but props to you! that was brilliant. Ben is right; packages and letters are gold. I absolutely love hearing from you. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support, I love you guys! Have a great week.
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Utah Tendencies and Facts
Koriann, Mom, and Dad,
Remember when I said the work is picking up? Well, we were meeting with an Investigator named Patrick Casey, and if we can get him to quit smoking and get a confirmation for him that the book of Mormon is true, then my very first baptism will be March 22nd (': When he agreed to it, it brought the biggest smile to my face! It really is such a great feeling to bring Heavenly Father's children back into the fold. Wow I am just so excited for Patrick! He's black and in his 50's, but he is so knowledgeable about the bible. It was hard to keep up with his questions and show him the bible backed up everything. For real though, the work is picking up which makes me unbelievably happy. We try to get a new investigator every week, which we've been successful at every week except this one. But a baptismal date is pretty darn cool.
Also, get this. I whole-heartedly believe that when Nephi and his family sailed to America, they landed in California. 1st Nephi 8:1 says they gathered all types of seeds. There are these really ugly trees here called Joshua trees. They are only found in 2 places in the world: Jerusalem and California! Not to mention, when the Jaredites sailed from the Mideast, it took them 344 days to get from there to America. There's a current that goes from the Asia to California that takes exactly 344 days that passes through the Pacific ocean, which is right next to California! Call me crazy, but I think it's legit. Anyway, neat fact. Love you!
It's March! so crazy. The weather really is warming up there i'm sure. It rained all weekend, so it kept me and Elder Kirkham inside a chunk of the day, that was no fun. I was so bored! Elder Kirkham is actually younger than me! haha. Only by 5 months, but still, it's kinda funny. He keeps teasing me telling me I have Utah tendencies. In Priesthood, someone said that I give Utah prayers haha! I don't understand. But that's alright, I like Utah. I don't plan on living anywhere else for school. I like California, I just miss our family an awful bunch! I'm excited for Mothers day, but I am learning to be patient out here, i'm praying really hard for that Christlike attribute haha! Maybe one day (:
Your kids are growing oh so much, my goodness. Jordyn sends me snapchats of the babies, ask her how to do it and send me a video of Bristol walking!
Well, I got a lot of emails to respond to, but just know that I love you so much and look forward to Monday's to hear from you guys. When I get back, we are definitely going to get Panda Express. I get Fried Rice with orange and teriyaki chicken, wow I cannot stop eating it. I went 4 times in two weeks, I gotta calm it down a bit haha! But until that day comes, I gotta focus on the work. Things are great here, but I appreciate that continued prayers. Be of good cheer!
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Remember when I said the work is picking up? Well, we were meeting with an Investigator named Patrick Casey, and if we can get him to quit smoking and get a confirmation for him that the book of Mormon is true, then my very first baptism will be March 22nd (': When he agreed to it, it brought the biggest smile to my face! It really is such a great feeling to bring Heavenly Father's children back into the fold. Wow I am just so excited for Patrick! He's black and in his 50's, but he is so knowledgeable about the bible. It was hard to keep up with his questions and show him the bible backed up everything. For real though, the work is picking up which makes me unbelievably happy. We try to get a new investigator every week, which we've been successful at every week except this one. But a baptismal date is pretty darn cool.
Also, get this. I whole-heartedly believe that when Nephi and his family sailed to America, they landed in California. 1st Nephi 8:1 says they gathered all types of seeds. There are these really ugly trees here called Joshua trees. They are only found in 2 places in the world: Jerusalem and California! Not to mention, when the Jaredites sailed from the Mideast, it took them 344 days to get from there to America. There's a current that goes from the Asia to California that takes exactly 344 days that passes through the Pacific ocean, which is right next to California! Call me crazy, but I think it's legit. Anyway, neat fact. Love you!
It's March! so crazy. The weather really is warming up there i'm sure. It rained all weekend, so it kept me and Elder Kirkham inside a chunk of the day, that was no fun. I was so bored! Elder Kirkham is actually younger than me! haha. Only by 5 months, but still, it's kinda funny. He keeps teasing me telling me I have Utah tendencies. In Priesthood, someone said that I give Utah prayers haha! I don't understand. But that's alright, I like Utah. I don't plan on living anywhere else for school. I like California, I just miss our family an awful bunch! I'm excited for Mothers day, but I am learning to be patient out here, i'm praying really hard for that Christlike attribute haha! Maybe one day (:
Your kids are growing oh so much, my goodness. Jordyn sends me snapchats of the babies, ask her how to do it and send me a video of Bristol walking!
Well, I got a lot of emails to respond to, but just know that I love you so much and look forward to Monday's to hear from you guys. When I get back, we are definitely going to get Panda Express. I get Fried Rice with orange and teriyaki chicken, wow I cannot stop eating it. I went 4 times in two weeks, I gotta calm it down a bit haha! But until that day comes, I gotta focus on the work. Things are great here, but I appreciate that continued prayers. Be of good cheer!
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Monday, February 24, 2014
The work is picking up!
Email to Family
Mom! Hello you (:
CALL'S IS OPEN?! that has got to be the earliest Duane has opened, I thought for sure it was going to open on Friday. Tell Cindy, Carol, and Duane I say hello and thanks for the opportunity to be there last summer. And if Kayla is there, tell her I say hello as well (:
I cannot believe that Call's is open already. I really don't miss working there. Who do you work with anyway?
Yes, Brother Rask took me and Elder Kirkham to In N out, it's so good here! Remember when I would only get ketchup? Now I get a double cheeseburger with lettuce. And that night I ate one with everything on it! It was good, I just prefer it without tomatoes, onions, pickles, and their sauce, maybe i'm weird. But wow my food is expanding, it's awesome! It also makes me feel so chubby at dinner when members feed us. I just stuff myself haha! My new favorite restaurant is Panda Express, wow it so good! I hope you like it (: and my new favorite dinner is Chicken enchilada's and Lasagna. Mmm. food sounds lovely.
So, I must tell you. An investigator of ours showed up to Sacrament! His name is Patrick and loves the bible. He didn't deny the things Joseph Smith saw, he just wants to see a scripture in the bible that foretells Joseph being the person to restore it. I really feel like he's going to be the first person we baptize. I know baptism isn't everything, but he responds really well to the message and could definitely see it happening by the end of March (at the latest). We have 5 investigators and are teaching a part member family where half the kids are baptized and the parents are tricky. Shannon the mom said she understands the importance of baptism but doesn't see why she needs to give up coffee. Kinda tough situation, but I have confidence we can help her with that. Eddie the father is Catholic, I don't think he wants to be apart of the church and isn't opposed for his family to be apart of it, but oddly enough he loves missionaries.
If you couldn't already tell, the work here is picking up and I love that so much. Both the referrals we got were bogus, but we got another referral this morning, so hopefully that one will be legit. I love being out on a mission and wish we had the time talk about all the little things. I hope you are witnessing miracles back home and that you're helping the Lord hasten his work. GET THIS. My Stake President is Char and Josh Horne's uncle haha! I was mindblown. What a small world. I was so excited when I found that out. They're gonna have to visit Hesperia now while i'm here (;
But yeah, missions are great, super great actually. I love serving here and I love being apart of the Lord's work. What an exciting time to be apart of the church! There's a lot coming up I understand between the birthdays, Calls, and Ellen's mom passing away, that's so sad ): Console her, I will keep her in my prayers.
Well mom, I hope you have a lovely week. Love you more (:
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Email to KoriAnn and Ben
I like both, letters are indeed a lost art, but then they pile up since Monday is the only day to write them. I will gladly respond through letters though, they're just gonna take a wee bit longer (: Brighton is starting preschool, what in the world! He's such a turkey, he needs to play nice. He must be getting excited it's his birthday or something. I'm sure whatever you plan for him will be great! it's too bad you don't get to partake in the California weather (; this week has been perfect. 70's all week. It rained once here for 10 minutes haha! It barely ever rains here. They get snow more than rain, weird huh? You do what you think is best for him. An extra $45 is pricey, but who knows, in the long run it may be very beneficial for him. I cannot believe that Bristol is standing! She's getting so big. I can't wait to see the kids in May (: That's going to be an exciting day.
Time is slim on email, I apologize. Feel free to write me. Just know that last week was a very good week for Elder Kirkham. One of our investigators showed up to Sacrament meeting and I was so stoked on that. We get an average of 2 investigators per week, which I don't think is bad at all! God is answering my prayers here so frequently. I just love being on a mission. The transfer is over in 2 weeks, but I think i'll stay in Hesperia, thank goodness. I truly love it here. Serving here is such a blessing. I know i'll love anywhere I serve, I just am particularly fond of Hesperia right now because I see the work is picking up due to our efforts. It's very rewarding.
Well you have a great week in the cold and I really hope that Brighton has a great 4th birthday (: Love you!!!
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
PROOF THAT MISSIONARIES GET BORED DURING STUDY TIME ;)
Mom! Hello you (:
CALL'S IS OPEN?! that has got to be the earliest Duane has opened, I thought for sure it was going to open on Friday. Tell Cindy, Carol, and Duane I say hello and thanks for the opportunity to be there last summer. And if Kayla is there, tell her I say hello as well (:
I cannot believe that Call's is open already. I really don't miss working there. Who do you work with anyway?
Yes, Brother Rask took me and Elder Kirkham to In N out, it's so good here! Remember when I would only get ketchup? Now I get a double cheeseburger with lettuce. And that night I ate one with everything on it! It was good, I just prefer it without tomatoes, onions, pickles, and their sauce, maybe i'm weird. But wow my food is expanding, it's awesome! It also makes me feel so chubby at dinner when members feed us. I just stuff myself haha! My new favorite restaurant is Panda Express, wow it so good! I hope you like it (: and my new favorite dinner is Chicken enchilada's and Lasagna. Mmm. food sounds lovely.
So, I must tell you. An investigator of ours showed up to Sacrament! His name is Patrick and loves the bible. He didn't deny the things Joseph Smith saw, he just wants to see a scripture in the bible that foretells Joseph being the person to restore it. I really feel like he's going to be the first person we baptize. I know baptism isn't everything, but he responds really well to the message and could definitely see it happening by the end of March (at the latest). We have 5 investigators and are teaching a part member family where half the kids are baptized and the parents are tricky. Shannon the mom said she understands the importance of baptism but doesn't see why she needs to give up coffee. Kinda tough situation, but I have confidence we can help her with that. Eddie the father is Catholic, I don't think he wants to be apart of the church and isn't opposed for his family to be apart of it, but oddly enough he loves missionaries.
If you couldn't already tell, the work here is picking up and I love that so much. Both the referrals we got were bogus, but we got another referral this morning, so hopefully that one will be legit. I love being out on a mission and wish we had the time talk about all the little things. I hope you are witnessing miracles back home and that you're helping the Lord hasten his work. GET THIS. My Stake President is Char and Josh Horne's uncle haha! I was mindblown. What a small world. I was so excited when I found that out. They're gonna have to visit Hesperia now while i'm here (;
But yeah, missions are great, super great actually. I love serving here and I love being apart of the Lord's work. What an exciting time to be apart of the church! There's a lot coming up I understand between the birthdays, Calls, and Ellen's mom passing away, that's so sad ): Console her, I will keep her in my prayers.
Well mom, I hope you have a lovely week. Love you more (:
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
Email to KoriAnn and Ben
I like both, letters are indeed a lost art, but then they pile up since Monday is the only day to write them. I will gladly respond through letters though, they're just gonna take a wee bit longer (: Brighton is starting preschool, what in the world! He's such a turkey, he needs to play nice. He must be getting excited it's his birthday or something. I'm sure whatever you plan for him will be great! it's too bad you don't get to partake in the California weather (; this week has been perfect. 70's all week. It rained once here for 10 minutes haha! It barely ever rains here. They get snow more than rain, weird huh? You do what you think is best for him. An extra $45 is pricey, but who knows, in the long run it may be very beneficial for him. I cannot believe that Bristol is standing! She's getting so big. I can't wait to see the kids in May (: That's going to be an exciting day.
Time is slim on email, I apologize. Feel free to write me. Just know that last week was a very good week for Elder Kirkham. One of our investigators showed up to Sacrament meeting and I was so stoked on that. We get an average of 2 investigators per week, which I don't think is bad at all! God is answering my prayers here so frequently. I just love being on a mission. The transfer is over in 2 weeks, but I think i'll stay in Hesperia, thank goodness. I truly love it here. Serving here is such a blessing. I know i'll love anywhere I serve, I just am particularly fond of Hesperia right now because I see the work is picking up due to our efforts. It's very rewarding.
Well you have a great week in the cold and I really hope that Brighton has a great 4th birthday (: Love you!!!
Love,
Elder Shawn Lyle Bennion
PROOF THAT MISSIONARIES GET BORED DURING STUDY TIME ;)
Email from a Member and a Picture!!
Hello Families,
My name is Randy Rask and I would first like to leave you all with my sincerest applogies for takeing so long to write to both of the folks that have given us your two fine son. Both my wife, Kathy and I told both of these fine young missionaries we would send the attached photo of them to their homes and we sat on them for most of this month.
We have a tradition in the Rask home to try and feed your missionary's as often as we can. The first place we take them is to our favorite fast food restaurant which for us is In-N-Out Burgers. There is a story behind why, and we have told your sons, so when you talk to them you can ask and they will know the facts.
We are so very blessed to have both of these fine young men in our Ward. Elder Bennion had only been in the field 5 days when we went to dinner that evening. Elder Kirkham was also new to our area and he hasd been out about 5 months. This was a new area for both of them and they are really some of the best we have had. Thank you for being the kind of families that have given them this experience to help mold their lives.
We look forward to having them in our home because they bring a special spirit with them when they are here.
Both Kathy and I hope you enjoy the picture of these wonderful young men of great power and testimony, as we surly do.
May the Lord's blessings be with you all, as we love your sons!
Randy & Kathy Rask
My name is Randy Rask and I would first like to leave you all with my sincerest applogies for takeing so long to write to both of the folks that have given us your two fine son. Both my wife, Kathy and I told both of these fine young missionaries we would send the attached photo of them to their homes and we sat on them for most of this month.
We have a tradition in the Rask home to try and feed your missionary's as often as we can. The first place we take them is to our favorite fast food restaurant which for us is In-N-Out Burgers. There is a story behind why, and we have told your sons, so when you talk to them you can ask and they will know the facts.
We are so very blessed to have both of these fine young men in our Ward. Elder Bennion had only been in the field 5 days when we went to dinner that evening. Elder Kirkham was also new to our area and he hasd been out about 5 months. This was a new area for both of them and they are really some of the best we have had. Thank you for being the kind of families that have given them this experience to help mold their lives.
We look forward to having them in our home because they bring a special spirit with them when they are here.
Both Kathy and I hope you enjoy the picture of these wonderful young men of great power and testimony, as we surly do.
May the Lord's blessings be with you all, as we love your sons!
Randy & Kathy Rask
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Pizza and Homesick
Email to Mom and Dad
thank you so so much for the pizza! I was slightly alarmed that someone was at my door at 9:45, California is slightly sketchy haha. It was such a pleasant surprise. I was very overwhelmed, wow. I appreciate it, but anytime I hear your guys voices and get surprises like that I cry haha. But me and Elder Kirkham enjoyed the pizza indeed. You guys rule, thank you for showing me so much love. I wish I had more to say but nothing crazy has happened since the work is still picking up. I'm ambitious but easily discouraged, unfortunately. I just want to be an effective missionary, but i'm in a learning process and I know that the Lord blesses us according to HIS timing, so sure enough, things will pick up and I will be the missionary I want to be and was called to be. I love being a missionary and only want to serve the Lord endlessly. His Gospel is remarkable and I feel so privileged to be out here. I love you guys so very much and you should be expecting a letter from me on Friday/Saturday. Thank you so much for your prayers, our family is the best (:
Email to KoriAnn and BenKoriann,
I am slightly homesick, but it's only been a month, so I feel as though it's expected. I just read my patriarchal blessing and it says I am going to impact many, so it's just hard for me to patient enough to wait for that to really happen. I do get frustrated that the sisters have busy schedules, but eventually, we will get there too, I know it (: Our teaching pool increases every week, which is what really matters! You know what the worst thing is? Cancelled appointments! ugh, they're terrible haha! I just wish I could make a video, I have so much to say about the investigators, less actives, recent converts, etc that we are working with and not enough time!
I wrote in my letter about Elder Kirkham, you should receive it either Friday or Saturday (:
Google mapped Sequoia ay? Yep, no green anywhere haha! I surprisingly really like it though. I went on exchanges on Thursday and when I got back to Hesperia, I realized how much I missed it. You really do learn to love where you serve and I experienced that on Exchanges. They say you'll always have a soft spot for your first area, makes sense (:
I don't really have many stories right now other than the fact that mom and dad sent me a pizza, which I was so confused about it ha. I was so overwhelmed though to see that our family was thinking about me. They're the best (: You have some family birthday's comin up, that'll be exciting!
Well I suppose you'll hear from me this weekend and another email will come your way next week and i'll have a spiritual story i'm sure (:
I love you so so so so much and miss you guys (:
Love,
Elder Bennion
thank you so so much for the pizza! I was slightly alarmed that someone was at my door at 9:45, California is slightly sketchy haha. It was such a pleasant surprise. I was very overwhelmed, wow. I appreciate it, but anytime I hear your guys voices and get surprises like that I cry haha. But me and Elder Kirkham enjoyed the pizza indeed. You guys rule, thank you for showing me so much love. I wish I had more to say but nothing crazy has happened since the work is still picking up. I'm ambitious but easily discouraged, unfortunately. I just want to be an effective missionary, but i'm in a learning process and I know that the Lord blesses us according to HIS timing, so sure enough, things will pick up and I will be the missionary I want to be and was called to be. I love being a missionary and only want to serve the Lord endlessly. His Gospel is remarkable and I feel so privileged to be out here. I love you guys so very much and you should be expecting a letter from me on Friday/Saturday. Thank you so much for your prayers, our family is the best (:
Email to KoriAnn and BenKoriann,
I am slightly homesick, but it's only been a month, so I feel as though it's expected. I just read my patriarchal blessing and it says I am going to impact many, so it's just hard for me to patient enough to wait for that to really happen. I do get frustrated that the sisters have busy schedules, but eventually, we will get there too, I know it (: Our teaching pool increases every week, which is what really matters! You know what the worst thing is? Cancelled appointments! ugh, they're terrible haha! I just wish I could make a video, I have so much to say about the investigators, less actives, recent converts, etc that we are working with and not enough time!
I wrote in my letter about Elder Kirkham, you should receive it either Friday or Saturday (:
Google mapped Sequoia ay? Yep, no green anywhere haha! I surprisingly really like it though. I went on exchanges on Thursday and when I got back to Hesperia, I realized how much I missed it. You really do learn to love where you serve and I experienced that on Exchanges. They say you'll always have a soft spot for your first area, makes sense (:
I don't really have many stories right now other than the fact that mom and dad sent me a pizza, which I was so confused about it ha. I was so overwhelmed though to see that our family was thinking about me. They're the best (: You have some family birthday's comin up, that'll be exciting!
Well I suppose you'll hear from me this weekend and another email will come your way next week and i'll have a spiritual story i'm sure (:
I love you so so so so much and miss you guys (:
Love,
Elder Bennion
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