Elder Merrill's LAST two letters from the mission field!

“Some Soft Spots,”                July 14, 2014

I'm gaining more empathy for Johnny Cash when he said, "I've been everywhere man." This week I went from Blaine (Canadian border) down to Seattle, and from Darrington (mudslide place but further east) to the Puget Sound in the west. We didn't even plan any of those trips but they just kind of "happened upon us," if you know what I mean. Probably not, that's ok. I loved this week. I absolutely loved it.

The trip out to Darrington was a nice little surprise. The day before we were going up to Bellingham and Ferndale to do exchanges, President came to us and asked if we would go to Darrington and take a whole zone with us to do a big service project. We, of course, said yes and went on our way up to Bellingham. The morning after the exchange we drove down to the mission office and picked up a bunch of missionaries in the world famous Ford E350 A.K.A. The White Buffalo! The road trip out to the boonies felt like a junior high field trip. You betcha. We were just all joking around and having fun. It was a good ole time. The scenery was beautiful and breath taking or, should I say, beautifully breath taking? Probably not. Anyways, there were luscious greens all over the hill sides and in the valley. It was something else. As we kept driving we hit the modern day "land of desolation" and all went silent. It was very sobering to see the destruction that happened as a result of the mudslide. All of the houses and neighborhoods that used to be there were now an empty space of dirt and debris. We kept driving for another half hour or so and then got to the local cafe in down town Darrington, if there is such a thing. The lady that was in charge of the food bank gave us some free pizza and then we all went out and got sweatydirtnasty the rest of the day. That's a new word I made up. Twas. Dope. We unloaded a huge semi full of food and delivered it to another semi (for whatever reason) and then unloaded it in there. It probably took almost five hours. Everyone was so wet and sweaty. I seriously have a soft spot in my heart for that beloved day. A day full of hard working service with missionaries of the Lord. I think everything is kind of a soft spot for me right now though. I miss everything.

President also asked us to go pick up some stuff at the Seattle Mission Office. That was pretty fun. We had a tour of what goes on there with the maps and areas that they cover. We asked how it was all ran and organized and what not. I learned a lot of good stuff. I love hearing and learning about the way other missions do things. It's quite interesting.

We gave talks in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. Oh, what a rush. It was on the Holy Ghost. I guess I don't have much to say about that I don't know why I brought it up.

Well, anyways...

Elder Trent Jay Merrill

“I am a Witness”       July 21, 2014

This will be a tough one to not seem overly dramatic. I apologize in advance for the embarrassing display of emotion, my friends. I’m working on it.

I might start with the trivial and end with the thoughts that I can’t shake from my heart. I have a new companion in addition to Elder Largent. Elder Stack came in and is three packing with us until... well... next Monday. I have had an amazing week. We are focusing on prioritizing time and resources. It's been opening a lot more time for us to just get out and knock on some doors. I enjoy every moment of every day. I am tired beyond belief, but I'm sustained and energized. Somehow. I know how. God is good. Though within the prioritizing and using our resources as wisely as possible we still found ourselves all over the mission. That’s ok, too. We’ve just been listening to talks and fueling the spirit that loves that kind of stuff.

I was on exchanges with the Everett zone leaders this week and we just threw down some mad baptism beats. Beat boxing and rapping up a storm while we cruised the streets of Broadway and beyond.  I think it brought the spirit, or something did, because we found five new investigators in just a couple hours. It was a day of miracles and laughter. I wish days like that would last forever.

I don't fear the future, ok, that's only a half lie. I don't feel fear for the future AS LONG AS I stay close to the spirit. I have learned, among so many other things that "God will never forsake." I have complete confidence that "His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts,” especially mine. I feel peace right now even with all the distractions and things which could easily beset me. The spirit of God does not fail us. It is promised to those who are faithful after receiving the authorized ordinance of baptism. Whenever I don’t feel its guidance or comfort then I immediately know that I need to repent and align my will with the Father. I'm not perfect at this whole thing, obviously. I just know that it's true. I know is that I have come acquainted with the Master and His teachings. I know that His power and authority is real and that it is given to qualified men on the earth. That is the way God wants it to be done. I know that the Brethren are inspired men of God who are special witnesses of our Savior. There is power in their words because they are Christ's words. I know that I can confirm the words they say as I pray and seek for a confirmation through the spirit. I know that more happiness and joy come through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel than any other source or avenue. Yep, obedience is the secret to it all, folks. It’s what opens up more capacity to love. It’s what conquers our doubts and clears our eyes. It’s what allows us to see the hand of God in our lives. I know that the truth of God stands independent and unchangeable from our perspective.

As some singer once said, “The road is long and the river is wide.” My next step in the journey is the same as it was yesterday and the day before: Love God. Love man.

If only a little longer,

Elder Trent Jay Merrill

Trent's letter on June 23, 2014, "Til Death"

The many things that should be said are left without an utterance. The tasks that should be done remain untouched while the songs that wish to be sung are quenched in the winds of silence. I am in one of those retrospective moods where everything from the past seems to be present and I am longing to repeat what is before me. I love my mission. Man, I love you, Ma' FAMILY!

The chaos and the commotion that I seem to live in is becoming increasingly enjoyable. I think at the end of the day, the thing I'm learning the most is the importance of priorities. I want to know where my priorities are and where my sight is fixed. Often times I feel like it's faced inwards and that has always led to a hindrance of progression. The power and the development I have learned is from facing outwards. I know that there is power in submission and humility. I feel hypocritical saying this truth because of my imperfections in it's pursuit, but I still gained the knowledge through experience.

Ah, guys, guess what? You guessed it. There were some miracles this week... because God is good and so is His work. I'll just catch you up on the "latest and greatest." It was towards the end of the day of an exchange with Elder Holt (my buddy) and we stopped by our investigators house. The first part of our conversation consisted of him and his wife listing ALL the reasons why they couldn't come to church or keep their commitments we left with them.  I prayed to understand where they were coming from and how I could help them understand. After they let off their steam, I just said to the wife, "I want to ask you a question. What do you think our purpose is in coming to your home?" She responded, "To be disciples and teach us what we're supposed to do. I know what I'm supposed to do I just can't do it. I'm too busy.  My husband is too busy and won't make this a priority and I don't want to do this on my own."  I thought about it for a second and just said, "Our purpose is to INVITE you to come unto Christ. We represent Him and will ONLY invite you to do what He would say if He were here Himself. I know that if Christ were here right now He would never stop inviting you to attend church. I don't care what you have going on that seems more important. He loves you and will always invite you to unto Him.  I know that Christ will never stop inviting you to be baptized into His church. I know that His arms are always open to you both and He wants you to have peace, strength and happiness in the family in this life and the only way that can continue in the next life is if you act on the invitations He (and we) are extending to you.  Will you come to church tomorrow regardless of all the excuses you just made?" There is power in the call and mantle of being a full time missionary, I have learned. It's nothing that I have developed or done. After I said that it hit me really hard how true it is. We really are His representatives. "Whether it be by mine own voice, or the voice of my servants, it is the same." I wish I understood that more fully earlier in my mission. Power comes from testifying of Christ and testifying as if Christ were speaking through you. Missionaries are nothing in and of themselves. I know I'm not, at least. They both said yes.  We then said we'll close with a prayer and that we'll see them tomorrow. Right then the phone rang from a random number and someone from the ward was calling offering a ride to church. We didn't plan any of that. We were all amazed at the way that Heavenly Father provided the way for them to come to church after months of making excuses. They came to church and had a wonderful experience being nourished by the good word of God.

We've been teaching another part member family where the wife isn't a member and the husband has been less active for a long time. She has a beautiful heart. She is on date for July 26th and also came to church with her husband. It was a good week. Also, the family of five I was working with in my last area all got baptized last week too. That was cool.

I wonder what else has happened in my life. I don't really know. My memory is darkening as the circles around my eyes seem to be doing the same thing.

Cheers,

Elder Trent Jay Merrill

Trent's letter from July 7, 2014

Mission Leader Council went wonderfully well this week, hopefully. I think it did. The night before the big meeting we were up all night with one of my friends named Elder Stack. He’s a brilliant man who can pretty much do anything in his head or on a computer. Same thing. He’s working in the office to create reports and excel sheets for the metrics of the mission. Anyways, he slept over with us the night before MLC and worked on all that kind of stuff. We finally went to bed around 2:30AM and slept beautifully for almost four hours. 

The new day began and the meeting came. Elder Largent and I trained on invitations, commitments and following up. I want to apply those principles in my future life. If I knew the truths I’ve learned from being on a mission while in high school, man, I could have done a lot more with my life. It would have helped school, relationships, happiness, peace, respect, everything. Specifically chapters 11 and 8 (and 6, 10, 5, 4, 2… too many good ones) of Preach my Gospel will be beneficial and crucial. Anyways, as I was instructing and talking about commitments I had a thought: What would it be like if Christ were to teach a lesson and invite someone to keep a commitment such as living the law of chastity? Would he say something like, “So I explained the law of chastity, it’s way good if you keep it. I’ve already told you the good and bad of it. You should keep it. Will you do that?” I have a feeling he would be a little more urgent and loving. I think he would urge and plead with all of his heart that we would keep the commandment so that we can be blessed. He would do everything he could to help US CHOOSE to commit to it. Why? It’s because He loves us, of course, perfectly and without fail. How are we, as representatives of Jesus Christ, to be any different than that example that Christ has set? He will always invite boldly and with love for people to repent, change and live in accordance with his gospel. It’s not for His own gain, but for His brothers and sisters, just as it is with us. We invite people to keep commitments not for our own gain, but for theirs. We need to teach clearly, powerfully and lovingly to help these friends understand that. 

Anyways, moral of the story, keep the commandments of the Lord and you will gain insight, knowledge, increased faith, happiness, direction and clarity, to name just a few. I testify that there is no other way of true and lasting happiness than through this, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, though there are things that are very close. There are many shades of this “good” but there is only one “strait and narrow path” in which we should enter.  I have been commissioned of Jesus Christ to share this truth with everyone who will hear. I love you :)

One of our investigators is on a roller coaster of progression. One day we’re not sure if she’s “getting it.” Then on another day, like Saturday, we came over and she said, “That’s it. I’ve thrown all my cigarettes away, no more coffee, only herbal tea.” Then she kicked her friend out and said, “I need to have lessons so I can get baptized soon!” That’s always a good sign. She and her husband came to church and enjoyed it. They’ve been coming pretty consistently lately. It’s been making us (and Heavenly Father) so very happy.  I am developing more of Christ-like love for her and the people we are working with. My letters are definitely tainted by the current emotion that I feel. I do have great faith that this area can continue to see miracles “after all we can do.” I only say that last part because I want to emphasize the importance of our choices and responsibilities in carrying out the work of the Lord. I have learned, among many other things, that without an ACT in accordance with God’s commandments we will not see results or have our faith increased. I know that miracles come from the application of true, God given principles within the time table of Deity. I know that our choices are crucial to everything. I am not an object to be acted upon, no matter the emotions, tendencies or temptations that surround me. I can choose to ACT differently and righteously, and then comes the power. There is power in knowledge and there is wisdom in obedience. It takes both. I hope that in some small way I am able to help our investigator understand the concept of actions, responsibility and grace. Just in a simpler way than I just explained.

I think it’s really hitting me that this whole thing will soon be a fond dream. I feel torn in so many ways. I feel love and peace in conflicting pieces. I feel gratitude for the opportunity I have had to dedicate my life to the Lord. I know the journey doesn't end here. I will always be a missionary. My tag is painted in my heart, as Paul said, “not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.”

Cheers,

Elder Trent Jay Merrill 

P.S. I love you

Trent's letter from June 30, 2014

Look at this little old nugget of memories I found on the computer. My first day in the mission. How adorable. 

June 30, 2014

I feel very humbled to be at this point of the journey. I feel emotions of happiness, peace, regret yet hope in the Lord. I feel calm and appreciative of the experiences that I have been able to witness and live. I feel that the changes that have happened within me on my mission have fluctuated from time to time. At some points I felt like I was a totally different person than I was before. I felt good and confident. Other times I have felt like I am just running in the same circles that I did in the lifetime before. All in all, as I look at the trend of progress and development, I have seen a “mighty change” happen within me. I often think that if people on my mission knew me just a few years before they would not have guessed that I am who I am today. I am grateful for the atonement that has carried me and brought me from the dust. Though I still stumble and falter, my eyes are fixed on the unchangeable truths and principles that will lead me to salvation. I didn't have that before. I was constantly “tossed to and fro,” not really knowing what to build upon and what or whom to put my trust and devotion. I now know. I cannot deny it. I thank my mission for that truth and I treasure the objective truth about my Father in Heaven, His son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which has testified to my mind and heart of the things that I now know. I think if I had to sum up a large portion of my mission, with all the lessons through failure and success, it would be found in this scripture:

Luke 22: 31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

I have been on both ends of that scripture throughout this short time as a missionary. I have felt the temptations. I have felt the prayers of my loved ones and the strengthening power of Christ. The happiest times of my mission, however, have been as I have “strengthened my brethren.” I have come to know, through experience and observation that true and lasting happiness comes through obedience to the gospel and serving with love those who are around me. I also have come to know that I am nothing without the spirit. The spirit is what gives me utterance and allows me to be effective and powerful. 

I am in the home stretch. This next week, like usual, will be a busy one. Exchanges from north to south and meetings in between. I'm ready for the lessons I need to learn. 

I'm just going along, doing my thing, playing the fool, not really knowing what's ahead of me. I don't know what to tell you of what's going on in my day to day life. Something we're working on is redoing all of the metrics and reporting systems in our meetings across the mission. I'm getting quite good with excel. It's fun. It's different side of missionary work, for sure. I don't feel as good at the end of the day. We still get to proselyte sometimes. We had a couple people at church and a couple with a date for baptism. So, all in all, I can't complain. I love my God. I love my family. I love my mission.

Hey, I love you.

Elder Trent Jay Merrill 

Moses Avenue: May 27, 2014

This week could be remembered as a week of learning and insight. I have learned, among many other things that you truly, “get what you go for.” It’s all a matter of what direction I am facing. I know where I can go for peace. I know what it is that saves me and enables me. I know in whom I have trusted. No matter my waters of the great deep or my afflictions in the wilderness, I know the Lord is my shepherd. I have a testimony of the little things. I believe that the small amounts of effort we put into our spiritual growth is what will make the difference in our big decisions.

I wonder what it will be like when I don’t have all the scripture language in my mind when I’m writing or talking. I use that kind of language halfway facetiously but, at the same time, it’s nice to always have scriptures on the top of my head as I try to express my thoughts. The spirit is able to bring all things to my remembrance that Christ has said to me and I never want it to go away. I almost want to go on a rant of all the things I am NOT without the spirit, just to illustrate my thoughts right now, but then I realized there wouldn't be enough time in the day or room on the computer for such a list. I know that I truly am nothing without my Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. The difference is infinite. 

I went to the San Juan Islands yesterday for P-day. It was like all of the beautiful creations in life decided to settle in a small group of Islands for my ferry to pass by and enjoy. This family (the home that I Skyped from on Mother's day) took us up there. Their company might've even been better than the majestic sighting experience.  I just love them. I wish I were still in their ward. I love the ward I'm in though, Mays Pond, or in other words, The Land of the Successful and Scholarly. It's a very nice area with even nicer people. It's a place I wish I could spend more time in. With zone conferences, exchanges, office work and logistical disasters, we often don't have time to proselyte there. We were able to somehow find three new investigators this week though. I thank the Lord for that little tender mercy. Always watching over. Yes, Mom, I did take pictures on the ferry trip. Just for you, actually. I made sure everyone reminded me at least every five minutes to take a picture for you. I'm trying to make up for all the lost memories that are only kept within this brain of mine. If I could go back in time and capture them on film for you, I surely would. Maybe.  

I will tell you about my zone conference of laws and motions while sitting by the beautiful ocean (I really am by the ocean. Don't think I just say things to make it sound nice). The training is based off of Newton's Laws of Motion. Sound familiar, Dad!? Thanks for the idea! I start off by inviting a missionary, and typically choose the biggest one, to come up front for a little demonstration. I tell him that my objective is to push him to the back of the room and he can't let that happen. We brace ourselves and then I push him as hard as I can for about five seconds so that we're all nice and exhausted. Everyone laughs (they better laugh!) and then I ask what happened when I pushed against him. "He pushed back," they all say in one accord. "Yes! He pushed back when I pushed against him. How much progress did we make in any direction?" 

"None, you stayed in the same spot," they hesitantly respond because of the obviousness of the question. Woops. 

"Exactly. We made no progress but used plenty of energy. 

Newtons Third Law of Motion: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. 

That was the principle that was demonstrated. Let's try another scenario," I would say as I prepared for another encounter with the largest missionary within the region. "Ok, same thing as last time, don't let me push you to the back of the room, ready?"

"Ready!"....................... and we just stare at each other in a competitive position with our hands up for a good five seconds. We stand back up straight and face the audience while they laugh in slight confusion. "Ok, what happened that time!?" I say with an expected excitement.

"Nothing! You didn't do anything."
"Hey, you're right! How much progress did we make...?" and so on until we come to the same conclusion as last time. Except this time we didn't use any energy.  

Newton's First Law of Motion: An object at rest will stay at rest unless it is acted upon by another force.

I then walk around for the final demonstration: Put my arm around the large missionary and walk with him in the same direction. Progress made. Energy harnessed and used effectively. 

Newton's Second Law of Motion: Momentum and Acceleration. 

I then relate it to contacting and how we see these laws being portrayed in the way we talk with people. We often push against people and they push back, or we don't make a move by either not talking to them or giving up too soon or too easily.  Actually, we're all going for the last one--overcoming objections, resolving concerns and helping them come unto Christ.  

"What are the typical concerns you hear when you first knock on a door?" We'll ask while writing on the board. "Not interested, already have a church, preconceived notions, too busy." The list goes on and on. We focus on one for our training so we can give more concrete examples than merely principles: "Not interested." We read in PMG and talk about how we are to overcome those objections in an effective way rather than pushing back or giving up too easily. We demonstrate the different laws of motion in contacting and what they look like. It's a crowd favorite to bash or to give up way too easily. I think they can all relate to the bad examples that we give. I've done those a million times in real life.  

The purpose is to help the people lower their hands from the defensive place and in a position where they're more receptive. A couple key notes is to show that you understand the person's concern. Even state it back to them. "I understand you're not interested, and that's ok! We're not here to twist your arm or anything like that. Out of curiosity though, do you mind if I ask what makes you not interested?" OR something along those lines to be able to understand what their concern is more fully. That way you can actually work with them. How are we supposed to resolve concerns if we don't know what it is? There are many wise words from Sean T. (Of Insanity fame). I think in this case, "Dig Deeper," really seems to hit the nail right on the head. Then trusting in the Spirit to understand what they are trying to say and how you can help them understand the truth.  I know that if people understood the reality about their misconception they would be fine. We have nothing to hide. Our message is true and if they understood it the right way they would know that for themselves. We don't need to fear. Trust in our message. Trust in God. Trust that the Spirit will help these friends of ours understand.

We have them practice the very opening of a contact, we come back together. Then we talk more about different principles and tips and then have them practice closing a contact so they can get another appointment and help them progress. It's a good one. I thank my Papa for it. He's my hero. 

I've been on exchanges from Bellingham to Lynnwood (North most part of the mission to furthest South) and all in between the past couple of weeks. Right now I'm in Mt. Vernon on an exchange and I'm just loving life. I'm sitting in the library chair that I sat in the very first time I emailed home as a missionary. We're going full circle here again, folks. The first shall be last. The last shall be first. It's a stretch, but it works. 

Notice how I'm wearing the camera around my chest. I did that for you, Mom :) So I wouldn't forget to capture every moment. That's my manly companion, Elder Garrett Wright Largent.

This is my best friend, Brother Kienzle. I'm pretty sure he was tickling my neck in this picture. He and his wife are moving to Vegas soon for him to attend med school. He's going to be a neurosurgeon. 

Elder Trent Jay Merrill 

Michael Scott: May 12, 2014

Here I go, ‘round and around' until I’m back in the spot I was almost a year ago. The circular motions of repeating and redoing are before my face, on my right hand and on my left.  “You’re here till the end,” President says with a half-smile, half painful looking face.  It’s good to be back to the grind, to the pressure, to the sleep depriving contraption we've all come to call “The Office.” I am strongly exaggerating with that description, but they were the first words that came to mind. I think it’s time for me to shift my paradigms again. I look forward to the opportunities of failure and growth these last couple months. I hope it never ends- I’m learning that I don’t always get what I want unfortunately. 

It’s interesting how in moments of change, the adversary exploits the vulnerability and I see in plain view all of my flaws and inadequacies. It’s almost refreshing, in a “being compelled to be humble” kind of way. It’s also kind of debilitating, in a more obvious way. I am grateful for my friend and Savior who is carrying me and loving me through it all. I feel at peace right now. I feel peace a lot. I know that I am understood and my footsteps are guided by He who has walked the road before me. I am also grateful to my wonderful family who is so unconditional in their love and encouragement. Love in the home, regardless of the distance that separates the people, is a powerful and essential tool of development, nurturing and progression. I know that families are divinely organized and appointed for the benefit of all mankind. My family means everything to me. I wish everyone in the world (more particularly in Everett, WA, for the time being) could feel the kind of comfort, appreciation and love that comes from a gospel centered home. It’s almost a tangible difference in the homes where the priesthood is strong, present and tied together with the bonds of the atonement and blessings from our Father in Heaven, than any other “whatever centered” houses. I have felt the difference. I know that God is a “family man” if you want to put it lightly, which I will, for the sake of simplicity and to get that point across. Mom and Dad, you are the ultimate example of Christ-like love and selfless service to our family. We all feel blessed, beyond belief and through the eternities, to be part of your wonderful family. Lindsay, Joe, McKenna: I have learned what true relationships, and love feels like because of the roles you play in my life. I know that I am never alone or without support when I have you guys around. For lack of a better phrase I know that you, “have my back,” in every situation and time. In short, I wish I could express my thanks and love for you all in a better, more meaningful, way than the typical clichés that too quickly flow from these ragged, nailed fingers of mine. I am forever in your debt.

This is the time of all times. The time for love, time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted (TIME TO HARVEST) A time to kill (evil), and a time to heal (broken hearts); a time to break down (muscles), and a time to build up (by eating protein); A time to weep (mission is ending), and a time to laugh (at myself) a time to mourn (with those that mourn, see Mosiah 18), and a time to dance (Mom, you got this one); A time to cast away stones(I love throwing rocks), and a time to gather stones together (Kenna could do that for me after I throw them); a time to embrace (my mission), and a time to refrain from embracing (beautiful women); A time to get (buff), and a time to lose (weight); a time to keep (working hard), and a time to cast away (chains of complacency and fears); A time to rend (what does rend mean again), and a time to sew (never learned how to do that); a time to keep silence(…….), and a time to speak (to the world about the restoration); A time to love (everyone), and a time to hate (Satan); a time of war (against your temptations), and a time of peace (Woodstock). (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8)

I never thought Ecclesiastes could say it so well. All I can do is slap an “Amen” sticker on that and call it quits. That was fun. You should try doing some mad libs with scriptures like that. Just throw in whatever applies to you where I did the parentheses and you’ll have yourself a somewhat light minded/more personal scripture to you. 

This next week I’ll be up Northward on exchanges with a couple zone leaders and doing zone conferences around the mission. I’m quite excited. More giddy, than anything else. I’m constantly giggling and slapping my companion’s knee in a fit of excitement. It’s getting out of control.

Through time and eternity,

Elder Trent Jay Merrill  

Rise and Fall: May 5, 2014

I am grateful to be alive today. It's one of those days where I woke up wondering, "What in the world is going to happen to me for the rest of my mission." I feel blessed to be at peace with whatever does end up happening. I believe it's a gift from my Father in Heaven that he allows me to feel calm and sure with the waves of uncertainty and curiosity surrounding me. I love the gospel that allows that gift to be in my life. I never felt that before in my earlier years. There is power in the true principles of relying on Christ and allowing the enabling power of the atonement to take place in my heart. It's almost like the proverbial energy drink that allows me to do things beyond my normal ability. That's how my Papa described it to me and I took note. I think Paul said it best, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

I have had a fascination with people this week. I always do and have had that intrigue but this week was special. I found my self smiling when I saw anyone, regardless of their looks or manners. I just wanted to see people and see how they acted. The common thought that came to my mind was, "What is your story?" I know that every has unique experiences and beliefs that affect their every decision. I find it interesting to see who will sit in the back of the bus or who will sit by the bus driver and strike up a conversation. I want to know how to see from their lenses. I love people with a lot more sincerity when I think about them that way. I can somewhat trip myself out when I think about it long enough at a stop light. I see someone next to me with long hair and a beard who, stereotypically, wouldn't want to talk to me. Yet, only maybe 50 years ago we were in the same place (with God). It's an awakening to me to see that they are my brothers and sisters. We truly are connected and I just need to understand them enough to help them awaken the truths they've already learned. 

Ken is the one on the left. Dan is the one right by him. I love them dearly

I love you. 

Cheers

Elder Trent Jay Merrill