Nothing, Really... March 31, 2014

Let me paint a little picture of my reality: When my sleepy head hits the pillow after the long day of work, I close my eyes, smile and fall asleep to the next-door shrieks of yelling and screaming. Peace comes in mysterious ways here in Everett. I've never been happier to be here. It's not as dramatic as you may think. Though, I only speak the truth.

I'm just living my life as the newly called Relief Society President of this sisterhood of missionaries. It's quite the life, if I do say so myself. Which I do. My companion is the first counselor. (Editor note: I think this means he is a District Leader of an area filled with sisters)

This is the time for me to focus on being a missionary. 

To most people that statement would be too obvious. Probably overly simple. To those people I would say, you're right. It is simple and obvious and it has infinite meaning to me if I really think about all it's implications. I am now winding down the time to represent Christ in the authorized and official manner. I don't know if I've lived up to it's potential and privilege. I think about how powerful of a concept that is. I think about how much of a responsibility and honor it is. I think about how I haven't fully lived up to it. I don't know how I could. I just know that I'm going to miss it.

Now is not the time for those kinds of thoughts.

I'm a believer of all things true. I've come to face the double edged sword of change recently. It's a little sharper than usual. My companion has the heart of something that has a kind heart. (Pardon my lack of creativity on that one). He is a rodeo champion and hard worker from Manti, Utah. We ride our bikes around every chance we get and haven't stopped smiling since. I don't know if that last part is true. I haven't smiled a lot, I'm sure. I just like to ride my bicycle. I like to ride my bike. 

I'm still adjusting to this whole "family ward" missionary persona I'm supposed to have.  This week felt like a blur, and not the good kind. Time slowed down just enough for me to miss the past and think of the future. I miss the fast days and slow dreams. I must need to learn something here. Well, I need to learn something everywhere. Just, especially here? Whatever. I love the ward. Their arms are supportive and understanding. They "get it," which I'm grateful for.

We have a wonderful family who is getting baptized pretty soon. We're knocking all sorts of doors and talking with everyone that's within sight and sound. Just the other day we walked back to the street from knocking on a door and I saw a guy with long hair spitting some mad verses out. I smiled and hollered, "Did you write that?"
"Ah yeah, man. I wrote it."

"Could you show us?"

"Yeah, man just a sec."

"What's your name?"

"Solass..."
"C'mon, that's not you're real name..."
"Nah, it's _____"

"Are you famous?"

"I'll be on TV one day, man."
"I'll watch you, let's hear it."

We stood and listened to one of the most impressive lyrical games that I've heard a brotha' spit. It was chilling. Then we invited him to be baptized and we'll meet up with him tomorrow. I just love experiences like that. He'll be in the YSA ward though. Got to hand that fool off. No, I'm not jealous. Why would you even think that. 

The rain is not my friend

The rain is not my friend

Elder Trent Jay Merrill