Jaxon's Journey - California Ventura Mission: May 16, 2016

#whereami #bestdaysofmylife!

Hey All!

So, things have been very fun this week! It is always interesting to get used to a new area. Our are is huge, and very confusing. A lot of running around this week that will not be happening (hopefully) this next week!

So, Monday night was my last night in Santa Babylon. And, naturally, we got into a bible bash. So, we went to teach Richie and his friends, and they invited this other guy named Alex, and in our heads, we were like "sweet! Someone else!" Turns out, he is a teacher from their church and invited himself to our lesson to show us what's up. He didn't really know what he was talking about, and just kept quoting the same scripture in John chapter 5. Something about obedience is the only way to please God or something. But, other than that, it was a good lesson. We didn't have much time to talk, so we asked if they had any questions! They all had great questions on faith and on the Restoration. Hopefully Elder Stewart can continue to do a good job with them!

Then, Transfer Tuesday hit. So, this was the first time I had been really transferred without a transfer meeting. I don't know if I told you, but what we do is we have a "Transfer Train." What happens is there is a truck and a trailer to put everyone's stuff into, and a bunch of cars following the trailer. One of the "trains" starts in Westlake and works their way North, and the other starts in Santa Maria and works their way South. It's really interesting to see happen! On the way, there are a few checkpoints, and so I got to see some people that I haven't seen in awhile. I got to Westlake\, dropped my stuff off at the apartment, and we went to work! Elder Snyder and I were in a tripan with ELDER HUNTER for a few hours, while he waited for his new companion to finish some things. So we went and taught a few lessons. Yeah, we got into another bash and basically bore testimony and left. People can be really annoying. It is really sad to see so many people hardening their hearts, and closing their minds. The rest of our day was spent running around and helping the missionaries settle in! So that was fun.

Wednesday was great. We had lunch with a member, and then went and tried to see a bunch of people. It didn't turn out too well, but we did talk with a lady named Tasha. She was going through a divorce, and we ran into her on the street, and just started talking with her about Christ and about the Restoration. Handed her off to the Sisters, and hopefully she will still be interested!

Thursday was my first MLC! It was a load of fun, especially with the District Leader's there. Packed room. We talked a lot about Using Time Wisely (Chapter 8 PMG) and about how to set attainable goals and plan effectively. It was great to come together as the leadership of the mission and to discuss those things that will help elevate our mission! We also set new Standards of Excellence for the mission (shhh! Don't tell anyone! #secretcombinations) which are guidelines and goals that every missionary companionship should be able to attain in their respective areas! Hopefully it will help our mission to gain a higher vision and to start being more realistic! We also set our baptismal goal for our Zone for the month of May, and it is 4! 2 of them have already happened, and 1 of them passed her interview and is being baptized on Friday! Really exciting things are happening in our Zone. That night, we also set a Zone Goal, to help our missionaries baptize monthly.

Friday was District Meeting. We had a good meeting where we set goals for the transfer and set expectations.We taught a man named Ryan in the afternoon. He is mentally handicapped, and so we have to keep things really simple. We talked about Prophets and their role in our lives. Then, we met with Allison, a recent convert who is trucking it! She is awesome. We talked about Tithing and she has no problems with that. We had a District Leader council, talked about our Zone Goal, and then planned for this week!

Saturday we taught Pedro, an investigator who was supposed to be baptized last transfer, but dropped out the day before. We read 3 Nephi 11 with him, and talked with him about his concerns. His mom is catholic, and he wants to spend time with her, and so he doesn't think he can join our church and still spend time with her. He really liked 3 Nephi though. We planned our Zone Meeting for the upcoming week, and then went to one of the baptisms we had on Saturday! It was great. Had a lesson on the Word of Wisdom with Emma, another one of our Recent Converts, and she is so awesome. She was really prepared, and is sharing the Gospel with her friends through her example.

Church on Sunday was awesome. We have a great ward, and a fantastic Bishopric! They were very welcoming, and we had a linger-longer after church. I love YSA work, but I can already tell that it is going to involve taking care of some occasional drama.

Anyways, that was my week! Anxious to hear about Emerson's call. I think if it isn't California, it will be Brazil. He'll be speaking Spanish no matter what though! Sorry Aydan didn't pass her test, it happens! I didn't pass my first time either. It's really interesting how much the mission changes you. I feel like a whole new person. This week, I have really set a goal for myself to get rid of my negative language. Follow-Up with me on that one!!!

I love the Elders we room with. They are a joy to be around. Thanks for all of your support! I love you all. Mom, we don't have very many dinners with YSA work, but that's okay. I am working on losing this belly again! Excited to see that the Raptor's made the semi's, and I am excited to hear that Brother Hardy is in the Stake Presidency! He will do awesome! Thanks for the package Dad, I loved reading those stories and I know what I am going to do for our activity in a few weeks. Press Forward, and always know I love you!

Love,

Elder Harvey