When you're a full-time missionary, General Conference is Christmas. I enjoyed two full days of spiritual enlightenment, answers to personal questions, inspiration for those we are teaching, and a chance to recommit to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
Before conference, I read my Patriarchal blessing and wrote down six questions I wanted to bring to conference. At some point, all six were answered!
Here in the mission field, we are SO THRILLED at the age change for missionaries. I wonder if I will get a 19 year-old companion! I think I would have served a mission at 19 given the chance, but I am glad I came at this time. It was an unforgettable experience to hear Elder Nelson's talk about the missionaries. "Ask the missionaries. They can help you!" I didn't realize that I can answer so many questions and provide so many solutions! ;)
The talk that struck my heart most was President Uchtdorf's. I haven't exactly been counting down to the end of my mission, but as an avid planner and goal-setter I tend to be too forward-focused. As my Mom and others say, "Life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured." I have caught myself at times being too focused on the finish line: the end of our groggy runs in the morning, the plate of dinner I shoveled down/inhaled, the destination of a 56-mile drive, and getting an investigator baptized. I'm especially guilty of hurrying through my nightly prayers so I can at last crawl into bed and sleep rather than treasuring my one-on-one time with my Heavenly Father, as President Uchtdorf mentioned. I'm sometimes anxious to return home to apply the new attributes and lifestyles I've learned as a missionary, to catch up on lost sleep, to work off all the southern food on my hips, and to read that good book on the member's shelf.
D&C 78:17-18 assures us that God has prepared many blessings for us, that we must be of good cheer now. We are "always in the middle," President Uchtdorf said a few months ago in the Ensign. If we remember this we can more fully enjoy the journey. I am learning to slow down, take time to breathe, and savor every moment of my prayers (and every bite of dinner). How sad would it be to not notice that happiness has been available all along?
"Does the Journey Seem Long?" has been one of my favorite hymns since I was a teenager; I even recall writing my own arrangement for it on the piano. I was overjoyed to hear it performed in conference with the beautiful tenor solo (an arrangement much better than mine). What a gem this hymn is...our journey really has only begun.
We've had a few huge trials this week despite an additional fast we did on Thursday for a miracle. You never expect to face the ordeal of a "breakup" as a missionary until someone you've been teaching for months (who has been taught by missionaries for YEARS) suddenly dumps you! When someone you have grown to love and watch progress yields to the enticings of Satan, you're crushed. We are frantically trying to hold onto these souls slipping through our fingers. If only others caught the eternal vision of this life and the importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What an interesting lesson Heavenly Father is teaching me: "Sister Nordström, I know things are rough, but enjoy the journey. Enjoy these heart-breaking moments, because good times will follow." And they have! Sister Hill and I have found more people to teach as we have lost others. We "Romney-knocked" this weekend, which consists of approaching houses that have "Romney Ryan 2012" signs in their yard and saying, "We noticed you have a Romney sign in your yard. Would you like to know more about what he believes spiritually?"
One lady responded that it's a tragedy that Romney isn't a Christian and isn't saved, although he sure acts like a Christian. Hmm, that was a head-scratching concept. She had NO IDEA that our entire Church is centered in Jesus Christ, and she wanted to save us, too! After a few moments of pure testimony of Jesus Christ, the story of the First Vision, and a few verses from the Book of Mormon, her countenance completely brightened and we embraced and prayed together.
There are people in the world that have no idea that we are Christian! Please cast your fears aside and stand up for yourself as a disciple of Christ. Elder Hales gave an incredible talk yesterday that can help. I believe in you, and more importantly, our Savior believes in you! Now is not the time to be hesitant or afraid. You are a disciple of Jesus Christ....do your friends and neighbors know it?
Thank you for your letters and prayers. I love you!
Sister Ryceejo Nordström
