Richard has had his first transfer. His trainer has been transferred away and the training wheels are off! He feels a little overwhelmed, but ready. He has this to say about it:
Hey guess what, transfer week! Crazy huh? I'm no longer in training as of tomorrow. My new companion's name is Elder Scott, I've spoken with him before (I came in on a half transfer with Elder Birch, so technically I have a 3 week longer mission than everyone else) during my first 3 week transfer, and it turns out he's from Fresno and knows Milan/the Cucuks!
It's strange because I'm the only one who didn't get a full training, even Elder Birch is with his trainer for one more transfer. I feel totally ready though, and the change will be refreshing.
Here is an excerpt from his most recent letter!
It's hard sometimes to have investigators not progress and not look at yourself. You wonder just what you did wrong. I read a talk (look it up! It's awesome) called "the challenging and testifying missionary," which says that God knows who he wants in his church this day. It's really his work, I just need to do my best in bringing that message with power and clarity. I love being am missionary. At sometimes you don't feel very important in the world. It seems that all the work you've dedicated your life to-leaving behind awesome family and a cute girl...man she's cute, right? Well it's not easy at times. However other times it's so awesome. I can't explain it much better than that! If we head out and I feel a little low for any reason, I know that I need to go teach. The spirit in the lesson carries me for that day and I can do so many more things that I know is according to the Lord's will. It's such a great feeling. Just this morning I was doing my laundry and as I was walking down the stairs to the apartment I was thinking how great it is to be here, and how satisfying this work is. I'm not sure anything can beat it.
