(That's Navajo for hello!)
I've finally made it to Arizona, and I'm absolutely loving it. We flew out from Provo on the ninth, and went right to Phoenix. Our mission president, President Ellsworth and his wife were waiting for us and President gave us all a big hug to welcome us. After loading up our things, we went to the Mesa Temple, and got to meet in the Visitor's Center. I can't begin to tell you how beautiful that temple is, and how much of the Spirit I felt as we walked the grounds. After a short testimony meeting, we went to the mission home in Scottsdale, where we were interviewed by President Ellsworth, and then sent out right away to work. I got paired with Elders McBride and Keating. We had some great experiences teaching some families and I completely fell in love with the valley. The palm trees and sunsets are absolutely gorgeous.
The next day we finally got to meet our companions and find out where our first area is. I've been assigned to pair up with Elder Lyon in the town of Taylor, whose population is about 2000. It's almost as north as you can go in the Mesa mission, and is actually about 4 hours away from Mesa. The town reminds me a lot of Casselton, my home town. It surprisingly looks and feels a lot like North Dakota, except of course for the fact that it's about 80 percent Mormon. The other awesome thing about Taylor is that there are a lot of Navajo people here, who have just been incredible. I've learned about a dozen Navajo words so far, and hope to learn as much as I can while I'm in the area. One family we're teaching is Patty and Benny and their family. Elder Lyon and I just love them. Every time we go, we see how the gospel has lit up their lives as they've struggled to make better choices and follow the example of Jesus Christ. They've made some incredible steps and I admire them so much. Not only have they taught me Navajo, but they've also taught me how to really rely on Jesus Christ and have faith in His Atonement.
Although I've seen incredible miracles and felt the Spirit more than I ever have, this week has been probably the hardest of my life. A wise person in the MTC said that a mission is "the greatest miserable thing that will ever happen to you." I have physically and spiritually never had to push myself to the limits that I have in just this first week. We're a biking area, and some of those hills have been completely ridiculous to climb. I've been sore every day and more tired than I've been in my life. Waking up is the hardest thing. I don't think that I can move sometimes. However, the greatest comfort comes each morning and night as I get on my knees and thank Heavenly Father for all He's given me, ask Him to show me what I can do to serve Him that day, and promise that I'll follow the promptings of the Spirit. By the time Elder Lyon and I are done studying, I am excited to get out and work harder than I ever have.
I absolutely know that this is Jesus Christ's church. This is His work. Through Him all things are possible, and if we have faith, repent, are baptized, and do all we can to serve Him until the end of our lives, we'll return to Him again and be united with our families, with more joy than we can even comprehend. I know Christ lives and loves us. He suffered so that all these things are possible. I bear my witness of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Love,
Elder Miller
Elder Ammon Miller with his Mission President and Misson President's wife.
President and Sister Ellsworth
