Title: Bring it on!
Well, the infamous Arizona summer is upon me. From the time I've come on my mission everybody has asked, "So, have you been here for a summer yet?" I've answer no, which is then followed by a villanous laugh by the person asking me the question. "Well, you're in for a treat!" (I then inform the people that I've experienced 114 degrees in North Dakota, but that's besides the point.) I guess it doesn't get really bad until July, but we've had a couple of days that have been over 100 degrees already. At this point I've gotten used to the whole white shirt and tie thing, so it's not as uncomfortable as it used to be. Elder Hernandez keeps things entertaining while we're biking. At this point my Spanish comprehension has improved dramatically. I have to admit, funny stories are twice as funny when Elder Hernandez tells them in Spanish.
The work has been great! Every day I feel very humbled to be where I am, serving the Lord. I'm very grateful that I've been able to recognize my faults, because that's given me an opportunity to improve. I've had to sacrifice more, which has given me a greater opportunity to look to the needs of others. I'm not sure who reads this blog, but there may be many that have been wronged by me somehow. I look back at my life and see the ways that I have been immature and selfish. I've made my own interests a greater priority than that of my loved ones. I haven't shown very much love to my fellow men. But I am sincerely trying to improve. My relationship with God has increased and I know what I need to do to be better. I just need to do it. Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, my faults can be changed.
I'm so grateful for the support of everyone. I wrote on my Facebook page before I left that everybody in my life has taught me something, and that's true. How many times I have been grateful on my mission for friends who took the time to listen, teachers who were so much more than teachers, and others who were an example of excellence even though I may not have known them very well. I know that there are challenges ahead, but with the strength that I've received from all of you, and most importantly the strength I receive from God, I know that I can do greater things.
"And if men come unto me, I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27, Book of Mormon)
Ammon