Well, another transfer in Michigan has come and passed. I'm over 18 months now, and I have four transfers left. It's crazy how quick, but slow it goes. The weather is nice, up to high 30's. Yes, that's nice weather. I will never complain about an Ephrata winter ever again.
Anyways, I've been pondering a lot of things. This week was very hard, so we are back to going out door knocking primarily. We lost most of the people we were working with, which happens at times. I guess Elder Holland was right when he said, "Why would it be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?" So, it's all good. The mission tests you in every possible way, but it's all good.
I have a story to relate. After a really hard day on Friday, I was just sort of wondering how it got to this point. I went door knocking on Aqua View Circle in Alpena (A street which is condemned), and I think I met some of the rudest people in the world. It was crazy. They were fairly well off, nice cars and houses and such, but I was just appalled they would treat another human being like that. I was surprised that these people claimed to have a religious affiiliation. I was pretty sorry.
After knocking that street, I was livid. I was just about ready to blow a gasket. When that happens, you can be certain that it was influenced by a poor source. But, then Elder Walker, my companion (a greenie) said something that not only humbled me, but helped me stay at least somewhat positive. He said, "Even though everything just went terrible and those people were extremely, I got the most comforting feeling that we were doing exactly what we were supposed to and the Spirit was so strong." I guess I need to change my perspective.
Nonetheless, I will continue to work hard these last 5.5 months. I definitely miss my family and friends, and I'm so grateful for all the support. It's sort of weird, I remember I got a certain companion and he had four transfers left and I thought, "Oh man, he's done. He might as well pack up." That was partly because I was at 3 months, but now I feel like I've got all the time in the world. But, in the words of the great punk rock band, Fireworks "Out of 50 states, I only feel right in one." As much as I've come to love a lot of people here, I can't say I won't be excited to head back to Washington. If anybody wants to talk to me:
Elder Damon Chlarson
1400 Abbot Road Suite 310
East Lansing, MI 48823
I dedicate this to the wise. "Not many of the great and mighty, those who form and control the thoughts of the people today, are going to find salvation in the kingdom of God. Why? Because they have not found the way; they are not walking in the light of truth. They may have knowledge, but they lack intelligence." - Joseph Fielding Smith. 2 Nephi 9:30, and 2 Tim. 3:7.
Out,
Damon Chlarson
