September 17, 2018

Dirt Roads and No Lights

So as you all probably know, I had said something pertaining to the fact that I was leaving good ol' Rancho Cucamonga. And now I am currently back into the desert of our mission, specifically a place called Apple Valley. Except the name is really misleading, as far as I am concerned, there are no apples within sight out here. Including with that, my new companion is Elder Harris from Detroit Michigan. Funny thing was six months ago, me, my companion, along with the Mission President, his wife, and Assistants picked him up from the airport. And now we are companions, AND I LOVE IT!

The new area we have is long, but very skinny. Which suits the name of the ward because it is very narrow. But it's been great, never has the sound of sand beneath the soles of these shoes sound so good (yes I'm insane, but that's OK). Being new to the area I got no clue, what is going on but it's going to be good. We've been knocking doors, trying by people who have said to come back, and just doing our best to find those that will wanna talk with us. And on top of that, its kind of nuts, but I miss street lamps. There are quite literally none out here so when you are walking around at night, you're doing your best not to run into a bush or something that'll cross the path.

I had the opportunity to go work on a garden kind of place that grows vegetables and food for those in need. It's called Squash for Friends, and it was a ton of fun. Planted a lot of cauliflower and peas, a lot of them. Also had the opportunity to break boards of wood like Karate Kid, except with my feet, because my hands are not conditioned for destruction. Then we continued working around in the area, which funny enough as it is, is pretty similar to the last area I was at in Rancho Cucamonga. But I have high hopes for what can be done, there is a promise from God when we keep his commandments he will bless us, and that's exactly what I'm seeing out here in the desert. 

Besides from that though, I have gained a displeasure for goatheads, if you dont know what I am talking about its these little thorns that love to stick in you, they'll be on the ground and if you step on em, they'll getcha. Then making sure you look both ways before you cross the street is very important, you never know who is gonna come flying down the road at 60 miles an hour in a 25... Just look both ways and you'll be good.

But to end off on a thought... Something I have been pondering about and thinking about recently is how important communication is. I cannot describe how many people I've talked too that have heard this thing or heard that thing from somewhere else and it makes the learning process so much harder when it comes to teaching. Talking to somebody, is like viewing an iceberg. You got this thing floating on the surface, which is a pretty good size, but below the surface is where most of the iceberg is. And to get below that surface, you have to talk to people, you have to understand and know where they are coming from (below the surface) and bring it up (float that puppy up) and then you can truly talk about it.

Other than that though, I gotta get going! I'll try and do better with responding to everyone individually! I've been slacking sorry!! Keep on treking!! LOVE YOU ALL!!

- Elder Brimhall