Title comes from Exodus 2 when Moses
has escaped from Egypt to Jethro’s ranch house/tent and is thinking things
over( which must have been some time cause he gets married and has a kid in
that time.) Well as I studied in there I just imagined “Prince of Egypt” in my
mind, though this is also an Iron Maiden song. Anyways it’s kinda how I have
felt these past two weeks.
Bad first, coming
from a life where I lived very conservatively (not talking about politics)
but very conscious about what I was doing with my resources; food, water,
money, etc. Coming back to a country of capitalism and materialism is rather difficult
and I find myself biting my tongue as I want to say something against the over
the top life styles I see. It may be Cali, but even other missionaries, not
all, some...have been a bother too. The way they talk about Africa or their
problems (1st world problems I say cause it’s really not a problem to me.) But
judge not least ye be judged right?
In our super busy
days we drive around in our car mostly visiting less actives and a few recent
converts. Lots of less actives who don't like us or the Church, some who don't
like the Church but like us, and then a few that want us to water their plants
and feed their cats while they are gone. Can I really compare this to Africa?
haha Now I really enjoy meeting new people here, California has some pretty interesting
characters running around, I thought I'd seen the best in Africa, no SoCal has
its own. I hear everything from JFK conspiracy theories to learning how to play
the guitar in these visits. Some of these members have a desire to return or
become more zealous in their living and we do our best with them, others not so
much.
Now we do have some
great recent converts to meet with and a handful of honest investigators.
Unlike Africa though I don't meet with them every other day, I have to schedule
appointments and meet them then. We have helped do service to members throughout
the week, like a garden we went to weed for one women (turned out to be half
her lawn to be weeded.) No problem the 4 other elders in my apartment keep busy
with service and helping the members. We went to a funeral on Saturday at our
chapel, a member I had met once sudden passed the week before. Most of his
family are not members or less actives came and were really pleased with the
churches help. One of the deceased brothers asked Bishop about some tribute
music he wanted to play. So in the gym when we ate lunch suddenly “Stairway to
Heaven” started playing though the chapels sound system, guess he liked Led
Zep, some thought it was inappropriate at the chapel....I didn't complain
though.
It takes a little
getting used to being in America again, but one day at time I'm getting back
into it. I love the chance I have to be in my 5th mission with a 5th mission
president, 3rd continent, 3rd country, 2nd state and first time on the Pacific
coast.
Until next week,
Elder Ray
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| Elder Ray with the Bishop's kids and a BIG lemon!! |
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| Look who he found!!! Elder Mackey is from Elder Ray's hometown!!! |
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| Elder Ray is bound and determined to have a garden - he had to leave his behind in Sierra Leone. He informed me that this is an ornamental thai pepper plant and it is already flowering!! It's the little things that make him happy! |
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