Discipleship

Well, might have been the longest week of my life. This week is Frontier Days, biggest rodeo in America, so Cheyenne is popping... the population triples (so the population of Wyoming pretty much doubles for the week). That means lots of service for us, which is awesome. We are teaching a lot of eternagators (investigators who make very little progress), so work is slow, but I see the blessings of patience and fasting.

We got caught in downpour yesterday. It was cold, wet, and AWESOME. Bonding moment for me and the comp as we rode our bikes searching for shelter (which is not to be found in Wyoming). I love the rainbow afterwards, and the lightning and thunder is so powerful here. 

This week has been one of revelation, enlightenment, and balance. 

My first realization: my family is my joy. While reading the Book of Mormon, I had an epiphany. I cannot let my family (i.e. being homesick) get in the way of my missionary work. I love my family, and their love and support allows me to serve at my fullest capacity.

Second: Mission life is full of extremes. This week I am talking about emotional extremes. Within the day, I can go from inspired to gloomy to elated to discouraged to peaceful to anxious to exhaustion to grateful, and each one is felt at a high magnitude that seems to increase every single day. As this takes a toll, I was seeking advice from a returned missionary in the ward. Sister Walker  said that one day on her mission she had a similar realization. She called this bundle of emotions a new and higher emotion: discipleship. As we follow and devote our lives to the Savior, we feel some of the things he felt. However, we don't have the same control nor understanding that He has. Missionary work is a sacrifice. This discipleship was not promised to be easy. It is worth it though. 

I will leave you with a scripture, 3 Nephi 5:13, 

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."

Read the Book of Mormon for peace, comfort, and support. 

Much Love,

Elder Bodine 

I love my family calendar and my family.

My comp was a little drenched.

Me smiling... even though I was soaked.

I like to look for rainbows.