Elder Michael Bodine: First Area

Cheyenne, Wyoming: home of chEYEnne optometry and many other amazing things. My first area is Buffalo Ridge (we just cover the Buffalo Ridge ward). We are a "bike area" without bikes. I think in the first two days I had walked 20 miles. My legs are tired, but the work is good.

My companion is Elder Stockwell from Payson, Utah. He is amazing at service. He has great patience and looks to be everyone's friend, even all the meth heads on our street. Yep, not the nicest area. 2424 Pattison Ave #A is a special place. It's not quite home yet, but I'm learning to love the scent of weed, cigarettes, and cat pee (which is just a cover up for the meth). So half the people we run into are crazy. It's funny because two blocks down, it is super nice and new.

Enough about my life... more about my experience on the mission. This first week has been hard. It's hard for everyone. Why? Well for me, I don't just love every person I see or every place I go. So, it was hard to be in a place where you don't know, and you don't love anyone. I did not love the ward, my comp, or the people because I didn't know them. But one thing I have really felt is the ubiquity of the Savior's love. It is everywhere, and through that we can love and serve others.

I have learned this through my study of the Book of Mormon. While reading, I read Enos 1:27. It reads, "And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father." I felt so much love when reading this verse. The knowledge that we always have a home in Christ is amazing. It's a gift that we take for granted. Even if my apartment isn't my home, it's becoming my home as I let the Savior into my life.

I encourage everyone to remember what a blessing the Book of Mormon is. Please read from it daily. I promise that you cannot feel alone as you read it. You will only feel uplifted. After reading look for ways to serve those around you.

I have one request for those reading. Please send me your favorite verse as of now from the Book of Mormon as soon as possible. I would like to go through a new copy and mark these verses. This will help me bring your love and support here with me everywhere I go throughout Cheyenne. Also, pray for missionaries everywhere.

Much Love,

Elder Bodine