Corned Beef and Cabbage!

So another St. Patty's day is fast approaching so you know that I'm making corned beef and cabbage for the Zone this week. I love it! Its the little bit of normalcy that I get as a missionary; everyone knows how much I love to cook! But let's talk about normalcy for a second, its definitely not sleeping in anymore, going to class or work, listening to music, going to the movies or being frivolous with my time, so maybe this is a privilege rather than sinking back into what's normal considering the shift my life has taken.

This week in the field has been real good. We are just so blessed with the opportunity to teach such great people. I'm a bit saddened though because it has taken us out of the usual grunt work that would normally occupy our schedule, like contacting! And I almost hesitate to say grunt work because contacting on the street is some of the best work there is here in New York, besides teaching of course. Maybe I'm sad purely for the selfish reason that I am no longer out on the streets as much as I used to, getting to know the people of the city. Nonetheless, I came across a great scripture in Alma 62 early last week that helped me with this conflict: 4. "...and he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his march towards the land of Gideon." Amazing right?! Sometimes we don't have as much time as we used to to contact on the streets but in whatsoever place we are headed we can still lift the liberty of the people, aka contacting along the way. I know this sounds dumb because that is ideally what should be happening all the time, but sometimes running in and out of trains is so busy, stopping to talk with individuals as you run, already late, to your next appointment is the furthest thing from your thoughts. Nonetheless, I have made a better attempt at it this week and I have to say that I am thankful that I did. Going back to the basics!

So let me tie this into the normalcy of real life. Life is busy. I don't know that that can be over exaggerated more! So, slow down, at least for a second to get back to the basics. I have found that they are truly what I need in the week to help me stay grounded and focused. Soon we will run out of busy things to do and we are left with nothing. Now back to the Gospel and life (I sound like an Old Spice commercial, "now back at your man" haha), keep on the basics, ie reading scriptures, praying, going to church and service. I have gained such a testimony of service both on and off the mission. I have found that the people that we are serving benefit from the service provided, but it is we as the one's who are serving that get the better end of the deal. I have true testimony of that. As with the work I am involved in here in NY. I love this! I love all of you and hope that you all are having a great week. I am thankful for all that I have and at a time of disaster for so many, my heart and prayers go out to them and their families. Thank you for everything! Love you love you!