We kicked off the #PrinceofPeace initiative this we in our mission and to spread the word and get our missionaries families involved we created a quick video of the missionaries sharing how the Savior brings them peace. You can check it out here… www.facebook.com/thethsm. As always, the initiative is amazing and there are great things you can do and share. If you haven’t seen the video and other resources, head to Mormon.org and review the eight ways the Savior brings peace.
On Monday we were invited to dinner at the Bird’s house from our stake. They have two sons that match up with Zac and Bode and a daughter Jessie’s age plus they have one other son and another one due in May. This opportunity is just one of the blessings from Trek. A whole family connection. It is so nice to see more blessings from the boys choosing to participate. We brought dessert and the FHE lesson. It was a great evening. My dad had a glimpse of heaven too. The spaghetti sauce was just like mom used to make so he was a happy camper. ;)
The kids all have at least two of their big STAR tests this week. It’s amazing how long they are (four hours) and how much anxiety comes with them. So far so good but kids will be happy when they’re over. We wrapped up our interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Friendswood and Richmond zones so I’ll have the next couple of weeks to get back out to do companionship studies again. I will follow up with a lot of the companionships about improvements they want to make in their area books so they can use them more effectively. It is good to see their desires for improvement.
Thursday morning my dad and I went on a nature hike over at Cullinan Park. I had never been there before. In one area there is a large pond with wooden pathways, a lookout and signs to watch out for alligators. YIKES but we didn’t see any. In the other direction there were several hiking paths. We intended to do a 1.5 loop but due to some wrong turns we accomplished just over 3 miles. I was grateful my dad had a hat and sunscreen on. After lunch I met with some sisters for a companionship study. I was especially grateful for some insights I had to help them work with a part member family.
Zac also got his cast removed today and he is now in a boot for the next three weeks. His ankle is getting better, but there are two ligaments that are still a bit loose. Bode is trying out for the school soccer team tonight and again on Monday. He’ll find out if he makes it on Wednesday.
As I took my dad to the airport Friday morning, Aaron was holding our mission leadership council. The focus was on leadership skills tied to Nephi’s brief summary of the angel directing to him to “look” as he was given the vision of the tree of life. The goal was to help the missionaries understand that a key part of their leadership is to observe, behold, and see what is happening with those they shepherd. They can get a good picture of what is taking place in their zones as they look at the key indicators. When they understand to “look” they will know how to help individual companionships improve, where to focus their efforts, and where additional training is needed. The APs and SSTL’s focused on making sure we slow down with investigators by teaching them to pray and read the Book of Mormon by teaching with role plays. Missionaries are quick to move on to other lessons even if the investigator isn’t keeping basic commitments. The zone leaders and sister training leaders will all be taking this instruction and teaching it to their zones in mid-April.
For date night, Aaron and I went the Memorial Park mountain bike trail. It was redesigned after the big floods last year that made them unusable during the summer. Aaron talked to some guys that were also on the trail that shared with him a new mountain biking trail close to mission home. It is more technical than the one we were on. He tried it on Saturday and is stoked about it. It’s the closest thing to a Utah trial he’s experienced in Texas. It will be a great way for him to stay fit and manage stress. ;) I may even attempt it. All is well, we’re blessed and happy to be serving.