November 16, 2015

The cold bit to the bone last Saturday evening as Elder Tausaga and I huddled from home to home knocking a small farm neighborhood. Wind is the major killer out here, especially when in the narrow valleys, so we were looking for anybody to just let us in for some shelter. Lately here in the Hancock area we have discovered people generally don't like outsiders, and outsiders that go door to door trying to push into your life and discuss religion are liked even less. Our desperation for warmth led us to the final house in the small cluster of the valley, a house faintly lit by a small dirt road street light down the way. On the porch we made out an old woman who stood staring at us. I guess I forgot the story of Hansel and Grettle because we ran on up to her porch and asked if she would hear our message of Christ's full teachings.

For the record, she told us a man was inside, so we went in to the old colonial home. Immediately we were hit with a wall of stench unrivaled by any other putrid thing I've smelled. Within just the front room I spotted at least thirty full grown cats lounging around in absolute filth, meowing up a catastrophe (get it) of racket that, paired with the atrocious smell that I could taste, nearly sent me packing to the floor. Elder Tausaga is even worse with smells than I am but when he doesn't like something he doesn't say a word. The only way you can tell when he's upset is by the shriveled expression that knots his face. Needless to say, this was one of the worst places I've ever been in. We shortly found out this woman was horribly deranged and spoke frantically and didn't comprehend anything we said, she totally lied about the man inside just to let us in (unless he was dead), and that we needed to leave asap. Possibly the 50+ cats she had were past travelers caught in her evil spell.

Aside from that, we had a lively week. I pet a hedgehog, a knight-worthy horse larger than any animal I've stood next to, a bunch of newborn bunnies, four near rabid hairless dogs, and a corn snake. If you've ever read the book, "All Creatures Great and Small", that is pretty much what life out here is like. Old fifth generation farmers and young hick hunters take up the majority of our company, although every now and then you'll meet someone who's not related to the five massive family blood lines in the area. Hendershots, Mellotts, Schrievers, Goldens, and Hartmans own this place, all of which have the oldest living members in leadership positions in the Church here. I've never lived in a place like this before.

A representative of Missionary Headquarters in Salt Lake City visited our mission leadership meeting last Thursday. He managed to set the 30 of us in flame of debate over what rules should change, our focuses, etc, but really had in mind what was going to happen before it even began. Coming out of that meeting, almost all of the logistical aspects of our missionary work have changed dramatically. Many of the missionaries present were upset, confused, or contentious when they left because of the changes. For me, logistical differences in how you do missionary work fade in importance to why you do missionary work. True conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ means being infused with the why of life. Why am I here? Why do I care? Why do I love? Why does God love me? The answers to these soul searching questions can only be found through living the questions, searching with our eyes and hearts wide open to receive the bounty this beautiful Earth has in store. Heavenly Father has prepared the way. Jesus Christ has led the way. It's up to us to follow the way. The why is the way ;)

At the end of the day, teaming back up with cheerful Elder Tausaga in this outland of forests brings the smile on my face to carry on. I wouldn't like to be anyone or anywhere else than who and where I am now. :)

xoxo

Elder Burgess