The 51st Chronicle

Hello family and friends!

Zone Conference last week was really good!! We talked a lot about keeping up with the small and simple things. If we accomplish the "easy to do" things everyday, we will see a powerful compound effect over time that will have lasting exponential results. We discussed the importance of not using technology inappropriately and making sure we are using it for our missionary purpose. We, as humanity, have been inspired with these tools for a reason, so we might as well use them for good! As a zone, we are also going to be brushing up on the "Living Christ" since we have a General Authority visiting next transfer! 

Another thing I thought about during Zone Conference is whether or not my current WHY for being on a mission is BIG enough. I had some solid reasons for coming out on my mission and that WHY has kept me strong so far, but I feel as if my WHY could expand and become bigger and even more meaningful. Not only to keep me motivated, but also to keep me dedicated to staying strong. Missions can be taxing and it's pretty easy to slack off and become discouraged, but that doesn't mean we have to succumb to that.  Pondering my initial reasons for serving the Lord as a missionary and recognizing my desire to stay strong, has compelled me to look into my heart and search for an even bigger WHY to sustain me. 

We got a call from President Ence on Sunday evening letting the YSA missionaries know that Elder Burton will be staying in the Walnut Creek Ward, Elder Bocchino will be moving to another area in Omaha (with another companion), Sister Nelson will be going full-proselyting to a location yet to be determined, Sister Worthington will be staying in YSA as a trainer, and I will be going back to my baby zone in Council Bluffs as a Zone Leader! I'm super excited to be able to serve my new Zone and to be able to grow even more as a missionary. Stay tuned for more good times and blessings from Heaven!!

We had a crazy weekend preparing for upcoming transfers on Wednesday. We've been spending a lot of time saying goodbye, setting up the area, and passing off people to the YSA Sisters so they'll be set for next week! I'm gonna miss serving in the YSA ward. It was a roller coaster with highs and lows but overall it was worth it. I learned a lot while serving here. I learned how to not only quickly connect with people my age, but also to share the gospel with them.  I learned how to meet people in a ton of different scenarios. I learned how to push myself emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I learned a lot about relationships, dating, marriage, post-mission life, how to rely on the Lord, and ways to better receive revelation. It has been a couple months of serious growth and I hope it doesn't end anytime soon.

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady