I got transferred this week to Apple Valley, it's pretty famous as being the only area in the mission with a Costa Vida. The ward is chill but not quite as amazing as Elk River. I'm still meeting people though. My new companion is Elder Blanco from Hawaii. He is a living testimony that everyone should go on a mission. It doesn't matter what you've done, get worthy and go! I always thought that growing up in Hawaii would be a dream, but we've talked a lot about how hard it is to make it there. All the wealthy people are mainlanders who have come and started businesses, usually in tourism. Because of so much outside money, it's almost impossible to change social classes if you stay on the island.
I feel like that same principle applies to your testimony. It is very difficult to create significant change in either direction when you are stuck in the same environment. You may start out in middle class, but when your environment changes, it is likely you will either become spiritually stronger or weaker. The opportunity of a mission is the opportunity to develop your testimony into something strong enough to withstand the strongest winds. I think that is one of the reasons why we have transfers and new companions-- to keep putting yourself in new situations that give you the chance to grow. The mission is special because there is hopefully an expectation to grow. You can go to college and have the desire to grow, but you don't have nearly as much support or structure. It's like having a personal trainer vs a gym membership. The hardest part of being a missionary is going home. Going back to that old environment and testing your growth. Elder Blanco told me about when he went home after being at college. His friends were still doing the exact same things. They work at their jobs, and then go fishing and surfing. It's so tempting to fall into familiarity and cease progressing. I'm grateful I've had such formative experiences here. I love the gospel and the covenants I've made. I love you guys! Keep progressing!
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