First week as Senior Companion - 10-21-09

What happened? I leave for 11 months and everything changes.

Benson turns 18, you have a 2nd anniversary, AND MATT IS ENGAGED? He has been home like two months. And, what? Benson still has a year, so don't bring up the mission yet.
I'm not that old yet.

Everything is changed and it all happend in a month. I can't believe that I have been out 11 months now and things have taken on a whole new meaning to me. Application, Responsibility, and Accountablity. We just got back from training in Richmond, and now we are going to work even harder that before. This is an exciting time to be on a mission and a great time to be a servant of the Lord, in bringing scattered Israel home. I have learned so much more about the gospel than I ever thought I would, and I have begun to feel the power of it in my life. Guiding my actions, and helping me get through each day. I have been so blessed, Elder Vosters and I have been helping each other grow and progress in this work. More than I ever thought after Elder Shock left me in charge I realized that I need a lot of help and I have been given the help I need. I just hope that I do all that I can, and that I am able to look back on this time as a success. I read back in my journal yesterday and the day before I moved to P-town, I was the Sr. companion for the day to help me realize what I needed to work on. It is funny that I felt that way 4 1/2 months ago and now look at me, I am the Sr. companion and still need a lot of work. Hopefully, not in all the same areas. But, I know that I have been given a lot of help these last few days, and I will continue to get help thoughout me mission.

I know that I have grown so much more than I would have back home at this time, and I owe it all to the Lord and this work. I am so greatful for the restored gospel on the earth, and for a prophet that is inspired to send me here to Virginia to help the people here, as well as to get help, for I need a lot.

Love you all and wish you all good luck
Virginia ROCK! the church is true, and I love you. read alma 7