HEY THERE! Do you remember me?? (If not, you can click on the photo above to go back to a year or so ago). Well, here I am. An official missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been called to serve for two years in the Mesa Arizona Mission. Yes, it is a different climate than I am used to, but I came prepared. Sort of. And I'll adjust as I go along. That's part of what it all entails. Adjustment. Adjusting my will to that of my Father in Heaven so that I can best serve His needs while I am his official servant. I'm learning fast and even though I miss my friends and family, I am making new friends along this journey!
That much being said, let me roll up my sleeves and get to work. There is plenty to do here in the mission field. I barely have time to touch on it in my weekly letters home. So try and keep up! It will go fast!
The Arizona Mesa Mission was established in 2001. Up until that time the Arizona mission took in all of this area as well, and simply called the Arizona Phoenix Mission. Now there are two missions in Arizona. Although the state was primarily settled by Mormon pioneers, it is not strictly a Mormon community or state whatsoever and there are plenty of people who still need to hear about the gospel.
http://www.ci.mesa.az.us/redevlmt/Historic_Preservation/early_history.asp
The site above tells a bit about the historical settling of the early Arizona region.
It may not be on the mountain height, Or over the stormy sea. It may not be at the battle's front My Lord will have need of me. But if, by a still, small voice he calls To paths that I do not know, I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine: I'll go where you want me to Go.
Chorus: I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea. I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord, I'll be what you want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words Which Jesus would have me speak; There may be now in the paths of sin some wand'rer whom I should seek. O Savior, thou wilt be my guide, Tho dark and rugged the way, My voice shall echo the message sweet: I'll say what you want me to say.
Chorus
There's surely somewhere a lowly place In earth's harvest fields so wide Where I may labor through life's short day for Jesus the Crucified. So trusting my all to thy tender care, And knowing though lovest me, I'll do thy will with a heart sincere: I'll be what you want me to be.
Chorus.
--Text by Mary Brown, 1856-1918
--Music by Carrie E Rounsefell, 1861-1930
"I hope they call me on a mission. When I have grown a foot or two. I want to be a missionary, and teach and preach and work as missionaries do. (Primary Children's Song...)
...I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
(I Nephi 3:7)
