Transfer 9: week 3: Extended Zone: OA

Good Morning!

Ok, so here it's 1:30, but it's still morning in Alaska! That's close enough, right? Time zones are the hardest thing to understand in this mission... if it wasn't so difficult to change one's schema (aka having it be dark at 1:00PM) I would be all for having a universal time schedule where everyone is up and going at about the same time. However that would pose far too many difficulties, so I'll just have to live with the fact that Kenya is one of the most awkward time zones I've ever had to call. Nine hours ahead and she wants to understand more about the Book of Mormon, from what I understood from the connection. That can be difficult at times though.

There are so many people here this weekend. Pioneer day weekend is possibly the busiest I've seen temple square in a while. And Utahans are not the only people out here for the celebration... we took the cutest family from Guatemala around who were here visiting relatives to see the activities surrounding pioneer day. Their little boy was adorably inquisitive... about 2 but just trying to get to a little diorama of the temple with all of his two year old powers. And mom was so caring. I loved her so much, how she was able to handle such small children and still keep the spirit intact was a miraculous feat.

Interestingly enough we are teaching a couple of people from the east. One investigator, he's about Grandpa's age, is the sweetest old man I've met on my mission, not to mention one of the most prepared investigators I've ever had. He has such a strong testimony of the Savior, and he's been through so much in his life. He understands and recognizes the important parts of the restoration, and he taught us those principles himself in our very first lesson... and he is calling the missionaries so that he can go and meet with them as soon as possible.

All in all missionary work is the best... it's a chance to teach people truth that they will use in their every-day life. It's also a chance to help people find hope in trying times and peace when things are the most turbulent. The only panacea for the ills of the world really is the gospel of Jesus Christ and for a few months I get to share it with literally the whole world.

Best of Luck!
Sister Pielstick