Weekly Email - 12 August 2019

Hi,

Sorry I didn't email last week in extensive detail. But we have been having a really good time. We have been finding people and teaching so many wonderful people. We are truly instruments in the Lords hands so much! We just go where we are needed and talk to who we see and miracles are happening! I have seen that these past few weeks I have noticed that as I have focused on studying the doctrine I have grown much more and much faster than when i focused on application. When we focus on Christ's teachings, we become more like Him because we are focusing and learning more about Him. I know it's true and I know it works.

 

Love Elder West

Transfer Day, Updated Mission Map and New Friend - 9 August 2019

As a missionary, you get moved around within your mission area. Michael has served in several different areas so far. One of his companions was being transferred and a new Elder was joining their trio. They had to meet at the Mission Office at the stake center to make the exchange.

Here is the map of the new California Newport Beach Mission

Michael was visiting a family in their boundaries and made a friend.

Weekly Email and Funny Picture - 5 August 2019

Hi

It was a great week. I will talk more about it next week when I have time!

Love Elder West

 
This is a picture that Michael sent and thought was hilarious.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY - 1 August 2019

August 1st is the one year anniversary for Michael serving his mission. He has only one year left. It is amazing to think about how fast the time has gone. Michael has had so many great experiences and he is such an amazing young man.

Weekly Email and New Name Tag - 29 July 2019

Salam everyone!

I hope everyone's week has been good I had a good week. We found a lot of cool people and were able to teach some really great lessons. On Friday I was on exchange and I was with the other 2 zone leaders and we had a packed day but were able to squeeze in 3 lessons and we found a really solid guy it was really cool! One thing that was really cool to see was that after our 3rd lesson we took a quick break to write down how we felt in the lesson and each record it and then walking back to the car at the end of the day we met the golden person! And if we hadn't taken a moment to be still recognize the spirit and write to down we would not have met him in the perfect spirit led way that we did! I know that if we all just take time to slow things down and notice all the little instances where God is working in your life. I love you all and have a wonderful, spirit filled week that is filled with noticing miracles!

Love Elder West



When Michael submitted his papers to go on a mission, there were two questions about leaving the US and speaking a foreign language. He said that he didn't want to leave the US and didn't want to learn a foreign language. He received what he asked for, he was called to California on an English speaking mission. Sometime though, Heavenly Father has a slightly different plan for us and has placed Michael in a Persian Branch with Farsi speaking missionaries as companions (of course they also speak English). Michael was given a new tag to use when he is out and interacting.  Here it is:

Missionary Leadership Council - 25 July 2019

It seems that we don't get as many pictures of Michael texted to us from Church members now that he is in the Persian Branch so we are excited when the mission's facebook page has several posted with him in it. On July 25, there was another Missionary Leadership Council held and Michael is still a zone leader and attended. Here are a couple of pics of him at the meeting. It is great seeing that he is doing so well and healthy. We talk to him on the phone or skype each week and he is very happy and doing very well.

Weekly Email and Hydration - 22 July 2019

Hi

Sorry that my subject titles are never interesting. Its just what I put :). I hope you all had a good week. This week was good for me too. We were busy everyday with little to no time to go finding this week and we found 3 people! Whats cool about this number is that 3 was our goal and we were able to achieve it! We were able to teach some really cool people too. This week my study and thought and everything theme was relying on the Lord. When we put our whole trust in Him then we have no reason to fear, When we put our trust in Him we have no reason to doubt, When we put our whole trust in Him we can feel and understand our true potential. If Christ had to He would have walked up the hill to His death over and over and over again if that was the way. But in a way He did. As He was walking up He was thinking about what we each are going through. He knows what your trials are, when you are sad, when you are ready to give up He knows. I love the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I hope you don't think that I am struggling I was just inspired to share my thoughts. Thanks for your prayers and all that you do for me and my family and you will be in my prayers as well!
 
Love Elder West



It is good to see that he is staying hydrated. It has been in the 90s there. Here Michael is with his Persian speaking companions.