The Power of Porter

This week the service mission had our first zone conference with the proselytizing missionaries. It was in the middle of nowhere in a barn in Declo, Idaho, which is an hour away. It was the first time we had anyone from the mission drive the van anywhere and so they didn’t know how to get me in and out of the car or how the ramp works or how to push me through the gravel. The barn was surrounded by gravel so that was stressful haha. I talked them through it and they did great.   I was able to meet the mission president and his wife and they seem awesome. We had food and then went outside and took pictures (unfortunately had to navigate the gravel again). I was grateful they did an awesome job of including the service missionaries. We listened to an amazing speaker. The man who spoke to us was so powerful and bold. His testimony was very strong and I hope to be where he is one day in his knowledge of the gospel. We watched a video that had pictures of all of the baptisms that month...

In SMT (service missionary training) we were talking about the armor of God and a sister made a comment that I really loved. She said, “armor is heavy, but it’s worth it.”   From chapter 2 of preach my gospel, “By putting on the “whole armour of God,” you will be able to discern truth from error. You will have your feet shod with the “gospel of peace.” Putting “on the breastplate of righteousness” will protect you. With the “shield of faith,” you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the adversary. You will take “the sword of [His] Spirit” to teach truth with power and authority. You will be fortified against worldly influences that could otherwise lead you to become adrift, isolated, and even alienated.” I taught preach my gospel in our district meeting on Thursday. We had a talent show and I didn’t know what to do for my talent. I rolled up to the front and said I forgot my pogo stick. Everyone laughed. Then I said, “so instead for my talent, I’m just going to do a little bit...

This week I facilitated my first gathering for BYU Pathway. They gather on zoom because the students in my group are in South Africa. There is a lead student who leads the discussion so the service missionaries are there to help and support the lead student and answer questions.   two funny experiences this week: I was able to help a group that needed to see their presentation. As I was sharing my screen, I tried to go to the next slide. Instead of going to the next slide, it went to the next picture. This unfortunately was a picture of me after a haircut with my shirt off. “That’s not the right picture” I said as I quickly stopped sharing my screen. It was embarrassing but so funny. The students could not stop laughing. I served at a charter school with 1st graders. I was waiting in the office and a kid came in saying that he threw up on the bathroom floor and couldn’t make it to the toilet. Then three kids came in and told on someone who had a knife in the bathroom. A little late...

This week was awesome. I learned so much and had so many new experiences. I had my first and second shifts in the temple. I worked in the office recording ordinances. It’s pretty cool to know how the ordinances are all recorded. They are always recorded on the day that they are performed. I sat in front of a computer and scanned each name card. This puts them in the system and makes sure every ordinance is accounted for. I love the temple. It is so beautiful and peaceful. I also learned there are paying jobs in the temple! I never knew they offer real jobs not just service opportunities. Pretty cool.  One thing I love about being a full-time missionary is having the opportunity to study the gospel every day. I finished the Book of Mormon on sunday! I loved reading it so much that I read it in less than a month. The book of Mormon is so special and we are so blessed to have it. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  I had an awesome conversation about Faith wi...