The Power of Porter

As a service missionary, sometimes I feel like my efforts go unnoticed, or that I am not making a difference. It is hard for me, especially because my whole life, I thought I would be somewhere else in the world, speaking a foreign language to people who need Jesus Christ in their lives.   Here are just a few of the things I am learning: It has been especially meaningful when people tell me that my service is making a difference or that they are genuinely grateful for my service. For example, I work in the office of the temple, recording ordinances on Fridays and Saturdays. The temple recorder came up to me while I was working and told me that it was the most important work in the temple. I didn’t believe him at first, but he told me that if nobody records the ordinances, it is as if they were never performed. The work couldn’t get done without us. Every single person whose name I scan is gratefully watching me serve them through the veil. That simple truth has kept me going to wor...

So many cool experiences this week! I prayed every morning that I would be able to see and recognize the hand of the Lord during my day. It worked every day that I asked. You need to try this. I promise it will bless your life. As you pray in thanks, you will grow closer to Heavenly Father and recognize blessings and tender mercies. You won’t be happy until you are grateful!   “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” - Russell M. Nelson “The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.” - Joseph F. Smith A few special moments from this week: My sister and her husband have been trying to sell their car. Someone came to test drive it and I prayed that they would want to buy it, and surely enough, they ended up buying it. I know the Lord answers prayers.  After we finished our s...

Voice text says ceilings instead of sealings so I just went with it.   I did sealings for the first time this week! Surprising, I know, considering the fact that I’ve been going to the temple every week for about three months now. It was awesome. On the first sealing I was a part of, I was acting for the deceased child and my parents were acting for the deceased parents. The spirit filled the room and the sealer started crying. Then my mom started crying, and so did I. The spirit was so strong. There is truly something special about that ordinance.   Quick update on some of my assignments: Every Tuesday night, the service missionaries get together and do temple work. It is fun because the temple workers always recognize us.  The veteran’s home this week was hilarious. We played bingo. Especially with people who can’t hear or see, it is the worst game ever invented. It is so boring and slow and I don’t know how people enjoy it. Pathway is going well! I only have a couple m...

I served at the Veterans home for the first time this week. The staff there is so so nice and there are some hilarious old people there. I went to their book club which consisted of a whopping three residents. One of the residents loves to read, and so we listened to her read Harry Potter for like an hour, and then, with a couple of other residents, we played jeopardy. I read the questions and gave the answers. It was super fun and I think I’m going to like it there. I love this mission. The service missionaries aren’t necessarily people I would’ve chosen to spend my time with in high school, but I have learned to love them. They are quick to laugh and quick to help. They are so genuinely kind, real, selfless, and fun. I have learned to talk to people about what THEY love and ask questions to get THEM talking. I am becoming a better listener. I am learning to love people for who they are rather than instantly just judge them. The people I serve and serve with are helping me become more...