Week Twenty Four: A=B

Caroling with my district. Don't get me started on us trying to sing "O Holy Night"

Hiya! I don't have tons of time but I wanted to share a quick thought for the week. I've always been the type of person to put in as much work as I need to get the outcome I want. For example, if I want to do well in a class I'll study as many extra hours as I need to get that grade. I know that when I put in "A" (my effort/time/dedication) then I will get "B" (the grade/result I want). And that's been something that has worked pretty well for me the majority of my life. In fact, that's HOW I work.

However, a mission isn't like that. I can put in as much effort as I want or talk to as many people as I possibly can, yet I do not control the outcome. I can get to the bus stop 15 minutes early and it still might come an hour late. I can share copies of the Book of Mormon but I can't control how many people actually pick it up to read.

My district: Elders from Sweden, Arizona, Mongolia, and Phillipeans. Sisters from California and Thailand. This was one of my favorite districts.

One important lesson that I've learned out here is to not always set expectations for a certain result. That has been something pretty frustrating out here in the mission field. I've found that even if I give more effort, it doesn't mean that I will be bringing a dozen people to the font.

That's not just important to remember for missionary work, but for anything we do.

Exchange with Sister Holland (Elder Holland's Granddaughter )

Regardless of the outcome, do your best anyway. My role as a missionary is to do MY part. While it's nice to have baptisms and visible results from the work, that shouldn't be my worry.

We filled up the entire upper level of the bus after zone conference.

I really am growing to love and appreciate this work. I am so blessed to wear Jesus Christ's name on my heart at this time when we celebrate his birth! Merriest of Christmases!

Sister Jones