July 5, 2011!

Whats up Fam!

I've been having tons of fun lately. Had a really good week. Elder Lameta and I's time together is almost up. I have transfer on the 13th. So excited. It's kind of a bummer that I will stay here again. 4 and a half months in 2 wards.. I'm losing it. lol I feel like I know everyone. It's weird, I'm not used to it for sure. I'd like to go back to covering a whole stake or two. Not just two wards. But lots of things are going to be changing this upcoming transfer. President Winn is moving a lot of leaders around since we arent doing the best as a mission right now.(We're ONLY baptizing 50 a week...lol) I love my mission!

I am 3 weeks from htting a year. It's so weird. The mission is just life now and it's going by so fast. I'm kind of at a weird point in my mission though. I'm not trunky or anything, and I'm not green at all, so I'm just content with where im at right now and having a lot of fun. The only struggle I've been having lately is just really loving my investigators. I never thought that would be a problem. I feel like I'm baptizing people just because it's my job and to set an example for my Elders, and not because I truly love them. It's just hard right now to have a special relationship with people because you teach them for 3 weeks and then it's on to the next one. I'm almost not really pumped for baptisms anymore. It's just what we have every Saturday... I'm not being prideful. Just losing how special it is in the fact that it happens every week. I'm working on it though!

BUT I have found a new thing that I absolutley love. Being a leader is the biggest blessing right now. I have been able to help a lot of the elders in my dstrict lately. It's been the best. Idk how but whatever it is I'm saying is helping them. I talked to an Elder today only because he saw how much his companion changed after talking to me about the mission and what he needed to do to be happy. It was awesome. It's weird how everytime I talk to an Elder I think, "I just did absolutley nothing for that kid." But they start turning it around and improve. Sooo cool. :) So even though I'm struggling loving my investigators (gosh that sounds terrible!) I have never been more happy on my mission than right now helping these Elders. It's THE best.

For transfers though I'm going to be staying here in the Pioneer Stake pretty much for sure. And I'm crossing my fingers I'm a DT (District Leader/Trainer) There are lots of English kids coming in. But whatever, I just do what I'm told. I'm doing good. Happy to hopefully be done in the Samoan program soon lol Being 230lbs is not fun. I love you all and imma keep tearing it up as always.

Elder Orr

P.S. Sorry I never really talk about scripture stuff or quote things throughout my letters from the scriptures or send you tons of spiritual stuff. I'm not really into the whole sharing stuff just to share it. I mean, you guys know the scriptures so there is no need for me to expound on King Benjamin or anything. So just in case you're wondering I am learning stuff and getting a stronger testimony. Learning lots! But I'd rather just share the highlights and the big stuff. Sorry if that's what youre wanting. :/ I read other Elders blogs from my mission and think "My family and friends probably think I'm out here just having fun" haha But if you aren't having fun with the gospel and enjoy being a member, then whats the point? You know what I mean? For instance, and I quote "Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have JOY" haha There's some scripture mastery action for ya. :)

I'm just being me and sharing the gospel. I love it. Not putting a show on for people, I just love and a simple, powerful testimony. THAT is how you baptize. I don't know what I'm trying to say other than, just because I'm out having more fun than anyone, still have a personality and joke around a lot doesn't mean I'm not spiritually on fire right now. I love this church. I love being a missionary. I love my Savior.

Now go share your testimony, it's not hard if you're just yourself and talk about it like you actually have one. Share what you know. What is there to be afraid of when you know your right, and you have the Holy Ghost backing you up?? (Mosiah 28:3) Read it and live it! Love you family. I miss you so much. Enjoy the heat. Cant wait for August and to have Shelbz out here!

Brando