I gave my talk in sacrament meeting on Sunday and it went well. I talked about the experience I had on trek with singing the song as a company. At Martin's Cove the trek company stopped and we sand a song together. As we sang I felt the spirit strongly. As we sang I felt sure of God's existence and had a feeling of joy. I talked about the the importance of the Holy Ghost in our lives and how we can have Him as our constant companion and how the music we listen to can affect this companionship. I did not write out the talk word for word. I just wrote an outline. I was not sure how that would go. However, I felt I was more prepared for the talk knowing I could not just go up and read the script. I liked how it went.
I was on an exchange while Elder Pixton was at the temple. The people Elder Pixton and I talk with sometimes ask Elder Pixton if he is getting "trunky", anxious to pack his bags and go home (he has 9 days left). He is excited to go home, but he is not rubbing it in too much. :) Talking with people is something that I am still nervous about and that is hard. I am getting better with talking though. I am trying to decide how it is best to approach people and share our message, while showing interest in the person and not seem pushy. I guess that is the million dollar question though. I am not feeling overwhelmed however and I feel that as I exercise faith in Christ I will be strengthened to become who I need to become. I know as I face my fears my faith in Christ will grow.
What is hardest though, is not the talking or teaching, but that for most the time you are neither talking with or teaching anyone. It can get boring. However, this is an opportunity to really determine why I am serving a mission and really learning to feel the importance of what I am doing. Being here has been challenging, but not in the way I though it would be. I study a lot each day and I actually really like study time. I feel my understanding of the gospel is increasing.
I had an interview with President Layton this week and it went well. I like him and do not feel uncomfortable around him. The ward members are very friendly in Snow ward and it is cool to see how the doctrine of Christ is the same everywhere and through all times.
I am glad to hear you are all doing well. I love you greatly. I appreciate being the family we are more and more the longer I am away from you. This was the case at college and now here in Bakersfield. Despite my difficulties, which are small compared to most, I am doing well. Seriously, don't worry about it. ;)