November 4, 2010

Well, I've been transferred. It was pretty hard leaving the city, but change is good. Now I'm here in the Walnut Creek Zone - still a Zone Leader serving in the Walnut Creek 3rd ward (YSA) and the Clayton Valley 1st ward. It has been a big change! People have yards here! It's been good so far. My companion is E. Wickel from Nephi, UT. He's good. So today we had a very unusual Zone Leader council. President told us to come in gym shorts and running shoes. We did our usual accountability report (It was weird doing it for Walnut Creek, and not SFW), then after President tells us that we will be going on a 6 mile mountain trail run. We all drove up to the forest above the temple. Before we began the run, President told us that the run would be a lot like our missions. There would be uphills and downhills and different challenges for everyone. Four missionaries (I was one of them) were given "an extra burden" to carry. We had backpacks full of water bottles for everyone. We were each given a map to help us stay on the right path (representing Preach My Gospel and the scriptures). President told us to be reflective of our missions as we ran. Throughout the 6 miles, we stopped at various places where President and Sis. Wade would speak to us. The first stop represented the first 6 months of our missions. A lot of it was downhill, and we were told that it only god harder. We actually had to retrace our steps for about .3 miles up switch backs, which represented repentance. It was tough - especially with a backpack on. Another stop throughout the run, Sis. Wade talked about the importance of helping others. During the run we had to stay wit our companions. E. Wickel is a lot stronger runner than I am (and I had a pack on), but he encouraged me and motivated me. We talked about how important it is as leaders in the mission (and life in general) to help those that struggle on your way. It is no fun to make it to the end all by yourself. One of the last stops represented our 18th month mark. It was high at the top of the mountain where you could see the trail we ran up, and how far we had come. The last 2 miles of the run was downhill and ended at the steps of the temple. We all met there and ended the 6 mile run. The last stretch - running up to the temple was killer! I thought I was going to die. I was so beat! I haven't been able to do any physical activity because of my back so I am super out of shape. When we all got there President talked to us, then we all ate lunch on the temple grounds. Most of us just laid on the ground because we were so tired! Fat and out of shape! It was a great experience. I learned a lot and was able to think about how grateful I really am to be out serving a mission. It is the best experience I have ever had.