Progressive 2.0

I am still learning.  I am not perfect.  There is a TON I have to change within myself.  These are facts that I know.  But, I also know that I am not alone.  We are all still learning.  Ask any one of the missionaries and they will tell you the same thing.  The California Santa Rosa Missionaries are combining in a series of post's about what we have learned while on our missions entitled: "Still in Progress... A Progressive Post."  Seeing as I have previously shared a great deal of what I have learned while in my previous areas, it is indeed time that I share a bit about my Eureka experience thus far.

As you have probably heard from Elder Menasco, Eureka is an amazing place!  Okay, it's phenomenal!  I love it!  Aside from the outer beauty and splendor of this city there is a deeper beauty that has captivated me.  That beauty is found in the love of the people.

Six weeks ago I left Cordelia California, which was hard for me.  I really came to love and adore the people there and everything about Cordelia.  It was hard to leave, but I knew it was what the Lord had in store.  When I got to Eureka, things were a bit chaotic.  My companion and I were both new up here and didn't know our way around at ALL.  Our first night here we realized we were late to a dinner appointment and skedaddled on over there. 

The wonderful member we were eating with directed us all the way to their home via phone.  We didn't even get the chance to knock on their door when we arrived because they were outside waiting for us.  Now, people waiting outside the door with excitement is not the usual response missionaries get.  But there they were, right outside smiling and waving us in.  Believe it or not, this response happened again.  Not just once, twice, or thrice, but four times!  All Hermana Haslam and I could think or say was "WE LOVE EUREKA!"

Hermana Haslam and I were welcomed here with open and loving arms.  We have become one of the family.  All of this within six weeks!  I feel like Jasmine when she sings "Unbelievable sights, indescribable feeling."  The love here can't be explained through words.  The only way my simple mind can describe it is that it's how Christ would love.  Perfectly, wholly, and eternally.

I am so grateful that I have been given this chance to come to Eureka.  The term "ward family" has a whole new meaning to me now.  The members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really are a family here and are accepting of all.  They are willing to love and embrace anyone.  Boy or girl, young or old, Elder or Sister, member or not.  Christ's love is felt here and emulated in the way He would expect it to be.  Thank you and I love you!

Now, the "Still in Progress... A Progressive Post" is due to continue on Elder McBride's blog on Thursday.  Go check it out!  For In Thee Is My Joy.