Elder Jeremy Ashton Boyd: CHALMETTE CHRONICLES: WEEK TWO

Oh, Blessed Jesus (Alma 19:29) it's P Day!

You know, I've never really appreciated Mondays so much before. Maybe this mission is changing me? CAUSE YOU BET YOUR DARN TOOTIN' CRAWDAD SCALES this is perhaps one of my more favorite days of the week. Another week full of wacky experiences, even kookier people, and a gospel..that really hasn't changed much, seeing as it really is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and it's HECKA RIGHTEOUS AND AWESOME AND THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT. But yes, that's right ladies and gentleman, it's time for this weeks edition of THE CHALMETTE CHRONICLES. *Cue epic-ly spiritual intro music*

My dearest friends and family, your prayers have been felt. I've felt the thoughts and love of those in my regard so fully, it brings a grown man to tears. Thank you. I pray for each and every one of your precious souls with every humble prayer I offer- we are so incredibly blessed of our Father in Heaven, and I know that it is through the comfort and guidance of his Holy Spirit and his mercy on my wandering soul that this mission is happening. I wish upon all of you that same blessing of sanctuary- may you all find the utmost peace in knowing that this gospel is true, and God loves you. Okay. Tender moment over. Thank you again.

HOW Y'ALL DOING? I tell you what, out here in the bayou we getting some work done. This week has once again been hectic and wild and bizarre and a tad bit smelly, but nothing I haven't been able to overcome through the impeccable grace and love of our Savior Jesus Christ. This past week has been filled with some nitty-gritty work and some spectacular miracles, so Let's GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD SHALL WE?

Firstly, Orison is still a legend. I've evolved into calling him dad (though he could never replace the most humble, hilarious, and handsome man on the planet, the one, and only Ward Carson Boyd III) and it brings me great joy. He even calls me son occasionally, which gives me verification that he doesn't think I'm that weird. ANYWAYS, we've had some legendary spiritual discussions this week, and through the scriptures and our time proselyting, we've come to be pretty swell friends. We've continued to teach our investigators last week. We actually likened our tracting efforts to basketball terminology. We have our Rookies: C., A., The Big Three (T, C., and Ta), R, O, V, and some other awesome people who actually gave us Jesus People a chance. We have our Draft Picks (Potential Investigators), our Retired Players (Former Investigators) and our D-League (People who don't know they're investigators, but they're destined for the big leagues, just you wait.) However, despite this awesome system, we encountered quite a bit of rejection this past week. No-one was home, lot's of people weren't too amused with our door approach, lots of rescheduled appointments, and even someone who decided that reincarnation was the life for them. All in all, it's been a week full of learning and experience, to say the least. Really what kept me going this week was ONE: Thanksgiving TWO: Thoughts of all of you and my purpose for serving a mission.

Thanksgiving: My first Thanksgiving away from home was pretty magical. We went Downtown in New Orleans which is a lot more like Princess and the Frog and everything Chalmette and the East side are NOT) and had a grand Thanksgiving Palooza where we did service for a few hours. The missionaries were tasked with regulating the clothing department and let me tell you, it was so humbling to work among these people. I felt so much unconditional charity and love for the children of God who needed something as simple as clothing. It got me thinking, maybe this is what Christ feels for all of us? He knows how desperately we need happiness in this life, and he just radiates with excitement at providing us salvation and comfort through him. I gained a redefined love for our Savior and his sacrifice that day. I also got to know the other Elders and Sisters in the Zone and dance with a Zulu man, so, all in all, it was a rather smashing morning. We then made our way over to the local Relief Society President's sisters house to have Thanksgiving lunch (I ate turkey cause Louisianans love butter.) And we closed the holiday with one of the greatest expressions of care and best meals I've had in Louisiana thus far. The Branch President's wife, Sister F., created an entire dairy-free Thanksgiving dinner for me. Now if that's not service, that woman has a seat reserved in the highest place of my Southern heart. Goodness, it was yummy. We ended that night as I shared a spiritual thought by singing and playing the guitar to Come Thou Fount. It was a good second option to home. The people out here are incredible. I still feel a little anxious, fatigued, and scared at times, but I'm trusting in the Lord to deliver this missionary eventually. We keep stumbling upon these crazy crime stories, cause everyone loves to talk about how "thug" they are out here, and each one warrants a little prayer for safety in my heart. But all things are possible through Christ, and I just gotta REMEMBER THAT. I treasure my time spent reading scriptures about Book of Mormon people who struggled with some iniquity themselves and find comfort in the Lord and his promise of EVENTUAL REST.

Okay, I had another extremely cool opportunity last night. So Orison and I are the only English Elders in the area- the other missionaries being Spanish. And because Spanish people speak Spanish, they don't really understand the English meetings. SO, they meet later in the evening on Sunday in this Hermana's apartment mansion (seriously it's so big you wouldn't even believe) and they have sacrament meeting there. Well, we went last night, and the entire meeting was in Spanish. I didn't understand a word- I know very limited Spanish and so I was the welcoming committee (Hola. Bienvenidos) I sounded like a broken Spanish robot, but I loved every minute of it. I EVEN.. wait for it... BLESSED THE SACRAMENT IN SPANISH. That's right. I read straight out of the Spanish Moroni and exercised the gift of tongues, and blessed the Sacrament. It was the cooliest. The church is the church no matter where you go, and as Jesus states in the New Testament, "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." That is truer than true. I feel the Savior's love for all of you, and I know his Spirit was at that meeting last night. I couldn't understand a single word, yo soy gingo, but I understood the Spirit it was all said in. These people love Christ. And I do too. We are all part of one eternal family, spirit children of our Heavenly Father, and are all preaching the same gospel. Orison and I got a little feel for that while we proselyted this week. We did everything we could to refine our approach, cause these people think they believe what we believe, only they're Baptist. They literally agree with everything we say, but they don't understand any of it, and then quickly usher us out the door. We don't often get return appointments because they think we're believing in the same thing. The perfect antidote to this, I've discovered, is to bear plain, simple testimony. Whether or not they believe what you're saying, if you're feeling the Spirit they are too- they just don't know it. This work is not done at ALL by us alone. We are yolked WITH the Savior and it is through His Spirit that we carry this doctrine UNTO the hearts of the children of men. Notice that phrasing, "unto." We can only bring it to their doorstep, but it's their choice whether or not to let it in. This is a true principle people. Besides, what harm does it do to let people know the only way in which they can receive salvation and how much they are loved by a loving Heavenly Father and his Only Begotten Son? None. When in doubt, testimony out.

On to normal people details; The water here requires filtering, but we bought a Brita and now we're enjoying our hydrated paradise. In fact, I drink so much water down here, that we've developed a "bathroom approach" where we go up to a house, and whether or not they want our message, they usually let me use their bathroom, and Orison takes it over from there. It's quite effective. :) I had my first gumbo the other day, and it IS as wonderful as it's jazzed up to be. At least I think it was gumbo.. you never know here in Louisiana. The sunsets only get prettier out here, seriously. YESTERDAY actually, we visited an infamous landmark here in Chalmette. You know that part in Forrest Gump where he runs through the swooping oak trees? Yeah. We visited that. And took pictures. It was kinda sketchy cause it's right off the highway, but we played a little Frogger and got some righteous tree pics. (see attached photo). Orison and I are listening to some bomb talks recently in the car- His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox is a MUST READ if you haven't read it. It will change your life and perspective on everything (maybe not exactly, but it's pretty rad.) Um, I like to belt out children's songs while we tract. Our apartment is definitely a refuge away from all the chaos of the world. As soon as we step through that holy door, I immediately feel more comfortable and protected. Some wise words of wisdom I've lived by this week are, you can be what you want to be, but why not be better? The Lord is always looking out for his children and has overbuilt us with the potential of becoming greater than we can even fathom. Remember that next time you think you're not good enough. The Lord trusts you with one of the greatest works he has ever bestowed upon his children: sharing the gospel with the lost sheep. Just because we are of his fold, doesn't mean we are meant to be idle: get comfortable being uncomfortable share your happiness. What did Lehi want to do after he partook of the fruit of the tree of life? He wanted to share it with his family. Don't be selfish with your happiness, we're all part of the same family.

Yes, missionary work is hard. I feel quite anxious most of the time and I'm definitely not in Washington anymore- but when you're doing the Lords work, you are qualified and preserved to accomplish everything he asks you to do. He really does help the man who helps himself. I know that to be true. I know that in time, things will get better. Hopefully. If not, at least we have the gospel, right? And ukuleles. Ukuleles are awesome.

I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers and PLEASE know that they're all felt. Please continue to pray for this little lad, cause he's working solely on faith and trust right now. I hope you all had an absolutely RIVETING holiday season and remember to channel the spirit of gratitude and character of Christ always. I love you all so much. Go soak in nature, Go appreciate life's gifts. Walk your neighbor's dog. Give your sister some of your chicken nuggets. Do SOMETHING this week that lets other's know you love them. I know if you do, you'll never regret it. I know I never regret having such an amazing family and support group cheering me on from the mountains of the PNW. Your cheers are heard. I hope you all have incredible weeks and always remember that Christ and Elder Boyd loves you!

With so much gratitude and confidence in brighter and better days,

Elder Boyd

Thanksgiving Day: