Week 55

Today I do not have a companion. I am staying with the Zone Leaders until I pick up a new missionary. I don't know who yet. Elder Webb is from Lehi, UT but he just got transferred back to ASL work. We did not have much in common. But that has been the same for pretty much all of
my companions. And that is awesome! I like getting a new perspective on things and to be able to find traits I like about each of them and apply it to myself. Elder Webb is a great friend to all of our investigators, which make a world of a difference!

I have been thinking about the many places I have been and was thinking about whether or not I had a favorite. I decided I cannot have a favorite. To compare two wards is like trying to compare apples
to oranges. They are all good but they are all just so different that it is hard to compare them. My first area had a great Ward council with a determined Bishop but missionary work was an afterthought. Plus, I was walking in my first ward and that make a huge difference. My second ward had a rather dysfunctional ward council but the spirit of the ward was unlike any other. And with the extremely high density of people in that area, there was always someone to talk to about Christ. And in this, my third ward, the ward council is new, but strong. Our bishop is very missionary minded and the members are very supportive. There area has hardly any places we can find investigators through our own efforts so we need to find them through members. And so far things have been working out. I think my favorite ward is which ever one I am in. The work is great everywhere and the Lord knows perfectly what I need.

The Otay Mesa Ward has been flourishing in missionary work lately and it has been because of our resent investment in finding and teaching investigators through members. We have been developing relationships with the members in a way that they feel more inspired to be a member missionary. And by result of that we have 17 investigators and 3 of them are progressing to being baptized on August 27th!

It is kind of exciting counting down the days for a new opportunity, with me getting new companion and all. But I enjoy even better the experience of making this day count. If I live every day to the
fullest the I will have no regrets. While keeping in mind the days ahead I choose to make this day the best one yet!

~ Elder Josh Alger