Running a 5K in proselyting clothes -- while finishing up the last few laps of his mission - Exactly 1 month to go

Fam!!!!  Alrighty so this week was fan stinkin-tastic! I'll share a few reasons why.  1^st) On 4th of July morning, I ran my very first 5k.  Haha there were a few elders who ran it and we had a bet going about who could win wearing proselyting clothes.  

I got second place. 

2^nd)  We went fishing this morning and I still haven't caught a fish in my life.

3^rd) I was able to go on a few exchanges with some missionaries this past week who were struggling and had wonderful times ministering to them and having them help out as well in return.  

Our area right now is struggling.  We had to drop everybody that we found and the promising potentials all rescheduled for this week so we're hoping they go through.  We've talked to lots and lots of people but from that not one person accepted any invitations.  So it was one of those weeks where I can walk away with peace knowing we tried our best but with a little bit of sadness seeing everybody reject our efforts.  

We are finally starting to see some progress on the trust that the members have for the missionaries in the ward, us now, and that gives me some hope that we can start supporting and empowering them to invite people.  Through it all I'm learning great lessons about humility and where to base self-esteem and confidence from.  A quote that I love at the moment is from President Ezra Taft Benson from his talk "Beware of Pride" which paraphrased says something to the effect of “- Love God, serve others, and do God's will and YOU WILL HAVE self esteem.” … I've been trying it out the previous few days and it's really been a game changer for me.  I can let myself feel the peace of trying my best when I decide to look at only my relationship with God, & not so much what others think of me or anything related to that.  So I'm still enjoying it!  

We met President Mendenhall this last week. He's awesome!  I'm definitely going to squeeze out as much advice as I can out of him over the next month.  Fam, I love you lots and hope you have a great week.  If you ever feel down or "unsuccessful" with anything then take a step back, evaluate your relationship with God and go from there.  I love you all and am filled with gratitude for you.  Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, I can feel them.  Love ya!

Elder Traasdahl