I forgot how long it took to drive to Pittsburgh from the east side. I left Harrisburg last week at like 3'00, stopped in Altoona for dinner on the way, and arrived at the Assistants' apartment at 9'00. Blech. But it gave me and the other missionary who was training also a lot of time to talk. We talked about the future and what it held after the mission. Surprisingly that talk gave me more peace than what I had been experiencing. A lot of it revolved around just doing what the Lord asks and everything else will fall into place, can't do much more than that.
I picked up my new companion on Tuesday. Being my third time training, you'd think that I'd have this down or something. But I was earnestly seeking revelation just before the meeting started about how I could stay strong for my last two transfers and help shepherd this new young missionary to a lifestyle that won't just benefit his mission, but like in the case of my trainer, it will hopefully benefit his whole life. Such is proving to be the case, for from the first moment I saw my new companion, I knew I would be able to help him. His name is Elder Mat West from Pocatello, Idaho. He's everything that a new missionary should be and a wonderful companion. I was half-expecting President to put me with a struggling missionary for my last two transfers, but I don't think I've had a more humble companion than Elder West. Though he grew up in the Church, a mission was one of the last things on his mind, and a lot of worldly things could have kept him from coming out, but he did, and I'm glad he did. He's probably also the coolest kid I've served with; and when I say cool, I mean cool. He probably would've been on the other side of the lunch room from me in High School, but I've been able to help him learn so much about the gospel that he didn't know. He reminds me a little bit of my naive view of the gospel when I came out, and it was only through the patient and loving teaching of my trainer that I came to love the gospel. I have a feeling Elder West will be one of my favourite companions.
The work has been bit trying this week, but we have seen miracles admist the darkness. Marty and Donna continue to amaze me with their faith. I told you last week they decided to get married, but I was disappointed to hear that they were going to move down to North Carolina right after their baptism, a move where they don't know anyone down there, let alone members of the Church who care about them and will help them progress. They surprised us with the notion that they are actually staying in Pennsylvania! We've just been hurrying to help them get everything ready for when they will get married and then baptized the day after! I remember asking Dad when I was serving in Bedford if investigators ever really did get married just to get baptized, because I remember I was working with a couple who didn't think much of baptism and was willing to wait until the next year for their wedding. It's amazing how people can change and are willing to do anything for that taste of the gospel.
Love you all,
Elder Low
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