Dear Ben,
Here is my advice/what I´ve learned so far on the mission. I hope it helps you or at least is interesting. It´s going to be kind of stream of consciousness, but here goes.
* We can understand better what God is like by looking at the good qualities in other people. Because we are his children, the good qualities we have are the same ones he has. God just has the perfect versions of all those qualities. For example: I´ve realized more how kind and forgiving God is because I know people who are kind and forgiving to me. Everyone you will ever meet on your mission is a child of God and in at least some small way, like God.
* God often shows his love for us through other people. So when you get nice letters from home or receive service from members or investigators, thank them but thank Heavenly Father too, and remember that he is showing the enormous love he has for you through them.
* Sometimes people do the wrong thing (or something that initially seems wrong or not right) because they are good. For example, delay getting baptized because they have a desire to learn more or do it sincerely. Some faults are just strengths we don´t know how to control yet, and all faults are evidence of a person´s deeper needs.
* Sometimes you will be having a hard day and not do quite as much as you are supposed to and your companion will cover your slack. When it happens, don´t be too hard on yourself, just be grateful that your companion is there to help you. That´s part of why we work in companionships-- so we can cover for each other´s weaknesses and be stronger together.
* Try to trust your companion and not dominate the teaching conversation during lessons. As much as you can, don´t let your companion talk for the whole lesson either (this is tricky when you are new). The lesson really is better when you take turns talking and switch off often, even if one of you can´t speak well. I am still working on this one and I have a long way to go.
* The first time I read part of Preach my Gospel, during my freshman year in college, I was not impressed. I remember thinking that the first principles of the first lesson were not really relevant. But my ideas have changed before and during the mission-- Preach my Gospel is a very very inspired manual that will help you be the missionary you want to be. Reading it (especially chapter 3) will help you prepare for your mission.
* To prepare for your mission: read PMG, study your scriptures, think about how the gospel would seem to an investigator, and go on splits with the elders.
* Obedience to the mission rules is always worth it, but you might not always realize why until after you´ve been obedient. Just be obedient and you will be happier and more blessed.
* Don´t confuse being obedient with following everything your district or zone leader says. Sometimes they might get carried away, especially when it comes to trying to get more baptisms. Be willing to follow their advice, but think carefully about it first. If you have a doubt about what they are telling you, just ask the mission president.
* Try to think about yourself as little as possible, but don´t be too discouraged by how hard this actually is (still struggling with this one too).
* Push yourself but don´t be too hard on yourself.
* Always think positively. (still working on this one too)
Well, that´s it for now. I hope you have a fabulous week. I´m so excited for you to go to Brazil!
Love,
Ellis
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