Micah's 1st week in Agua Dulce w/ Elder Ramirez

 10-16-24

So my time as a trainer was cut short, and I was sent to go kill another missionary. (missionary term for being the last comp of an Elder going home)

The area (Agua Dulce, Veracruz) is pretty rough as far as the work goes, and it's considered to be one of the worst areas in the mission because the people here aren't receptive but oh well. The work goes on. Outside of the work, the area is pretty dope. We're out in the boonies, middle of the jungle, so it makes for some cool sightseeing if you like nature n crap.

So anyway, the Elder I'm killing is Élder Ramirez, from Texas.

Well, my mom shared a poem with me that pretty much sums up my whole mission experience, so I'll share it with y'all now.

"A mission is a strange experience

It is a trial and a test.

A mission throws at you the worst

Yet, teaches you the best.

I’ve never been so happy,

I’ve never been so depressed.

I’ve never felt so forsaken,

I’ve never felt so blessed.

I’ve never been so confused,

Things have never been so clear.

I’ve never felt my Heavenly Father so distant,

He’s never been so near.

I’ve never been so discouraged,

I’ve never been so full of hope.

I feel I could go on for forever,

I think I’ve come to the end of my rope.

I’ve never had it quite so easy,

I’ve never had it quite so tough.

Things have never been so smooth,

Things have never been so rough.

I’ve never traveled through more valleys,

I’ve never ascended more peaks.

I’ve never met so many nice people.

I’ve never met so many freaks!

I’ve never had so many ups,

I’ve never had so many downs.

I’ve never worn so many smiles,

I’ve never had so many frowns.

I’ve never been so lonely,

I’ve never had so many friends.

BOY, I hope this is over soon,

GOSH, I hope this never ends."

The mission is hard. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one trying to be obedient, and that makes it ever harder to want to try. And in a mission where almost every missionary baptizes a lot and many view that as a measurement for success, I sometimes don't feel very successful. But one thing I've learned, and am continuing to learn is that I can have peace knowing that obedience to God is the most important. The success of a missionary truly is determined by the obedience of a missionary and their own personal conversion to God and Jesus Christ.

I wouldn't trade my mission for anything. I've learned so much over the past year, and I'm ready for whatever other lesson the last year holds. En el nombre de Jesucristo, amén.

Out in the Boonies!

Ramen with shrimp, habanero, lime, bacon, mushrooms, soy sauce, and egg.