3/26/13

Dear Family,

 

I send this e-mail with several mixed emotions. Of course, one cannot expect to dodge the bullet too long. The Lord really blessed me to be in Dash Point. You never know truly how much you love people until you have to walk away from them. Last evening, I started getting pretty sick last night. It started with a cold as I laid on the floor anticipating the SEVERAL baptisms that await Dash Point. Then the phone vibrated, and I say the words "Federal Way A." I answered the phone and said "What's happening." With a less than thrilled tone. It was Elder Orr, the Junior Zone Leader. "Elder Lovell! How are you!" "Oh no, Elder Orr. What is happening???" "Oh, Im just calling in to let you know, the Lord needs you and your talents and abilities in another zone and that he is well pleased, as are we, for your service here!" I was crushed. "I'm going out of zone?" "Yes, Elder Lovell." Then the water works started happening and I had to go.

 

I didn't sleep last night. At all. I started getting nauseated, just could not sleep. In the morning, Elder Garner and I had some great talks. As we reminiced over the transfer, the cell phone rang again. I looked down at it as it displayed "Lakota Creek A." That area houses the Assistants to the President. They call in the Morning to give leadership assignments of things like trainers and district leaders. "Good, I thought, Elder Garner will get to train here, and it will be the best trainee in the mission!" Elder Garner answered the phone: "Hello, this is Elder Garner... Oh you want to speak to Elder Lovell?" I stopped packing and looked at him. Surely he was playing a prank. "Here he is," continued Elder Garner as he handed me the phone. . "Hello? This is Elder Lovell." I said. A cheerful voice responded "ELDER LOVELL! HOW ARE YOU??" It was Elder Clark, the Assistant to the President who was in my district this passed transfer. I wracked my brains wondering why he would be calling me. I thought I might be training. "Elder Clark, I am doing well." I lied. "Elder Lovell, you sound sad. Are you ok.". "Elder Clark, I really loved Dash Point." He didn't really have time to sympathize. "Well Elder Lovell, thank you for being my District Leader this transfer, you have taught me a lot. I am calling you to tell you that the Lord has been preparing you..." ("No kidding," I thought, "I feel the refining fire now.") "... He wants you to serve as a Zone Leader. Do you accept this calling?" "Yes," I said, choking back tears. "Elder Lovell, you're going to do great things. The Lord wants you there. Have a great day!"

 

We went and visited several people this morning. Jason Cannon, an Elder in our ward that is waiting to go out on a mission of his own, met us at a member's house - the Lunnens. I love the Lunnens. They are so wonderful. Brother Lunnen and Sister Lunnen are such great friends. Jason comes into the Lunnen's house, sees me and says "What the heck are you doing! You're supposed to tell yourself 'you hate this area, and you've learned nothing! Tell President you hate the people here and have him keep you here!" I laughed and cried at the same time. Soon enough it was time to go, and brother Lunnen pulled me into a hug and said he will miss me. Sister Anderson came up to our room before she went to work and said bye and I shook her hand. Then we went to go say bye to Mama Lucy, and she was as upset as I'll get out. And then we went to see all our recent converts. It was a sad goodbye but a good promise that I can come back in a year or a little more. 

 

We have two baptisms on date for this Saturday, Nearly two for the week after that, and possibly two for the week after that. Dash Point exploded just as I left and I feel great about that. I feel like nothing was left unfinished. And by the way, our former investigator, Paris, called last night and said "Hey Elder Lovell, I just need to tell you, I am getting baptized on April 20th, its time for me to join the Mormon church." Elder Garner and I just sat there and cried. haha. 

 

Elder Garner is my favorite companion. I love him and I am sure going to miss him. He is going to do some awesome things here. I want everyone to know how much this Elder changed my mission. We set a culture of exact obedience. We were reading that passport book that rachel gave me and I came across Jeremy's mission advice section. I will need to paraphrase but here is somewhat of what it said "Be obedient. In fact be crazy obedient. Some of the fastest running times I have ever gotten were as my companion and I ran home before curfew." 

 

"How do we be crazy obedient?" we asked ourselves. We were following President Larkin's council. But as we knelt in prayer, the Lord showed us ways to improve ourselves. It has been wonderful, and the work exploded.  

 

I love you all!

 

Mom: Thank you for always giving great insight. Im not sure how I can grow up and feel like you love me more than I already know. I sure love you and am really grateful for you.

Dad: Mom also talked about San Diego. Sounds like you had lots of great dining and fun! I loved the insights you had too from the psychologist. I love you and am really grateful for you!

Rachel and Ryan: Hope all is well! I love you!

Jeremy and Heidi (and Chloe): Happy birthday Chloe, you cute munchkin! I love you all and hope all is well!

Elizabeth and James: I know a little bit on how you feel with your new calling. My new calling is pretty scary to me? How about you? I am glad to hear James is enjoying work and collegues! I love you both!

Erik: I was super happy for your new photos! Those looked exciting! Can I get details!? I love you!

--

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004