Helloooo, I Made It!! It's crazy it to believe i'm actually in Pittsburgh, specifically in the Altoona Zone, Johnstown area. Johnstown is such a beautiful city and it's been such an incredible experience so far.
As I reflect on my journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences I've had. After leaving the MTC at 5:37 AM on Wednesday, I took a bus, Frontrunner, and Trax to get to the Salt Lake International Airport. My flight to Pittsburgh was only four hours, which wasn't bad at all. I had some really good elders going to my mission sitting next to me, and we just chatted the whole time. When we finally arrived, the mission president and the APs were there to greet us and help us with our luggage. They mentioned that they've been talking about me and anticipating my arrival for over three months now, which was quite amusing.
The mission home is in a crazy rich house and neighborhood, but the mission presidents are super cool and nice. They even teased me about my name during dinner, which was pizza, of course. It's still surreal being in Pittsburgh and on a mission; it feels like a fever dream or vacation to me. The landscape here is so different from what I'm used to - super forest-dense, rolling hills, lots of empty space, and farmland. It's a beautiful change of pace.
I've been working with Elder Kress, my trainer, who has been out for a year so far. He's from Idaho Falls, and we bond over being the youngest with older siblings who are returned missionaries. He's teaching me so much about the gospel and being a good missionary. My first area is Johnstown in the Altoona Zone, which is a pretty poor area but the people are so cool. A few years ago, Johnstown offered free government housing, and many people from Philadelphia moved here, which has caused some tension among the natives.
One of the most impactful experiences I've had so far was a scripture study with a member family in Johnstown. We studied Alma 17 and 18, and the story of Ammon as King Lamoni's servant really stood out to me. Ammon's ministry to the Lamanites is a powerful example of God's love and mercy. What's remarkable about King Lamoni's story is how quickly God forgives him despite his past. This shows God's infinite and merciful nature, where He is quick to forgive and offer redemption to those who repent and turn to Him.
Teaching people has been a wild experience, to say the least. I've encountered people who are genuinely interested in learning more about us and our message, as well as those who we affectionately call "PA Ramblers." They share their beliefs, which can range from LDS to Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and even aliens. One guy, Victor, was particularly interesting. He has a lot of faith in various religions and would agree with our teachings, then share his own thoughts. It was challenging to get our lesson across without him sharing his beliefs, so we adjusted our approach.
On a more positive note, getting "finds" has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing people genuinely interested in us and our invitation is something I'll never get tired of. We have two kids, Derrick and Grayson, on track for baptism, and a few others who might be put on track soon, which is exciting.
One area I'm still working on is finding a balance between sharing the depth of the gospel and keeping my teachings simple and brief. I love diving into the doctrine of Christ and exploring the intricacies of God's plan, but I know that's not always what people are looking for when they're first learning about the Church. I'm trying to be more mindful of the Spirit's guidance and tailor my teachings to the needs and interests of the people I'm working with. It's a challenge for me to simplify my language and focus on the key points, but I'm praying for guidance and looking forward to becoming a more effective teacher as I gain more experience.
We've also been having a lot of fun cooking and experimenting with different meals in the mission home. One of our favorite dishes so far has been BBQ Chicken on eggs - it sounds weird, but trust me, it's surprisingly good! We had a bit of a sparse pantry on Sunday since it was the day before our P-Day shopping trip, but we made do with what we had. That BBQ Chicken on eggs ended up being a highlight of the week, and it's become a staple in our meal rotation. Who knew eggs and BBQ Chicken would be a match made in heaven?
Adjusting to the routine has been a struggle, especially since our mission involves a lot of driving. While it's great that we can get to places quickly, the long hours in the car make me feel constantly tired. Despite the challenges, every single day I am growing closer to my Savior and learning more about the doctrine of Christ.
I'm also feeling grateful for the kindness of some wonderful member families in our area. They've been going out of their way to show us love and hospitality, and it's truly amazing. The Reeds even took the time to feed us a delicious Thanksgiving-style dinner, which was such a treat. And David took us to lunch at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, which was incredible. These acts of kindness have meant so much to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to get to know these families better. It's experiences like these that remind us of the love and support that exists within the Church, and we're thankful to be a part of it.
I also want to take a moment to express my gratitude to those who have played a significant role in preparing me for this mission. My MTC teachers, Sister Myers and Sister Smith, were instrumental in helping me develop the skills and confidence I needed to succeed as a missionary. Their guidance, support, and examples have been invaluable to me. But most of all, I want to thank my parents. Without their love, support, and example, I wouldn't be here today, teaching these principles with confidence. They've instilled in me a strong testimony of the gospel and have encouraged me to share it with others. I'm so grateful for their influence in my life, and I know that I'm representing them well as I serve in this mission. Their sacrifices and dedication to my spiritual development have made all the difference, and I'm thankful for them every day.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this mission and appreciate your support. I look forward to sharing more experiences with you in the future.
Love Yinz,
Elder Batman
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