Service with Heart and Soul

Jared Mission November 13, 2016

Jared started serving his mission on November 7^th, 2016

I began by working at the Bishop’s storehouse. I left at 5:30 am and arrived by 6:20 am in Happy Valley, Oregon. I helped fill meat orders by opening boxes of different types of meat and put the packages of meat in a bag and put the bags in bins. We also had a safety briefing, which is where someone talked about work place injuries and how to prevent them.

Then at 9:45 I walked over to the Deseret Industries and met the people that worked there. I began to work there at 10:00 am. I started in the clothing department and hung up clothes to be tagged for sale items. I then talked to the vocational counselor about what I wanted to do after my mission. Then I took a break and ate my lunch and went back to the hanging department. I then talked with the man in charge of the DI about other things that I liked to do, and things that he liked to do. I then helped clear old shirts that weren’t selling to make room for new shirts. The shirts that don’t sell are boxed up and shipped to other countries for refugees and those in need. I finished my shift at 5:00 pm and my dad picked me up for the hour and half ride home.

I then finished my Monday by going to the Young Single Adult Family Home Evening activity. My favorite part of working was getting to meet all the new people at the Bishop’s storehouse and the Deseret Industries.

Tuesday I worked at the Family History Center in Hillsboro, Oregon from 10:00 to 4:00 pm. I started my day with an hour of scripture study and half hour of exercise (as I am required to do each day). At the family history center I learned how to attach records to ancestors on the computer. I liked learning how to do that and look forward to doing more family history work.

On Wednesday my mom and I went to get my Temple clothes. That was a fun experience. Later that night I went to Institute which is a Scripture class for Young Adults. We are studying the Book of Mormon. If anyone would like to join me, just give me a call!

On Thursday, I went on splits with the full time missionaries in my family ward. We visited many people and I especially enjoyed meeting a man from Europe who moved here when he was 8 years old.

On Friday I worked at the Washington County Bike Coalition and Transportation in Hillsboro Oregon. I worked from 10:00 am until 3:15 pm. I learned how to remove reflectors and tires from the wheels for recycling. I helped get two bikes ready to get moved into the inventory by reading the model number and other information to one of the volunteers that worked there. My favorite part of that day was learning how to fix and repair the bikes. I am looking forward to learning more about repairing bikes.

On Saturday I went to the Temple to receive my Endowment!! It made me feel good but a little bit overwhelmed with all the new things to learn about. I am so thankful that Sara, Trevor and Garrett were able to be there with me. It made me really happy and I’m thankful that I can go to the Temple now!

On Sunday I went to the YSA branch. I like being around a larger group of people my age who have the same goals and values that I do. I feel the Spirit when I attend the branch.

I know that what I’m doing is right. I am looking forward to this next week and all the experiences that I’m going to have. I know this church is true. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Markham