A letter from a loving brother in law

Wyatt sent this letter to Mandy about a week ago, I thought it was sweet and applies to so many missionaries everywhere so I thought I would share.

Mandy- 

He oido que sientes triste a causa del idioma. Entiendo que tienes el deseo de hablar perfectamente ahorita, pero ten paciencia. Si sigas estudiando y practicando sin fallar, por medio de muchas oraciones tandrás exito con el idioma. Don't forget that The Lord called you to this mission and knows what you're capable of. He knows that you will be able to learn the language, but it will also be challenging. If it comes to you too easily, then you won't appreciate as much. I promise you that as you keep practicing with your companions that you'll do just fine. I had un compañero Chileno, and he had to learn English while I had to learn Spanish. We had days where we would take turns speaking to each other and having personal and companionship study time in either language. If it was Spanish day, we couldn't speak a single word of English, even if I wanted to ask what a word was or something. Do that with your English speaking companions and you'll be the best Spanish speaker in the mission. 

My mission was at times the hardest thing I've ever had to do. The low feelings of rejection are the lowest, but the highs are the best you'll ever feel. That one person that lets you in for a discussion at the end of a crappy day makes it all worth it. 

There are two truths in missionary work that most missionaries have a hard time accepting:

1- It's not personal. They're not rejecting you. They might be rejecting you as the messenger, but not you as a person. Ultimately they are rejecting the gospel and will have to answer for it. Pray for those that don't accept your message, but don't let it discourage you. 

2- Sometimes a missionary's work is to plant the seed, and nothing more. Some of the most promising discussions with the neatest people on my mission ended up being dead ends. But the seed was planted, and it'll grow until ready to harvest. Sometimes you'll be the planter, and sometimes you'll be the harvester. Both jobs are equally important, but one feels more gratifying than the other. 

And remember that success is not measured in number of discussions taught, or people baptized. It's measured in how well you served The Lord and how dedicated you are to making yourself a better person and missionary. 

I'm falling asleep now, so good luck with everything. Your family is fine, they'll survive without you (but just barely). You are where you need to be. 

Love-
Wy