The Start of New Beginnings

I really wasn't expecting to be teaching mathematics on my mission, but we went to our usual place to teach Refugees English and things, I had a blast from the past doing long division. I'm not sure what I am more worried about-- I couldn't remember how to do it at first or I actually really enjoyed teaching up to that point.

I think the best way to explain what we are doing teaching classes to refugees is by explaining the need for it.

Here in Greece, as I've said before, there are a lot of people from a lot of different places. Unfortunetly, a lot of them are fleeing from wars or civil unrest accuring in their home countries. What happens is all these people leave to have a better life, but they have no education to improve their situation. A lot of them, especially women from certain areas of the Middle East, do not have a high school diploma or much of any education at all. Fortunately there is the GED (General Education Development Test) which is a great opportunity for people to improve their education situation. They may have not had any form of education, but if they pass the GED, they can prove to employers or schools that they can, at least, learn.
Basically, this program we attend and teach at is to help them study and prepare for the GED. It is free for the students (usually 5 are in class at a time) so they are very thankful to have the missionaries volunteering.

I must of have inherited it from my grandpa and my father, because as we were teaching, I found that I loved it. It was a great deal of fun to see when something would click and they could do it on their own. I think I would enjoy teaching history the most out of all of school subjects, but really teaching in general is fun.

I think one of my favorite aspects of missionary work are the projects. Working on long term things to improve the situations of others, or working on ways to improve the teaching or proselyting situation here in Greece. Elder Paez and I have been planning to make videos teaching all the core aspects of the gospel (Preach my Gospel Lessons) and posting them online. The idea would be any missionary could send them to someone that may be too busy to meet in person, or something like that. They would also give a chance to those just scrolling through Facebook to learn about the Gospel of Christ at their own pace as well. Things like this are usually long projects that will extend past the usual time a missionary will have in one area. It can make it difficult for certain projects to thrive and I believe missionaries can really come to love each area they serve in. So that can make it difficult to leave sometimes.

Which, is kinda what happened this week.

Elder Paez and I had just gotten back to our apartment from doing what we call "Village Finding". It was Elder Jenkins idea, and basically we go about 40 minutes out of Athens to quiet areas, and try proselyting there. It's a simple concept but it was really good to try. Doing my second experience of street contacting, needless to say I was tired. I sat down on the couch and began writing in my journal. After only writing two paragraphs in, my phone starts ringing.
"Are you getting a call from President Burdon?" I asked Elder Paez.
"...No?" No one expected it until March, but boom. Transfer Calls.

Elder Paez is staying here in Athens, in our area. I'm off  to Cyprus!! I leave this Wednesday. I will be serving with Elder Mueller as zone leaders of the country of Cyprus.

It's crazy! Just as I had unpacked from our move just recently, I am getting ready to pack up and move again.

I'm going to miss a lot of people here, but that's just part of a mission. Chances are I will return in a few months, but you never know. I do know I'll get to see these people again. It's very similar to the feeling I had when leaving the MTC. I wasn't really ready to say goodbyes on my mission. I guess that is my own fault.

This P-day has being interesting because knowing it is my last, Elder Paez was kind enough to take this into account, and we tried to do some things that I've either needed to do or wanted to do. All of us missionaries went to a museum that I've wanted to go to since we got here. It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life. The rest of the missionaries either missed it or saw that I was acting like a kid going to see loud cars for the first time. I could talk about it for hours, but given I don't have as much time to write my email this week because of the transfer, I will refrain for now. But if you ever find yourself in Athens at Monastiraki, head south past the 3,000 year old library (right of the metro station), walk about 50 yards, take another right, walk 110 yards, and you're at the historical site.

Funny enough however, my Baglamas (traditional Greek instrument I picked up around Christmas) needed a tune up that was recommended by the person I bought it from. So we went into the shop and he restrung and lemon-oiled the frets, free of charge. But I think the most special thing about Elder Paez and I's connection with that store now is not that they are kind enough to do stuff like that, but the relationship we have with people there. For me, this is what will make Greece a special place in my heart. Not the cool places I have had the privilege of visiting. Not the wonderful weather, or the great food. It is these small tender moments of laughter, friendship over time, and connections with people that I will cherish for my life. He might not know it, but I will never forget the little shop in Athens that sold me my Baglamas-- and who would stop by and say hello every time we walked by.

It's going to be hard to say goodbye to my good friend, the book lady.
It's not forever, but we have been serving her since I got to the field, so there's really something special about this humble little old lady (in body, not in mind, she's as fresh as can be) that's lived in Athens for 30 years. First transfers are a bit difficult but I think it gets better with time.
And don't get me started on Elder Paez, or else I might not be able to stop. I have been more grateful for our companionship as an introduction into the field. I hope this isn't the end of our adventures.

I'll let you all know how it goes this next week-- honestly this email is a precursor to the next one, so stay tuned I guess.

Blessings have been a big part of this transfer, and I've had the honor of giving my first blessing in my first transfer in the land of Greece. Something I always try to emphasize with blessings is the priesthood holder gives the blessing, but it doesn't come from him. They are simply the bridge between you and God for that blessing.
During my time in the MTC, I felt some conflict with blessings. I was very concerned with the idea that I might not be worthy at the time to give a blessing and that if someone was needed to be healed, I wouldn't be able to do so because I wasn't worthy, or I didn't say, "Be healed" or something.
Elder Huhtala provided some insight for me that I will carry preciously with me for the remainder of my life (your welcome for the shout out Elder Huhtala haha).
It doesn't always matter what is said in the blessing. It is according to the persons faith and the will of God. He said, "If God's willing and the person has the faith to be healed, they will be. It doesn't matter what you say."
That really helped me and I think it really emphasizes how priesthood power works. It's the authority to exercise God's priesthood on the Earth since the beginning of time.

Love you all, and to all of my friends in the beginning of their missions, I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOU! May the Lord bless your efforts, and may he bless your family at home. Because he will.

Best of luck, and talk to you next time in Cyprus!

Καλή τύχη!! Σε αγαπάω

ΠρεσβύτεροςΝτίλανΧάνσεν

PS. Lot of these pictures will be from this P-day, but I'll include some of my favorite from this entire transfer.