Missionary Experience

During our MTC training we had the opportunity to answer the phones in the call center. This is where people call to get free videos, books and other church materials. I tried to think of any reasonable excuse to avoid this "opportunity". On the otherhand, Elder Fairhurst was pretty jazzed about it. We had a brief training, which basically consisted of "put the headset on and if the phone rings push this button and talk". About a dozen from our group were together in one of the call rooms. I sat next to Fred. I could see him intently staring at his phone, trying to make it ring. At the same time I was sending a silent plea to the switchboard - PLEASE don't let my phone ring. Guess whose phone rang. Mine of course. I adjusted the headset and pushed the button, feeling just a little like Lily Tomlin... "one ringy dingy"! Then I spent the next five minutes talking to a man in Texas and his neighbor. Such nice people. They just wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon. I took their info and shared my joy in reading this blessed book of scripture. When I hung up, I turned around to see that everyone was watching me and cheering me on. I did it! What's more I actually enjoyed it. A couple of minutes later Fred's phone rang. He was so excited. Unfortunately it was someone who only spoke Spanish so he had to give the phone to one of our trainers. A young man who just happened to have served a Spanish speaking mission in Colorado Springs of all places. I have a feeling this won't be the last time I have to step out of my comfort zone while we serve this mission. Maybe I will get used to it eventually.