1/2 & 1/2 Package

We decided to combine a valentine's and 1/2 way package for Mitchell.  Here is what it looks like. . .

I put in a little note that compares missionaries to camels.  Here is the text:

How a camel is like a missionary. . .

(adapted from Cheryl K. Carpenter)

First is the “hump”.  Yes, you have crossed the mark and are now over the hump of the first half of your mission.  But remember, the hump of a camel is used to store food for the long journey.  Camels can go for long periods of time without food, but he must store his food in his hump.  A missionary has learned from so many experiences, but a wise missionary will store the knowledge he has gained, and put it to greater use in the second half of his mission.

Another important symbol, is what the camel does to be prepared to carry his load for his Master.  A camel sometimes protests his heavy load, but he drops to his knees for his Master, and once started, he patiently carries his load.  As a missionary, sometimes the load seems heavy and difficult to carry.  But when you drop to your knees and bend to the Master’s will, he will carefully lead you and you can bear the load patiently, and do your Father in Heaven’s work as he would have you do.  This is why the camel’s knees are heavily padded, as a missionary, your knees are calloused from the many hours of kneeling in prayer.

The camel has high set eyes that enable him to see long distances.  A missionary has his eyes set on higher things, he follows the Spirit that enables him to see the Children of God, those who are seeking answers, and he teaches them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The camel has broad, two-toed feet that keep it from sinking in desert sand.  A missionary has a broad knowledge and a firm testimony of the Gospel.  This enables him to teach with boldness and stand firm in his testimony.  The people you teach do not yet have the blessing of such a sure-foot, but as you teach with love and the Spirit, you will help them gain their own testimony that will help them walk on firmer ground.

So you see, a missionary has a lot in common with a camel.  Dedicate yourself to do as the camel does—to serve your Master well and patiently over the long journey.  You have come a long way, there is still much ground to cover.  Continue to move forward, serving with love, until your mission is complete and your Father in Heaving will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

So, in light of the 1/2 way point and the camel comparison, I packed the box full of his favorite treats (albeit after I had opened all of the treats and removed 1/2 of the contents of each package- ha, ha!!!).  Each treat had a camel label with a scripture reference on it that mentioned camels or the word "half" in each scripture.  The best one was a half-full mountain dew and the reference where it talks about Rebecca drawing water from the well for the camels (I know, I crack myself up-lol)!!!

Happy 1/2 way Elder Smith!!!  Enjoy the rest of the journey!