Embracing Change and Finding Joy on the Journey with Everett Welling

**Introduction**

In the latest episode of the "Can You Feel So Now?" podcast, host Justin Barton sits down with Everett Welling, who shares his transformational journey and experiences from his mission. Through a series of introspective conversations, Everett provides insights into how challenges can become lessons in resilience, faith, and the power of patience.

**A Unique Mission Experience**

Everett's mission was anything but ordinary. Assigned initially to the Bogota North Columbia mission, Everett faced unexpected changes, including reassignments and visa disruptions. Despite these challenges, his story exemplifies flexibility and a willingness to adapt. "Change is very uncomfortable," Everett admits, but he emphasizes the importance of approaching new situations with an open mind. His journey across multiple continents taught him valuable lessons about making impacts, even if briefly, and embracing every opportunity to serve.

**Cultural Transitions and Unwavering Faith**

Adjusting to new cultural environments was a significant part of Everett's mission experience. Shifting from Salt Lake City to Colombia required adapting to new people, languages, and mission cultures. Everett highlights the profound religious faith of the Colombian people, stating, “Everyone there is so religious, whether they'll tell everybody or not.” This deep-rooted belief in God provided a foundation for connecting with and serving others.

**High Expectations, High Love**

Both mission assignments came with their distinct lessons. In Salt Lake City, Everett learned about the importance of community support and the love the members had for missionaries. Meanwhile, in Bogota, his mission president taught him about balancing high expectations with high love. Everett discovered that a mix of motivation by duty and love creates a conducive environment for growth.

**Scriptural Inspirations and Personal Revelation**

Throughout his mission, Everett found solace and guidance in scriptural teachings. Alma 26:27 became a guiding light, reminding him to persist despite feeling overwhelmed. “Now when our hearts were depressed and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us and said, go amongst thy brethren…” This verse reinforced the belief that enduring challenges with patience yields eventual success.

Moreover, Everett emphasizes the significance of personal revelation. He recounts times when inspiration led him to new opportunities to serve, underscoring the importance of acting on prompted thoughts, however peculiar they may seem.

**Carrying Lessons Forward**

As Everett transitions back to life post-mission, he continues to apply these learned principles. He acknowledges the need for patience as a form of accepting God’s will, urging himself and others to embrace change with humility and grace. Everett’s continued commitment to personal revelation shapes his decisions as he navigates college and career choices.

**Conclusion**

Everett Welling’s journey illustrates the beauty of resilience, the transformative power of faith, and the enduring impact of love and expectation. His story is a testament to how embracing change and seeking joy in service can lead to profound personal growth. As Justin closes the conversation, he reminds listeners of the reflective question from Alma: “Can you feel so now?” It's an invitation to continually seek and renew our connection to the joy of the gospel, even amidst life's uncertainties.