Dear
Family,
Jessica, do you know
when “J H” is getting here? I'd love to meet him! I'm glad that your week went
well. Sadly, “C G” moved to another town. We're trying to get in contact with
him by phone, but he's not responding :( Oh well. That's how missionary work
goes. I hope you enjoy reading about the experiences that I have. It leads me
to think about what my siblings think about serving missions. I hope every one
of you desires to serve a mission. That's one thing I wanted to ask Jessica. Do
you have plans to serve a mission? I know that it would bless your life
tremendously. I hope my letters have made you consider it. And even if you
don't I hope they inspire you to grow spiritually.
I was also wondering
if you wouldn't mind sending me a copy of your patriarchal blessing. I was so
excited to hear that you made the decision to get one! Even though it gets
rough and tough from time to time, serving a mission is the greatest experience
I've ever had. I feel closer to God than at any time in my life. It can be
daunting to see where people are now and what they need to do to get eternal
life, but I've met so many people that have unlocked the powers of the
atonement to truly turn their lives around. One of those people is Brother “S”.
It is a testimony to me that no matter what you do, be it drugs, immorality,
alcohol, or theft, you can change. You can also bring the spirit with you
wherever you go. In almost every area I've served there have been places that
are less than appealing. But you can truly bring the light of the gospel
wherever you go. These people have broken families, parents that use drugs, and
family members involved with gangs. But when you bring the gospel, they see
what you have, and they want a taste of it. I know that the atonement has the
power to lift people out of the world, no matter their background because God
loves each of His children, no matter what.
I went with a recently
returned missionary to the baptism, and Elder Samuels stayed with a member for
the ward Halloween party. The RM is “C M”, and he served a mission in Santa
Rosa California. He and I went to my favorite Filipino restaurant in Kent and
we had great food! Then we went to the baptism. I actually gave the talk on
baptism. The spirit was so strong. If I could describe it, it was like someone
took a bucket of hot water and dumped it on me. It was electrifying. Baptisms
are one of the best places to feel the spirit. When they are conducted
properly, it's like attending the temple.
I can't wait to hear
from you again next week!
Love,