Hey Heyyy
Sorry the email is late today! We went to west virginia for p-day! haha we have a member who is originally from that area and since we technically cover that area anyways, we went over there and the member showed us around. it's way country, but awesome. I got some great pictures!
We've been warmer here lately, but it's been raining. But we are expecting more snow here soon. But they don't think it's gonna stick but we'll see. haha. It's starting to get cold again so yeah.
ok so funny story today. I was riding with bro. ruddle (the member who took us to WV) and he started to spray his windshield with the wiper fluid and the first thing I thought of was when dad would always do that and tell us that it was a little indian dancing on our car calling down rain. hahahaha. I don't know why I thought that was so hilarious but it was.
Oh yeah! You remember Junior? the one who called you on christmas? Him and his wife are getting baptised this weekend! :D It's going to be great. They are wonderful. They are being baptised by the person who first brought them to the church, but I am confirming diane. So that'll be awesome.
I've been having somewhat of a rough time lately, just because we have been super limited on miles and we can't go very far, so I feel like we get nothing done. I unfortunately, still feel like I'm being way to pressured by numbers and stressed out by them as well. Numbers aren't important! I just don't understand why I can't get that through my head...oh well.
But I'll be ok. It's part of missionary work. We have ups and downs.
I miss you all and hope to hear from you again soon! talk to you next wednesday!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 13, 2010
I am loving harrisonburg! We should be setting another man here soon for baptism! And junior and diane are gonna get baptised soon! I also attached a picture of junior. He's the bigger one who is kinda bald.
But yeah overall we are doing great here. I love it!
I did get my bike back! The beginning of this transfer. We don't ride it but yeah. I'm pretty sure the assistants loaned out my bike while they had it, cause I got it back all dirty and whatnot. But the pieces are all there. and it's still in good condition, just dirty.
I think the reason elder terry was so controlling in the lessons, was because he was here for so long, that he felt like he knew everything about these people and he thought he was the only one who could do it right. I guess? I don't know. Elder Lowry is the man though. He helps me alot and we have lots of fun doing the work!
So we have these members in our ward. Who at first when elder terry was here wouldnt meet with us. Were pretty sure he offended them somehow earlier on. They are active in the church, but just didn't like missionaries. So we called them after transfers and we set up a time and they let us come over! So we are teaching them and we are having a great spiritual lesson, and their son is there. Now their son isn't very strong in the church and isn't very excited about it. He's like 16-17. But as we were finishing up I see him pull out two cd cases that he got for christmas. And I recognize the backs of them and I ask him "are those death cab for cutie cds?" And he's like "yeah!" So instant bond made. And we started talking about it all and he just gets really excited. So later on that week on sunday we are driving around and we get a call from his mom. And she invites us over to dinner and tells us that they are actually starting to see some progression from him! And he actually was the one who wanted us over. he's really starting to come along. And his mom couldn't be happier. I think like elder larson and the hawaiian elder (haha can't remember his name) were some of the motiavtors for me to be stronger in the church, I think we are sort of starting to be that motivator for him. I hope we can continue to help him!
But yeah, that's all I've got today! I love you all and I'm so thankful for the things you do for me and the prayers you are doing and for the love you've shown me!
Oh! One last thing. I found a blackberry on the side of the road yesterday. It was all smashed up. We think someone set it on the top of their car and drove away and it fell down and got crushed by a car. But I picked it up and took it because it was of 0 value. But I messed around with it for a while (it obviously doesn't turn on :P) and popped the back off and found an 8 giga-bit sd card! nothing on it, just empty folders! woo.
anyways. wanted to tell you that.
love you all! I hope your week is great! love you and stay safe!
But yeah overall we are doing great here. I love it!
I did get my bike back! The beginning of this transfer. We don't ride it but yeah. I'm pretty sure the assistants loaned out my bike while they had it, cause I got it back all dirty and whatnot. But the pieces are all there. and it's still in good condition, just dirty.
I think the reason elder terry was so controlling in the lessons, was because he was here for so long, that he felt like he knew everything about these people and he thought he was the only one who could do it right. I guess? I don't know. Elder Lowry is the man though. He helps me alot and we have lots of fun doing the work!
So we have these members in our ward. Who at first when elder terry was here wouldnt meet with us. Were pretty sure he offended them somehow earlier on. They are active in the church, but just didn't like missionaries. So we called them after transfers and we set up a time and they let us come over! So we are teaching them and we are having a great spiritual lesson, and their son is there. Now their son isn't very strong in the church and isn't very excited about it. He's like 16-17. But as we were finishing up I see him pull out two cd cases that he got for christmas. And I recognize the backs of them and I ask him "are those death cab for cutie cds?" And he's like "yeah!" So instant bond made. And we started talking about it all and he just gets really excited. So later on that week on sunday we are driving around and we get a call from his mom. And she invites us over to dinner and tells us that they are actually starting to see some progression from him! And he actually was the one who wanted us over. he's really starting to come along. And his mom couldn't be happier. I think like elder larson and the hawaiian elder (haha can't remember his name) were some of the motiavtors for me to be stronger in the church, I think we are sort of starting to be that motivator for him. I hope we can continue to help him!
But yeah, that's all I've got today! I love you all and I'm so thankful for the things you do for me and the prayers you are doing and for the love you've shown me!
Oh! One last thing. I found a blackberry on the side of the road yesterday. It was all smashed up. We think someone set it on the top of their car and drove away and it fell down and got crushed by a car. But I picked it up and took it because it was of 0 value. But I messed around with it for a while (it obviously doesn't turn on :P) and popped the back off and found an 8 giga-bit sd card! nothing on it, just empty folders! woo.
anyways. wanted to tell you that.
love you all! I hope your week is great! love you and stay safe!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
haha yeah you missed me by just a few minutes probably. oh well
let grandma and grandpa christensen and sorenson know that I love them and thanks so much for the money it's helping me alot with what I need!
Yeah we took our tree down a few days ago. New years eve was uneventful except for the fact that we were dealing with "Bob" finding out that Elder Terry was leaving finally. He was devestated of course and we are still working with him through that. But "Bob" is doing MUCH better even if he doesn't say he is. We went and saw him yesterday. But he's doing fine.
The weather is good here, just a bit freezing. Me and Elder Lowry walked around two days ago and didn't realize how cold it was going to be. We were freezing our butts off. But we went back and got our hats and gloves and big coats. Then we were nice and warm ^-^. Yeah those garments would be way appreciated whenever you can send them :P It's very cold and it's supposed to stay this way for a while.
Elder Lowry is the man! Not even kidding. Things are going way better with him than with Elder Terry. What I really loved about him showing up is the fact that I have to really step it up and be more responsible with everything since He doesn't knwo the area. It's really helped me grow alot and fast since he showed up. It's actually
noticable and I'm glad. But Elder Lowry is from Draper, Utah! He was in Virginia beach before this and was a zone leader. So that was a little intimidating but now I'm way glad we are companions. Because the lessons we have been teaching are WAY better than with Elder Terry because we equally talk instead of Elder Terry being the only one allowed to talk. But by the way...Elder Lowry LOVES hot chocolate, so if you find anything that you want to get for him like that, feel free to send it with my stuff :P I know he would be very surprised!
Yeah I'm not too worried about the position stuff anymore. I am seeing teh growth I am experiencing just as a junior so it doesn't even matter.
I am feeling so much less stressed and am loving every minute of the work. I feel even better and mroe confident because I am able to actually do things now instead of elder terry feeling like he needed to be the big bad man in charge. It's really helping me become a better missionary!
Yeah I love "Bob". You'll see a picture of him with me and Elder Terry next time I send the card home. He's got his problems, but he is slowly getting better and he will be a great help to someone someday. It was kind of funny yesterday, we went to see "Bob", and he completely opened up to Elder Lowry and told him ALL of his problems, and I mean all of them. So needless to say Elder Lowry is in on it now haha. All I want to do for "Bob" is help him as best as I can. In sacrament meeting on sunday he was having a really hard time knowing the Elder Terry wasn't there, and when Elder Lowry went up to bare his testimony he unknowingly said Elder Terry's name and "Bob" just couldn't handle it. he had to get up and walk out. I waited a minute for Elder Lowry to finish, then I went out there and sat down with "Bob" on the couch in foyer. He was sobbing and I didn't know what to do for him. So I just sat and talked to him for a few minutes. Told him that the Lord loved him and that he could make it through this. He told me he couldn't let Elder Terry go and I said he didn't have to. He's not dead, and he'll write him periodically. So we said a prayer together and I told him a story and asked him how I could help him. So after all that things are doing much better. It's still somewhat stressful, but we are handling it.
Thank you so much for the prayers mom. You don't know what it means to me to hear that people are praying for us back home. Sometimes the mission field is very lonely, and that really helps.
I miss you all so much too, and am so grateful to have loving parents like you two who support and uplift me. Please tell me if there is anything I can do to help you out or to make it easier for you all because I will do whatever I can to help.
I love you all so much and I am doing great. Missionary life is a great way to live. It was pretty funny when we saw "Bob" the other day he said he was worried about what others think of him, and I said "Bob", try being a missionary. It'll cure you of that fear really quick." hahaha.
But anyways, I love you all so much and I love hearing from you. THank you for all you do and all you sacrifice for me. Here's a scripture to help you through the week!
2 Nephi 31: 15-16, 18-20:
"And I heard a voice from the Father Saying, Yea the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
"And now, my beloved bretheren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the Living God, He cannot be saved.
"And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son unto the fullfilling of the promise which He hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
"And now, my beloved bretheren after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold I say unto you Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly up the merits of him who is mighty to save.
"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
Hope that helps your week :) Love you all!
Hunter
Yeah we took our tree down a few days ago. New years eve was uneventful except for the fact that we were dealing with "Bob" finding out that Elder Terry was leaving finally. He was devestated of course and we are still working with him through that. But "Bob" is doing MUCH better even if he doesn't say he is. We went and saw him yesterday. But he's doing fine.
The weather is good here, just a bit freezing. Me and Elder Lowry walked around two days ago and didn't realize how cold it was going to be. We were freezing our butts off. But we went back and got our hats and gloves and big coats. Then we were nice and warm ^-^. Yeah those garments would be way appreciated whenever you can send them :P It's very cold and it's supposed to stay this way for a while.
Elder Lowry is the man! Not even kidding. Things are going way better with him than with Elder Terry. What I really loved about him showing up is the fact that I have to really step it up and be more responsible with everything since He doesn't knwo the area. It's really helped me grow alot and fast since he showed up. It's actually
noticable and I'm glad. But Elder Lowry is from Draper, Utah! He was in Virginia beach before this and was a zone leader. So that was a little intimidating but now I'm way glad we are companions. Because the lessons we have been teaching are WAY better than with Elder Terry because we equally talk instead of Elder Terry being the only one allowed to talk. But by the way...Elder Lowry LOVES hot chocolate, so if you find anything that you want to get for him like that, feel free to send it with my stuff :P I know he would be very surprised!
Yeah I'm not too worried about the position stuff anymore. I am seeing teh growth I am experiencing just as a junior so it doesn't even matter.
I am feeling so much less stressed and am loving every minute of the work. I feel even better and mroe confident because I am able to actually do things now instead of elder terry feeling like he needed to be the big bad man in charge. It's really helping me become a better missionary!
Yeah I love "Bob". You'll see a picture of him with me and Elder Terry next time I send the card home. He's got his problems, but he is slowly getting better and he will be a great help to someone someday. It was kind of funny yesterday, we went to see "Bob", and he completely opened up to Elder Lowry and told him ALL of his problems, and I mean all of them. So needless to say Elder Lowry is in on it now haha. All I want to do for "Bob" is help him as best as I can. In sacrament meeting on sunday he was having a really hard time knowing the Elder Terry wasn't there, and when Elder Lowry went up to bare his testimony he unknowingly said Elder Terry's name and "Bob" just couldn't handle it. he had to get up and walk out. I waited a minute for Elder Lowry to finish, then I went out there and sat down with "Bob" on the couch in foyer. He was sobbing and I didn't know what to do for him. So I just sat and talked to him for a few minutes. Told him that the Lord loved him and that he could make it through this. He told me he couldn't let Elder Terry go and I said he didn't have to. He's not dead, and he'll write him periodically. So we said a prayer together and I told him a story and asked him how I could help him. So after all that things are doing much better. It's still somewhat stressful, but we are handling it.
Thank you so much for the prayers mom. You don't know what it means to me to hear that people are praying for us back home. Sometimes the mission field is very lonely, and that really helps.
I miss you all so much too, and am so grateful to have loving parents like you two who support and uplift me. Please tell me if there is anything I can do to help you out or to make it easier for you all because I will do whatever I can to help.
I love you all so much and I am doing great. Missionary life is a great way to live. It was pretty funny when we saw "Bob" the other day he said he was worried about what others think of him, and I said "Bob", try being a missionary. It'll cure you of that fear really quick." hahaha.
But anyways, I love you all so much and I love hearing from you. THank you for all you do and all you sacrifice for me. Here's a scripture to help you through the week!
2 Nephi 31: 15-16, 18-20:
"And I heard a voice from the Father Saying, Yea the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
"And now, my beloved bretheren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the Living God, He cannot be saved.
"And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son unto the fullfilling of the promise which He hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
"And now, my beloved bretheren after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold I say unto you Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly up the merits of him who is mighty to save.
"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
Hope that helps your week :) Love you all!
Hunter
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
So yes. I am still alive! AND NO EMAIL FROM YOUUUUUU
Oh well.
So yeah. Transfers came last night and I am staying here. My companion is leaving to be a district leader in an area in my old zone. So yes. I am getting a new companion named Elder Lowry. I'm a little nervous because he is a former Zone Leader who is stepping down so we'll see how that goes.
But besides that, I'm in Harrisonburg at least another 6 weeks! I can't say I'm not relieved, but I'll still miss Elder Terry even though he has stressed me out to the max.
Things are good though. I'm still junior companion, but we'll see what happens. I guess it doesn't matter what I am especially since it doesn't even matter.
But yeah. I loved talking with you all on Christmas, and Dad I don't think I could thank you enough for helping me keep my commitment of 40 minutes. I wanted to talk more but I know that you knew I would have a hard time saying goodbye, so you cut it off. I'm glad! I didn't cry nearly as much as I was thinking I was going to.
I feel an unbelievable amount of stress now that Elder Terry is leaving. He's been here 7 months. I've been here 1 1/2. O_o
Everyone trusts him and knows him and they barely know me and I'm going to be the one that knows the area ugh. I'm especially worried about "Bob"...have I told you about "Bob"? I don't think I have. Let me just relate a little bit of what has happened over the last 6 weeks with that.
"BOb" is a 49 year old man who lives in a small town, called mount crawford. Elder Terry and his companion found"Bob" walking down the street and talked with him. Turns out "Bob"s mom had just died and that was all he lived for. He took care of his mom and had never left her home. He's never really had a serious job, and has worked menial labor his whole life. He was extremely depressed. He was also homosexual, and was dealing with that as well. Elder Terry taught this man the gospel. "Bob" attempted to kill himself by hanging himself. All he says he remembers is kicking out the chair from underneath him, and then all of a sudden he was on the floor and the rope had been cleanly cut. He doesn't know what happened, but we know it is because the Lord has some marvelous work in store for "Bob".
Now let's jump to when I came in. "Bob" has become a member of the church. Although he still has those desires of being homosexual, he is celebate, and does not act on those desires, fulfilling the requirements to be exactly obediant to the commandments of the Lord. He has been going through an extremely rough time lately, because he has started having flashbacks of his childhood, where he's learned that his father abused him. Whether these flashbacks are real or not, he's feeling the burden of them.
Now the only problem I have, is that through ALL of that, Elder Terry has been there. He knows "Bob" inside and out. I don't. I know he trusts me, but not as much as Elder Terry. Therein lies my problem. When he finds out today that his best friend (Elder Terry) is leaving, he's going to be devastated. And Since Elder Terry is leaving, I'm going to be dealing with the after math of that. UGH. I love him, don't get me wrong, but "Bob" is going to take this very hard. The Lord has some seriously amazing work for "Bob" to do, simply because of the trials he has gone through to be refined to this state. "Bob" is one of my inspirations. I know that if "bob" can go through what he is going through, I can take on ANYTHING and make it through it. I want to help him the best I can but I don't know what to do. He calls us constantly (5-6 times a day) and we are not supposed to be doing any counciling so I am just unsure of what to do.
But yeah...if you have any advice, I'd gladly recieve it.
Don't forget the facebook pictures by the way!!!! Along with Joseph's mission home address and Aunt Lorna's address.
Yeah it was kinda funny, Elder Terry and I swapped ties today, and he gave me one and wrote on it "you are a fine missionary" and I was like oh. So I'm only a fine missionary? not a good or great one? Just fine? hahaha. I know what he meant, but it was funny to me. Maybe I'm too casual, because I just wrote on it "stay sweet" xD
Gosh I feel like such a horrible missionary at times. I feel like I'm not even close to the level I should be. I see so many things I do wrong and I feel incredibely inadequate to be in the Lord's service. I know I'm not supposed to compare myself to other missionaries...but one of the Elders in my mtc district is already senior companion :( I am a failure! I guess leadership doesn't matter but when everyone else around you is moving up, I feel like a junky missionary. Oh well, I don't really know what I need to do but I will strive to find out what I need to improve.
But yeah. Things are going alright. I love harrisonburg and we should have three baptisms here in january and I'm excited. But we'll see how the new companion is.
Oh by the way, I know I told you this, but the spanish elders have been living with us for a little while and will be until the 1st. So yeah haha. Lots of spanish being spoken (or attempted to be spoken) in our apartment lately.
But yeah. I think that's all I wanted to say this week. I love you all so much and am SO grateful for your prayers and love. I know what I'm doing is what I'm supposed to be. I'm here for a reason. I have already seen my attitude on things change just in the short time I've been away from home. It's weird how much you change on a mission. I can't imagine what I'll be like when I get home. But I love this Gospel with all of my heart. And even though I get yelled at almost every day, I continue because I KNOW what I am doing and I know my purpose in this life. Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him I have purpose. Because of Him I have that drive to work hard. I know that we are all able to come unto him and repent no matter what we have done. I know that the young boy Joseph Smith did see Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. His testimony is not one of fallacy or imagination. The Lord restored His gospel through Joseph Smith, and brought the Gospel back to this earth. The Authority to do such was restored as well, and it resides in this Church forever and ever more. The Book of Mormon is a fruit of that young Prophet. Through that ancient record, we can decide for OURSELVES whether Joseph Smith was a Prophet or not. Because, simply, this Church Solely rests on the idea that the Book of Mormon is true. If it's false, it is the greatest lie ever recorded by man. If it is, we have a prophet today on this earth. We have the fulness of the gospel restored to us by a loving and living God in Heaven. Because of this gospel, we will live with our families again into the eternities. I know this gospel is true. Life doesn't make sense without it. There are too many questions that humanity leaves unanswered. The Gospel of Jesus Christ answers every single one of those questions. I am never left comfortless when I am lost.
I love being a missionary. I wouldn't give it up for the world. I would rather die than give up my testimony of this church. And I will never forgot the miracles and experiences I have had out here.
I'm sorry for the rant, felt like I needed to do it. Love you all so much and I hope you are doing good in the new year. Please stay safe. I miss you so much. I will talk to you next week!
LOVE
Hunter
Oh well.
So yeah. Transfers came last night and I am staying here. My companion is leaving to be a district leader in an area in my old zone. So yes. I am getting a new companion named Elder Lowry. I'm a little nervous because he is a former Zone Leader who is stepping down so we'll see how that goes.
But besides that, I'm in Harrisonburg at least another 6 weeks! I can't say I'm not relieved, but I'll still miss Elder Terry even though he has stressed me out to the max.
Things are good though. I'm still junior companion, but we'll see what happens. I guess it doesn't matter what I am especially since it doesn't even matter.
But yeah. I loved talking with you all on Christmas, and Dad I don't think I could thank you enough for helping me keep my commitment of 40 minutes. I wanted to talk more but I know that you knew I would have a hard time saying goodbye, so you cut it off. I'm glad! I didn't cry nearly as much as I was thinking I was going to.
I feel an unbelievable amount of stress now that Elder Terry is leaving. He's been here 7 months. I've been here 1 1/2. O_o
Everyone trusts him and knows him and they barely know me and I'm going to be the one that knows the area ugh. I'm especially worried about "Bob"...have I told you about "Bob"? I don't think I have. Let me just relate a little bit of what has happened over the last 6 weeks with that.
"BOb" is a 49 year old man who lives in a small town, called mount crawford. Elder Terry and his companion found"Bob" walking down the street and talked with him. Turns out "Bob"s mom had just died and that was all he lived for. He took care of his mom and had never left her home. He's never really had a serious job, and has worked menial labor his whole life. He was extremely depressed. He was also homosexual, and was dealing with that as well. Elder Terry taught this man the gospel. "Bob" attempted to kill himself by hanging himself. All he says he remembers is kicking out the chair from underneath him, and then all of a sudden he was on the floor and the rope had been cleanly cut. He doesn't know what happened, but we know it is because the Lord has some marvelous work in store for "Bob".
Now let's jump to when I came in. "Bob" has become a member of the church. Although he still has those desires of being homosexual, he is celebate, and does not act on those desires, fulfilling the requirements to be exactly obediant to the commandments of the Lord. He has been going through an extremely rough time lately, because he has started having flashbacks of his childhood, where he's learned that his father abused him. Whether these flashbacks are real or not, he's feeling the burden of them.
Now the only problem I have, is that through ALL of that, Elder Terry has been there. He knows "Bob" inside and out. I don't. I know he trusts me, but not as much as Elder Terry. Therein lies my problem. When he finds out today that his best friend (Elder Terry) is leaving, he's going to be devastated. And Since Elder Terry is leaving, I'm going to be dealing with the after math of that. UGH. I love him, don't get me wrong, but "Bob" is going to take this very hard. The Lord has some seriously amazing work for "Bob" to do, simply because of the trials he has gone through to be refined to this state. "Bob" is one of my inspirations. I know that if "bob" can go through what he is going through, I can take on ANYTHING and make it through it. I want to help him the best I can but I don't know what to do. He calls us constantly (5-6 times a day) and we are not supposed to be doing any counciling so I am just unsure of what to do.
But yeah...if you have any advice, I'd gladly recieve it.
Don't forget the facebook pictures by the way!!!! Along with Joseph's mission home address and Aunt Lorna's address.
Yeah it was kinda funny, Elder Terry and I swapped ties today, and he gave me one and wrote on it "you are a fine missionary" and I was like oh. So I'm only a fine missionary? not a good or great one? Just fine? hahaha. I know what he meant, but it was funny to me. Maybe I'm too casual, because I just wrote on it "stay sweet" xD
Gosh I feel like such a horrible missionary at times. I feel like I'm not even close to the level I should be. I see so many things I do wrong and I feel incredibely inadequate to be in the Lord's service. I know I'm not supposed to compare myself to other missionaries...but one of the Elders in my mtc district is already senior companion :( I am a failure! I guess leadership doesn't matter but when everyone else around you is moving up, I feel like a junky missionary. Oh well, I don't really know what I need to do but I will strive to find out what I need to improve.
But yeah. Things are going alright. I love harrisonburg and we should have three baptisms here in january and I'm excited. But we'll see how the new companion is.
Oh by the way, I know I told you this, but the spanish elders have been living with us for a little while and will be until the 1st. So yeah haha. Lots of spanish being spoken (or attempted to be spoken) in our apartment lately.
But yeah. I think that's all I wanted to say this week. I love you all so much and am SO grateful for your prayers and love. I know what I'm doing is what I'm supposed to be. I'm here for a reason. I have already seen my attitude on things change just in the short time I've been away from home. It's weird how much you change on a mission. I can't imagine what I'll be like when I get home. But I love this Gospel with all of my heart. And even though I get yelled at almost every day, I continue because I KNOW what I am doing and I know my purpose in this life. Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him I have purpose. Because of Him I have that drive to work hard. I know that we are all able to come unto him and repent no matter what we have done. I know that the young boy Joseph Smith did see Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. His testimony is not one of fallacy or imagination. The Lord restored His gospel through Joseph Smith, and brought the Gospel back to this earth. The Authority to do such was restored as well, and it resides in this Church forever and ever more. The Book of Mormon is a fruit of that young Prophet. Through that ancient record, we can decide for OURSELVES whether Joseph Smith was a Prophet or not. Because, simply, this Church Solely rests on the idea that the Book of Mormon is true. If it's false, it is the greatest lie ever recorded by man. If it is, we have a prophet today on this earth. We have the fulness of the gospel restored to us by a loving and living God in Heaven. Because of this gospel, we will live with our families again into the eternities. I know this gospel is true. Life doesn't make sense without it. There are too many questions that humanity leaves unanswered. The Gospel of Jesus Christ answers every single one of those questions. I am never left comfortless when I am lost.
I love being a missionary. I wouldn't give it up for the world. I would rather die than give up my testimony of this church. And I will never forgot the miracles and experiences I have had out here.
I'm sorry for the rant, felt like I needed to do it. Love you all so much and I hope you are doing good in the new year. Please stay safe. I miss you so much. I will talk to you next week!
LOVE
Hunter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
