你们好!
We are done with another week, and with that, another transfer as well. This has easily been one of my favorite transfers on my mission. This has been a week that has brought me a lot of joy. I have just been happy, and for anyone who knows me, being happy most of the time was not the common thing for me before my mission. But, more lessons of the week later.
In sad news, we unfortunalty had to drop a few of the investigators we've recently been working with. Unfortunately, Heavenly Father can't do much with someone who doesn't want to let Him into their life and help them to change, and neither can the missionaries. However, in GREAT news, we had an amazing lesson with our friend Chad. We asked Chad about how he has changed since he began meeting with missionaries, and what followed was a very open conversation about having a sense of belonging at church. The more I work with Chad, the more I realize how much we all need the Gospel. Because we are all imperfect, the church is the one place we all belong. Why? We are all reliant on our Savior' s Atonement. Though sometimes it may not feel that we are worthy of it, or that it applies to everyone but us, it is very real and personal to each of us. It was amazing to talk with Chad about justice and God's love as well. I learned that God will guide us to what is right, and warn us of dangers that come from choosing contrary to His will, but He will let us choose. He will not withhold the consequences of our actions, but He will try to warn us before we can get too far off track. Chad has been one of those people I feel so blessed to be able to work with. I will never forget the experiences I've had with him.
I've really enjoyed the companionship of the Spirit this week. I feel that I am understanding more and more what it means to have the Spirit to always be with me. I had some really good studies on trust and integrity, and how I can continually increase my trust in the Lord. That has been a theme throughout my mission, and continues to be an area where I need to grow more. I am trying to rely more on Him instead of worrying about things that are out of my control, but we'll keep working. In general, it's been a really spiritual week for me, which I feel is part of the reason I have been so happy.
Some other reasons to be happy; we have a new music rule, and my companion and I now rock out to Disney songs most every time we are in the car! I forgot how much I LOVE MUSIC! We got to do wash a ton of dishes for service and also hold newborn puppies. We had a picnic activity with the Oakley 1st Ward, which was awesome. And, people who know my family from old college days are filling our cupboards with food. People are wonderful!
Now, the sad news...transfers happened...and my friend Elder Ratliff is leaving! He will be spending his last transfer in Union City, where I started my mission. I will remain here in Antioch to spend my final transfer. I cannot believe that I am saying that...final transfer... Anyway, a big goal that I have for this last transfer is to have joy while I work. Elder Ratliff has showed me thay life is to be enjoyed, not just endured. I think I found a new philosophy in that statement. I hope to continue feeling happy.
Love you all. I miss you all. I cannot believe that we are now at the beginning of the end. Look for more details on new companions and new adventures next week! 谢谢 for your prayers, love, and concern. Keep them coming!
我爱你们!
Elder Butters/包长老
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