Can you say BUSY?! 什么东西!! This was a week that was exhausting and all over the place, but one with a lot of good that came from our business.
Firstly, the Tabernacle of Moses event went on throughout the week. I'll give a little more of an introduction to this special exhibit: a groups of members decided to build a life-size Tabernacle replica for a youth conference in their home stake. Soon, stakes from around the country were contacting them like crazy, hoping to host the building for a time. The Antioch Stake decided that now would be a perfect time to bring it over here, just to help people be prepared for the rededication of the Oakland Temple sometime next year. The courtyard of the Tabernacle was divided into a few stations, each one focusing on a different portion of the Tabernacle, whether the Altar of Sacrifice, the Holy of Holies, the Ark of the Covenant, etc. Youth from the Stake were the primary tour guides, but we got to jump in and help out every so often. I feel like I've learned so much about it! It has been a massive project and undertaking on the Stake's part, but one where we saw a lot of success. Over the course of eight days, 4685 people were able to take tours! We also received a couple of referrals to give to missionaries to go contact. More than anything, I was so impressed by how much unity this event brought. We had people from all different cultures and religious backgrounds come visit, and it brought all kinds of people together, regardless of their faith. It was a very memorable experience, one that I was glad to have to finish my Mission.
Of course, we've been pretty heavily involved with the Tabernacle, but we had a lot of other things going on simultaneously this week, as well. We have had meeting after meeting after meeting, from our classic District Council to Mission Leadership Council. We have also spent all week preparing for an upcoming meeting with the Stake Presidnecy, planning for Zone Leadership Council, and planning classes to give at a Regional YSA Conference we had this past weekend. We were able to go, even though we never got the chance to teach our class on Priesthood power and Authority. Regardless, the miracle of the Conference was the fact that Chad was there!! He came and toured the Tabernacle with all of us, participated in a testimony meeting, and stayed for dinner and the dance that was held afterwards! It's been a while since we've been able to reach out to him, and he really enjoyed the event. Our Ward is great at fellowshipping him, too! Still no sign of Diego, wup I'm a little worried for. He's going through some tough times emotionally right now. Prayers for him would be most welcome!
I guess I could also address the elephant in the room to close up. I'm going home, and everyone knows about it. This has been an emotional week, honestly, thinking about my time after my mission. Elder Raymundo has been a big help. I'm grateful for a companion who patiently listens to me and encourages me to have faith. Faith and trust have really become the central themes of my Mission. This will be yet another step for me to show my Heavenly Father that I trust Him. I got to bear testimony of that fact this past Sunday. I know God lives, and that He knows each of His children personally. I know Christ died for each of us, and wants us all to safely return home. I am grateful for the Atonemet, and the comfort it gives me. I hope to develop my Faith throughout the rest of my life, and see miracles during my final week of service.
I love you all! I miss you all! Have a fantastic week! Keep praying, keep believing, and keep loving.
Elder Butters
包长老
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