Do the Missionary Shuffle!

Wonderful Family Mine,

     Health! Thanks for the wonderful letter and pictures--everyone looks to be doing well (Ezra is a large man!); it sounds like you are living missionary style (out of a suitcase) due to all the traveling, but it sounds like a lot of fun as well. Say hello to all our relationals for me!

     Dad, tithing settlement is going on in our ward as well, and seeing the Bishop run to and fro reminded me of you. I am gaining more and more of an appreciation and a respect for the role of a Bishop as I serve more closely alongside one now (Missionaries get treated like adults...it is sort of a weird feeling considering my last calling was in the Priest's Quorm. What is even weirder is working with Priests that are not even a year younger than I am. Strange). Know that I love and respect you and am so grateful for the example that you have set for me.

     Mom, I am glad you are becoming friends with the Visa Lady--it makes me smile to think of you two chatting it up on the phone about the workings (or lack thereof) of a far-distant Eastern European government. I am so glad as well that you get to see all your Sisters--Salt Lake wont know what hit them! I love you so much, Mother Dearest, and will pray for you in your calling--talk about a switch! From exuberant Sunbeams to ruminating on the conclusions to be drawn from the ins and outs of King Solomon's reign. I love it. Isn't our church funny? (Also, I love Jorg's talk as well--you should have heard all the missionaries afterwards: "Jorg laid it down!", "Jorg told it straight!". Funny stuff).

     Paige, keep the faith--though you guys may be a bit young and inexperienced, you can still do great things. Say hello to Sierra and Mr. Sox for me, will you? I love you bunches! 

     Ronnie, maybe I've just been conditioned for the last few months, but you and Abe look like missionary companions! Keep it in your sights, and start preparing now. PMG! PMG!

      Lizzie, make sure and take care of Grandma and Grandpa for me--let them know that I love them, alright? I love you oodles as well!

       The title is a stretch ("Missionary shuffle" just doesn't fit the same way "Cupid shuffle" does), but I'll work on it. I am getting transferred tomorrow! No big change (I am still in the same district, meet at the same building, and with a missionary I already know, just in a new proselyting area). It is a little bit strange (I have only been here for one transfer), but I am excited. I am sad to leave this area, right when I felt that we were starting to build a little traction, but I know that the people will be taken care of, and the work will progress regardless. The Lord takes care of his sheep. I will miss the ward members, and the love I have felt here, but such is the life of a missionary (or so I am told--I am still wet behind the ears). I will be serving in the Louisville Ward, with Elder Christensen, our fearless district leader, and we are in car. 

        Speaking of cars, you don't have to worry about my safe driving for two reasons: one, I never drive because to this point it hasn't been considered worth the effort to approve me to drive, and trainees almost never drive anyway, and two, after a cold snap, the Colorado sun returned and melted all the snow in short order. The weather is funny here.

         This week has been a good week, and a tough week. More accurately, it has been a good week BECAUSE it was a tough week (funny how that works, isn't it?). At the beginning of the week, we had high hopes; we had a very full week of lessons scheduled, two with Jake, our baptismal hopeful, and a zone meeting with a guest speaker to boot. We were stoked. All went according to plan until Wednesday, when it all started to fall apart--every morning our phone would buzz, and we would watch our appointments fall through, one by one. We would show up to a lesson and have everything set...but no investigator. After the sixth or seventh cancellation, things started to get tense, and we really began to find out who we were as missionaries. It was a powerful faith building experience, and a poignant lesson on many fronts. The Lord does answer prayers, the spirit is a powerful force, and the Lord never ceases to shower us with tender mercies. This much I am coming to know. I am also coming to learn more fully the incredible power of faith, and how often we overestimate how much we actually posses. Faith is to have no idea what to do, no idea what to say, or where to go, but to trust enough to work your way to Plan W because you believe with all your heart the Lord blesses the diligent worker, those who do their best to serve him. Faith is to read a passage of scripture, then change your behavior because you believe the words of an ancient prophet who you have never met nor never heard, but trust to be inspired of God. Faith is to wake up and suit up and not give up, because you know you are doing the Lord's work, and you know He knows it too.
          Faith is power. I need to be better as harnessing it, but one does one's best. 

          I love you Family, I am grateful for your example in my life. Please, come to know that this is true for yourself. Read the Book of Mormon, and pray about it, then pay attention to how you feel. It will change your life in a wonderful way. Scout's honor!

With love and a grin,

Elder Hardy

(Sorry no pictures! A crazy week--I will send some next week, promise).

Snow Flies, Sun Shines, We Smile.

Dearest Family Mine,

     Thank you so much for your letter (and a big thanks to Ronnie and Lizzie for the handwritten ones!). I love hearing about my wonderful family. 

      And I'm glad you got that picture from Sister Hathaway--they are an awesome family from Idaho (Brother Hathaway reminds me of Uncle Rick...it is actually a little disconcerting from time to time) whose third missionary is returning from Hawaii shortly. They had three out at one time as well, so I think she sympathizes (and rejoices) with you, dear Mother. They are awesome missionaries themselves. Singing in Sacrament was a good experience, one that I hope will help stimulate the work. How grateful I am for the gift of music! Thanks Mom.

       Actually, along that same vein, I have a some long-awaited gratification for you Mother Dearest; remember how years ago, when I was fighting and fighting to get to quit the piano, you said that one day I would send you a letter thanking you for making me continue? Well, I got asked to play the piano for the baptism of an 8 year old boy whose family we had helped move in and had made a connection with--I was honored to say yes, and every moment that I was at those keys I had a silent prayer of gratitude in my heart going out to you, Mom. Here it is: thank you so much for making me take piano Mom, because it is a great blessing in my life. I'm only 7 or 8 years late, but I guess better late than never, right? I love you Mom, thanks for your encouragement and support.

     Dad, thanks for that shot of hope--just in these last few weeks we have again and again been that set of missionaries turned away, but I know that as we remain persistent and faithful, we can be the Lord's hands in blessing someone, that HE is doing the work, we just have to do our best to keep pace. If this work were easy, it wouldn't be worth it, and this work is the MOST worthwhile cause one can be engaged in, so only logically would it be, at times, a tough work. I love you Dad.

     Paige, your flying form is impeccable. Cherish the memories, but move onward and upward Sis. I love you buckets! Ronald, every time the Deacons pass the sacrament, and a Deacon walks by that is as tall as I am, I think of you. Thank you so much for the letter. You are a great guy, and I love you! Lizzie, I loved you letter--you are a ray of sunshine in my life that no Colorado sky could produce!

     Yes Mom, I have a coat and gloves and wool socks (all complements of my goodly companion, the prepared chap that he is), and I am staying warm and happy. It has been quite, quite cold here, but the day after it snows, the sun is back out blazing, so it isn't really that much of a problem. Snow blindness is a real thing however; I have never seen so many people wearing sunglasses in November in my life! It's funny and good.

      Only a few words about the Visa; we had a great mission conference this Saturday (Elder Baxter of the Seventy came--he is from Scotland. "English in it's purest form" as he is known to say), and I feel I solidified a very important lesson, one that I have been learning since I got reassigned, but have seen in the lives of others as well, that lesson being about circumstances. The knowledge that we have about God's plan, and our trust in Him as our all-knowing, flawlessly-loving creator can and should (though it often doesn't) provide us with a very refreshing and faithful look at any circumstance that we are placed in. If we TRULY believe that God does nothing but for our good and experience, than there is no circumstance that cannot be handled, because we know it is part of the plan! With that view, we are left with the simple (if not easy) task of simply doing our best to overcome and LEARN FROM the circumstances that we are in. Praying for a change in circumstances is not wrong, but praying for the strength to succeed in those in which we are placed will make us grow and learn in the way the Lord wants. I am excited to grow! (That being said,I had a funny thought as I ruminated my subject line this morning--I wrote the first part, "Snow Flies," then almost wrote "But Not Elder Hardy." I repented after allowing myself one derisive chuckle). I am glad to have the opportunity to learn to trust in His plan.

      This week was a good one, tough in some ways, but good. We were majorly blessed with a Member referral this week, the long in forthcoming fruit of Elders Quorum football games on Saturday mornings, and he really seems sincerely intent on learning--we have taught him two lessons, and he wants to read the Book of Mormon, so we are very excited about that. We are working to have him in a different member's home every lesson. Other than that great excitement, we have shoveled a lot of snow, done our best to stay warm, and continued the search for those who are willing to listen, A good week.

      I love this Gospel, and what it means. In PMG it says (Pg. 52, paragraph 3), "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." I bear testimony that that is true, and that if we can do our best to come to know and love and follow Jesus Christ, we can be healed, we can receive the strength to overcome all the challenges and struggles that come our way. What a happy message! What a blessing to know! What necessity to help others know it as well! 

      Know that I am well, I am growing, and that I love you all with all my heart. I smile as I write this because I know I am where I need to be. Great stuff! 

      

Your Loving Brother/Son/Grandson/Cousin/Friend/Acquaintance/Enemy (To cover all my bases...)

Elder Hardy 

Mission Conference Picture

Find Me! We almost got everyone to wear a red tie.

The Work Goes On!

Dearest Family Mine,

     I am related to a lot of busy, good-looking, and talented people! Wow! I guess I already knew that, but I love reading your new escapades every week.

     Mom, I love you. I think of you running around, helping everyone get where they need to be, helping singers get warmed up, organizing the band, getting music where it needs to be, fixing a costume or two, and THEN sitting down and playing the piano for two and half hours, and it makes me feel less tired. Thanks for that, and the million other wonderful things you do. (And I am doing good supply-wise. Thank you so much though!)

     Dad, we had our Primary Program Round 2 this week in sacrament, and I missed your comments at the end, that always seem to tie the whole event into a nice package, sealed with the spirit and delivered with love (and probably a tear-stain or two). You are a one-of-a-kind guy. Thank you so much for your example.

     PAIGE! You are a super-star! Your costume looks great, your expressions are priceless, and I already know your voice is gorgeous. Soak it up! Know that you have a big-time fan in Colorado. I love you so much. Ron-Dog, keep up the singing. It is such a gift to be able to sing, one that will bless you for all of your life. My one point of advice--learn NOW not to wiggle like a dying jellyfish whilst you sing; I speak from experience when I say it is a hard habit to break. I love you Brother! Lizzie, I am glad they put you in blue--I'm sure your eyes pierce hearts all the way up to the top-row of the balcony. Keep being good, keep doing your best, and enjoy it. I love you!

     I am glad to hear Grandma and Grandpa are doing well--give them my love.l Grandpa, you can be my designated flyer any day. Grandma, I think of you every night when I put my earplugs in--for all the wonderful qualities of my dear sweet companion, quiet sleeping is one he lacks (through no fault of his own, but it still gives me a good chuckle).

     I love what you said about "gathering up experiences," Mom; It nearly is an everyday occurrence where, when I lie down to sleep and begin to ruminate on the day, I see how the Lord has blessed me with little nudges here and there, little happenings that point me toward something I need to learn, something I need to improve. That being said, to say that I recognize all the ways the Lord is trying to teach me would be a grandiose falsehood indeed. Our Heavenly Father truly must have infinite patience; you would think after thousands of years of setting up learning experiences, pouring out miracles, and bringing people together only to watch your careful work be unrecognized or un-learned from would eventually wear someone down, but alas, He really is perfect. Sort of makes one realize how far one really has left to go down the road to perfection. In any case, I am trying my hardest to be grateful and aware, to see the ways the Lord is blessing and teaching me--I have a ways to go in that respect.

      An experience, then some connected thoughts. We were going around knocking on some doors the other day when we knocked on one, and a man came out polishing a very nice (and very sharp looking) gutting knife which he was just finishing up the handle on (I had no idea it was a gutting knife--he explained. I'll be a real Coloradan one of these days). After we recovered from our initial shock and fear, he invited us over to sit on his porch swing and to talk. He turned out to be a very nice, very devout man. After about ten minutes of hearing him ruminate on principles of faith and personal revelation so close to ours they could have come out of a Gospel Principles manual, we opened the Book of Mormon and began to flip to Alma 32, only to have him sharply tell us to stop, and to give him "bread," not "inventions." It stopped us dead. Though he had such a neat relationship with God, a strong faith in Christ and a desire to learn more about Him, his mind had at sometime been poisoned against the Book of Mormon. After a bit more discussion and he had dropped a few hints about helping us have an "experience like Saul/Paul," we walked away a quite sadly--here he was, searching for knowledge, his Loving Father had sent the answer to his door, and he could not accept it. 

      Cherish the Book of Mormon. Read it. Everyday. Learn to love it and gain a testimony of its truthfulness at all costs. If we know it is true, we know Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that this church truly is the Church of Jesus Christ once again on the earth, and that within it is contained the Priesthood authority to make lasting and binding covenants with our Father in Heaven, that we might return to live with Him again, that we might enjoy eternal life in His presence. Don't delay! If you have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, strengthen it every day! If you don't have one, get one! It will guide us peace, to happiness, I promise.

      Well, if I can get off my soapbox without rolling an ankle, this will have been quite a good week. I look forward to going to Bulgaria, but I love it here as well. Life isn't easy, but it life was easy, it wouldn't be worth it. (Man, I am just full of cliches today, aren't I?). I love you, family, and I love this Gospel. 

       Take care!

Love,

Elder Hardy

P.S. Could you forward my emails to Elise Hommel? Her address is elise.lhomel@gmail.com THANKS

Thanks for the Halloween Box!

No Visa, No Worries!

Well Hello, Family Mine!

      Thanks again for the wonderful letters and pictures--it is always so wonderful to see your bright smiling faces! I am so glad to hear that things are going well and that Grandma and Grandpa are feeling better. Tell them I love them.

       Mom, I am saddened as well to hear about the whole CYT fiasco--isn't it so funny how little is accurately known about what we believe? Every time I talk to people, it seems that I end up explaining to at least one disgruntled child of God that, believe it or not, we are Christian! No pagan worship included! It is so true that there is a lot of work to do, but when I reflect on that, I remember just whose work it is, and I don't worry quite so much--though to me it may seem quite improbable, if not impossible, that all will have the chance to hear the truth in its fullness, I then remember that with God nothing is impossible. Doesn't make it any easier to reason out, but I do know it to be true, so at least I don't have to worry about any more than doing my part. Isn't being on the Lord's team great? I love you Mom, and love to hear from you. Thanks for continuing to check up on my visa, and thank you for the wonderful Halloween package. I couldn't stop smiling. 

     Dad, thanks again for being worthy to receive that patriarchal direction for us, your children. We may be spread out, but it doesn't make you any less our Father! I love hearing from you, seeing your goofy smile, and feeling your spirit, though miles may separate us. I hope to become half the missionary you were, dear Father.

     Paige, I was alarmed to hear that now that you have assumed the prestigious role of fearless senior leader of the Hardy children, you have become so overwhelmed with your duties that you were forced to neglect the more enjoyable of traditions such as pumpkin carving; however, my fears were alleviated when I saw your choice of pumpkin--the ghost pumpkin combined with the simple sharpie message combined for quite the artistic effect. Minimalism is so in! I love you Sister, keep being wonderful. 

      Ronnie, I am sure you stole more than just Candy with that outfit--those 7th grade girls didn't even stand a chance! Keep smiling, and keep remembering who you are--we needle you constantly about being so devilishly charming, but don't let that keep you from your priorities. I love you little Brother.   

      Lizzie, that is possible the most creative and wonderful costume that I have seen in a long time--only fitting for such a creative and wonderful little girl! I love you, and think the world of you. Don't grow up too fast!

       This week was a good one, and a little bit strange--this Friday we had a trainers meeting up in Fort Collins, so we ended up carpooling with some Elders doing Second Transfer training. While this meant that we saved miles and had time to go out to lunch after our meeting (when theirs commenced), it meant that not a ton of missionary work went on that day, which was a bit of a downer (our curfew for Halloween was 6:00, so we barely had time to grab dinner and head home by the time we got back to Erie). On the plus side, they showed Meet the Mormons for all the new missionaries who had missed it, so I did get to see that. It was good--a good portrayal (if not perfect) of the diversity of those who follow the Savior, and certainly a spiritual pick-me-up.

     The work here is difficult, but good--Elder Carstens and I have been working on coordinating closely with the Ward to find those families in our boundaries who are open to letting the missionaries into their homes, so that we can help them feel the spirit and desire to come back to the fold. So many people have so many forces pulling on them from so many different directions, and it is saddening to see how powerful those forces that pull away from the true Gospel are. Satan is good at what he does, he truly is. We need to always be doing the little things, always be improving! How true it is that if we are not actively striving to get closer to our Father in Heaven, we will begin to slide away. Always be reaching, always be improving! It isn't hard, it just takes diligence. Read, pray, ponder, repeat. And come to church! It will keep us safe, it will keep us safe.

     We met a neat guy this week named Lee--we are hopeful that he will begin to read the Book of Mormon and feel it's spirit. He is going blind, but his attitude and trust in the Lord are amazing.

     "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" I love this work, and I love you. my family. We all need to be stretched in order to grow, and though it may be tough, it is always worth it. I know its a true principle, and as we stick to true principles, we will receive blessings. 

      I know this Gospel is true, and I love it. If we weren't ever tested, we couldn't ever become like our Father, and that is the goal. This is a happy Gospel, and I love seeing the joy that it brings to my life, your life, and the life of those around me. 

      Smiles from Colorado (where it rained for the first time today), and all my love. You are the best!

Elder Hardy


Sorry, just one!

Sister Thatcher and I rendez-vous at Trainers meeting. I spoke Bulgarian to someone, and she didn't look dumbfounded!