Wow! Great letter this week! It sounds like things are going great with all the crazy endeavors or the Hardy family (we are one of those nutso CYT families now! It's great!). And thanks for the visa update--I will talk more about it in a second.
Mother, you may not have the opportunity to be around bunches of singing children every Sunday now, but it sounds like you'll find a way no matter what. I love it! Whenever I ask around for an accompanist nowadays, I realize how good I had it--your ability to play the piano has shaped my life in so many ways, and I cherish the time I have had to sing with you at my back. I always know you'll be there to help me find my way back if I lose track! I haven't opened my Christmas package yet--I hope there is nothing too perishable in there! I guess you did send it by mail, so I shouldn't really worry about that. I look forward to opening it, and to seeing all your beautiful faces! I thought by this time I would be fairly apt at Bulgarian, so no promises of fluency, but I will do my best. I love you!
Dad--sounds like you had a very interesting sacrament meeting. Those must be very relaxing and soothing to a Bishop's nerves. Now that I spend all my sacrament meetings keeping track of people in the congregation, trying to help them have a good experience, I think I am beginning to see why Bishops usually look slightly concerned or pensive during meetings. It would be immensely fun to be a missionary in your Ward, Father! I love you so much, and think of you every time I sing "High on a Mountain Top."
Paige--you are so awesome! I am so proud of you for keeping up that tradition of attending church. I know it isn't always easy or convenient, but I promise it will (and surely has) strengthened your testimony. Keep being such a great example for all those in that choir! Also, I am sure you will make a terrific frog. "Jabi" is how one would say that in Bulgarian (phonetically spelled). I love you!
Ronnie! Dude! Rockstar! Ugly! You're right: it just doesn't have the same ring as all you other titles. I am so proud of you, and am sure you will bring down the house. Remember to be humble, and turn to the Lord for help. He will help you with this as much as anything else, because He loves you that much. I love you too Brother. Prepare now to serve a mission!
Lizzie, you look quite wonderful with that cello--it is a classy instrument for a classy and intelligent lady. We need some strings in the family! When I think of you, no matter where I am or what I am doing, a big smile comes to my face. You do that for people! Keep it up. I love you with all my heart.
It is a serious blessing to me that those people got their visa's before ours, I know it is an answer to prayer, to my pleading to know why, to be shown the reason, to have comfort and fulfillment in my work. Beyond a doubt now, I know that the Lord needs me here in Colorado, that I am not here by happenstance or by some misled government official. I am here because the Lord had things for me to learn, and things for me to do. I know that with all the energy of my soul, and I so grateful for the Lord making that so apparent--no one can tell me that the Lord doesn't answer prayers, no one can tell me that He doesn't hear our pleas for understanding and for comfort. As I read your letter, I almost burst out in laughter and joy (which would have been extremely embarrassing in this very silent library), because I felt the Spirit bearing witness to me that I need to be here. Such a blessing, such a blessing.
This week has been a week of miracles (which has also been a confirmation of my necessity of being here)--from meeting Bill--a wonderful older gentleman who has been a Do Not Contact for over 30 years that just dropped into church--and watching the power of the Spirit begin to wipe away the pain and sorrow at the loss of his wife of 65+ years ("alright, you've convinced me--I'll come to church the rest of this month." "But Bill, we haven't even asked!"), to watching Messina (the girl who stopped us on the street) and her Mother get embraced by the ward with open arms and open hearts, it has been a powerful week. It hasn't been perfect by any means, there are still large steps to go on all hands and disappointments still came, but I have felt the hand of the Lord in the work so powerfully this week...it has been astounding.
We are beginning the Book of Mormon again as a mission, and reading the story of Nephi again has really given me more respect for him in so many ways. He truly was a choice and powerful prophet of the Lord. I encourage you to read his story again.
Family, you need to watch the "He is the Gift" video, and use the cards to share it with your friends--it softens hearts, it opens eyes, and it brings all, no matter what denomination they align with, closer to Christ. I promise that as you share it, it will become dearer to you, and that is a wonderful thing. I love you all so much!
Keep the faith, and have a wonderful (rainy) week!
Your loving Brother,
Elder Hardy
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