So wonderful (as usual) to receive your letters! I love it when I look in the box and there are a whole bunch of "Ronald Hardy's"--they are my favorite ones. It sounds like another wonderful week in Spokane.
Mom, just thinking about all that left over roast and mashed potatoes and spare rolls and homemade cookies made me start to salivate a little, as I sit here at the computer. Those lucky teenagers! I am so glad you guys got to have that expereince--here in Bulgaria, a day does not go by when I do not think about how blessed we are as a family. We truly have been given much, and have need to give back. Thank you so much, as always, for the great advice, and the charge to be obedient--it truly is the gateway to power. I love you!
Dad, glad to hear from you, and glad to hear that you are feeling better! Thank you, as always for your wonderful advice and counsel--you always know just what I need to hear (somehow...). And thank you for loving my Mother--you are such a wonderful example of what a Father should be. Just because I'm across the planet doesn't mean I can't say it--if I become half the man you are, I'll be a great guy! I love you.
Paige--that is a great song! I am glad that you are singing it. I thought of you this week--keep being happy, keep being bubbly, and be the leader--you are the oldest! It hit me for the first time this week. I am sure you are a wonderful older sister. I love you so much!
Ronnie, I saw that picture of you guys snowboarding, where you are lying down in front. First thought: DORK! I love it--I wouldn't have it any other way. You are a great guy, and fun to be around--the more I think about it, the more I realize what a blast you are to have around. Keep up the good work, study PMG. I love you so much!
Lizzie--thank you so much for the letter! I love it. I wrote you back your own. I love you!
Alright, questions:
1) Yes, the group is made up mostly of one family, with one or two other steady features, then other faces that show up when they can--it is WAY different, but in some ways it is great. You certainly get to know each other well! And we have an office-type space that is the bottom floor of a "block" (appartment building). It is small, but it is pretty nice.
2) We do most of our contacting on Главната улица (litereally " the head" or "the main" street), where there is a lot of foot traffic--we do it wherever we go, but that is usually a good place to find people. It's lined with shops and things, so it attracts people from all over Shumen.
3) Yes, I have a hat--no worries!
This was the first full week in the country, and it truly was a wonderful week. I got a chance to go on exchanges with Elder Harkness, who is just about on the way out, and it was really an eye-opening experience. His desire to go and go and go was just incredible, and he was a practiced professional at stopping anyone and everyone that had the slightest bit of interest. As we talked, I came to realize that, though he had such proficency in missionary tasks, he was no Bulgarian language wizard, nor did he have some massively large vocabulary (though certainly a LOT larger than mine), but he had done the practice and the work to where the language was no hinderment to his missionary purpose. And it gave him power. One doesn't have to become a "master"of the language to be a powerful missionary--you have to do the work to get to the point where the spirit can do the rest. So cool!
This Sunday was a miracle (thus the title)--we had some incredible experiences this week: from starting to work with Giorgi (we met him on the street, and his life is already turning around) to having a surprise investigator show up to English Class, then come to church...it was incredible. At church, we almost had more non-members than members, and there is some serious promise in these investigators. It has so strongly reinforced my testimony that the Lord is hastening his work--yes, not every Sunday will be as magical as this one, but the Lord is truly calling out to his children, and they are hearing his cry more and more. It is so exciting to be part of this work at this time! Keep up your missionary efforts, family--there is no greater work to be engaged in!
For anyone planning on leaving on a mission, on a misson, or really serving others in ANY capacity, in the church or without, I encourage you to read 1 Thessalonians 1 and 2. The feelings of intense love that we feel for those we serve, especially those we can bring the Gospel is so wonderful, and if we can learn to cultivate the sort of love that Paul had for these people (see chapter 2 especially), we will be able to help them so much more, and will feel so much more joy. There truly is no greater joy than that that comes from helping others to partake in the sweet fruits of the Gospel!
I love you all so much, I love this work, and know that this Gospel is true. This is Jesus Christ's church, the Book of Mormon is the word of God.
I promise to be safe and obedient!
със много любов
Еlder Hardy
 |
| A Bulgarian sunrise from our Block... |
 |
| Me, with the sunrise...with bad lighting! |
Last thing!
I have not been getting Rees and Jordan's letters--recently. Would it be alright if you could forward them to me? I like to see how they are doing. Thanks so much!
I LOVE YOU!
No comments:
Post a Comment