Greetings from Shumen! The weather persists in it's beauty, and so does the work here in good ol' Noisy Town. It was a slightly abnormal, but wonderful week. First off however, I would just like to say thank you so much for the wonderful letters this week--I really felt uplifted as I read your words. What amazing family and friends I have been blessed with! Keep letting your smiles and your light so shine to all those people around you. Sorry again, for the lack of pictures, but I will do my best next week--I just need to get my act together! I promise I have been taking them, however.
Mother; inspiring words, as always! I so agree about the power of pure testimony--I have felt it many times, that no matter what the other person may be saying, in what ways he may to seek to turn one's words, there is no response for a humble testimony. There is no argument, no matter how well reasoned or presented, that can make truth turn to lie, can change eternal fact to mortal fiction. The truth may be defamed, ridiculed, misinterpreted and dressed up as falsehood, but it cannot be changed from what it actually is. To get off my soap box, I agree. Simple testimony brings the Spirit. I love you so much, Mother! Questions: Our group activity was painting Easter Eggs (and then cracking them on each other's eggs to see who was more healthy), we don't really eat meals together, or with Member families (maybe in bigger cities), I haven't as of yet (I will have to try sometime!), and yes, Elder Raisor is very musical--we are planning on doing a musical number here fairly soon. We actually have been doing good on eating vegetables! The cucumbers are so good here, I just eat them like a banana (that you don't have to peel!). The tomatoes are also extremely good. I love you!
Dad, your letter was wonderful to read--thank you so much for your example to all of us of working hard, of leading the way for us. I really appreciate that you take the time to read and to ponder and to think of how you can help us. Just that thought alone made me smile. Know that I love you. This week I talked to a Doctor on the street, and he was explaining how he and his wife were going out to a Celo (a little village) for the weekend to get away from the flood of patients. I couldn't help but think of how you simply trade titles from "Doctor" to "Bishop," when the weekend comes around (and everyday in-between), and go from helping people's physical well being to helping their spiritual well being. It isn't exactly the calm and quiet of a Bulgarian Celo, but it has such greater rewards. I love you. Dad. You are a great example of a disciple of Christ.
Paige! Wow, little sister, you are extremely beautiful. Have I told you that before? You truly are stunning. Those poor young men...in any case, just know that I love you and care for you. Remember that you are a child of God, one of his precious daughters. I am so proud of who you are, and what you have become, and continue to become. Always be that influence for good! You will be a bright light in the life of many. I love you, keep singing!
Ronnie, my brother. You look like you own that stage up there. You look good in black my friend! Remember, the greatest happiness in life comes from being obedient to God's commandments--if we surround ourselves with things that help us keep those commandments, we will be happy. I love you, good luck this week!
Lizzie--two goals! Teach me your skills! I am sure as well that it was a great lesson. There really is nothing like teaching to help a person to learn a subject. Only one of the in-numerous blessings of being a missionary. I think that you will make a wonderful missionary, one day, my dear sweet sister (if you decide to do so!). I love you so much!
This week we had a long exchange with the Zone Leaders, and I really felt that I learned a lot of new things that we can apply in our area. I have been praying for the Lord to show us how we can see some real improvement and change here in Shumen, and I think these things that Elder Howard showed me will make that difference. Now the more difficult (but more rewarding) part: applying them! The big key I believe for a change to happen in my work especially, is going to be just learning to be more simple. I think myself into circles from time to time, musing over the same problems, and forget that I just need to keep it simple! A great reminder.
This church is true, the truth that is here is simple and pure--if we can just learn to do what the Lord asks, we will be happier. The Lord's will is not always in line with our will, but if we trust Him, we can be sure that it will turn out for our good. Little by little, I am learning that Eternal truth. He loves us, he cares for us. Read the Book of Mormon!
With love,
Elder Hardy the younger
Who would have thought, a few months later, we would be companions? Elder Raisor is standing next to me. This is from our first day in the MTC. Nuts!
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| (mom note: I think this is actually at the Bulgarian Embassy) |
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