What a jam-packed week! I am so glad that you had the chance to go and visit the Church History Sights again--do we really consider what a blessing it is to be able to go to those places and to feel the Spirit that is there, to feel our Heavenly Father confirm to us the truthfulness of his great and marvelous work in these Latter-Days? So many faithful members never have had, or never may have the chance to do so. No matter where we are, the Spirit bears witness to us of the truthfulness of the Restoration, but nonetheless, what a blessing.
This week has been a good one--again we were on exchanges, and I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Elder Hughs, from Texas. He is a great missionary. As usual, during the week there are the best of times, and there are the worst of times--we had an outstanding lesson with a wonderful young man with a real desire to learn the Gospel, but he lives and studies in Scotland, so we got him connected with the missionaries there. We were contacting in a park, and we started to talking to the tallest Bulgarian man who I have ever met (a former European Volleyball Star--he was at least 6'8"), and he actually showed some interest in meeting with us, which was exciting (though we may have to ask him to sit in the back row when he comes to church), and we had a Sports Activity as a Branch on Saturday (thank goodness for being on the dance committee--invaluable skills!). We had lots of lessons fall through this week, and people still don't seem to want to pick up their phone, but it is alright--we are moving forward!
Mother; the package is here, and everything is as it was sent (I am assuming)--Thank you so much! It may seem sort of strange, but I think one of my favorite parts of receiving a package or letters is to see your perfect, pristine hand-writing, dear Mother. It is strangely comforting. Also, thank you for the hair stuff--it will go to good use! I love reading about your Sunday School lessons, dear mother--I feel like I am right in the class! I have read a good bit of Jesus the Christ, and loved it, but as of now, I am focusing on some other study materials. It is so well written however, I agree! Thank you so much for your diligent service. Also, да знаеш, I agree--your haircuts are great. I love you Mother, again, thank you so much for all you do for us!
Father; back to the grindstone it sounds like! Thank you so much for how hard you work for us--please know that we really do appreciate it. We love you so much. How are the youth in the Ward doing? How are Steven and Austen? I love you Father, have a great week!
Rees; do you work with Vaughn Durfee? All I know is that he used to do that job. I love you, Brother, keep being great. Onward, ever onward, tag or no!
Paige, it would be very neat for you to be able to be in the pageant! Speaking of Pageants, how are the Moses family? Do you get a chance to interact with them much? Send them my love. Paige, you are beautiful, and you are a daughter of God. When was the last time you read For The Strength of Youth? That is a great guide for life. I love you so much!
Ronnie; you are so much bigger than most of your cousins. Crazy! I love you little Brother. Don't forget what you learned at the Sacred Grove--I promise you that as a missionary you will hearken back to that experience, and that it will give you strength. Keep being wonderful, love your Sisters. I love you!
Lizzie; those Zuchinni are almost bigger than you! Keep being a good example, I love you so much. Keep reading the Book of Mormon!
This week, we had an interesting experience, which, in combination with a few other things, has really made me think about the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and about how much of a difference it really makes, and what blessings are available to those who live worthily of it. We were eating dinner, when a young man, a former investigator, called us to ask if we were doing anything, if we wanted to meet up. We had planned to go and do some street contacting and tracting that evening, so we agreed to meet up. Long story short, he ended up just wanting to talk, not necessarily have a lesson or anything, so we, jokingly, invited him to come and contact with us. To our surprise, he agreed! Throughout the night, he kept commenting about how different we seemed to be than all of the people that we talked to, how there was just a different feeling when he talked to them from when he talked to us. I wish I had more time to fill in the details on the rest of the story (they are funny--he did not react well to rejection, even if it was ours, not his. I never thought I would hear someone swear so vehemently while walking away from a street approach), but the moral of the story is that when we live righteously, when we have the Holy Ghost with us, we truly are made different. It gives us a light. We must always live worthy of his company.
I love you so much, have a great week!
Elder Hardy
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