Thank you for the wonderful letter! It sounds like a great, great week! I really cannot express how much being a missionary has helped me to realize even deeper and deeper what a blessing the Gospel has been to our Family, and how much of a difference living the Gospel makes, even when it is difficult. The Lord blesses and prospers those who follow his commandments, those who loose their life in his service. I am so grateful that I can be a missionary, that I can give this time to him. There is nothing more important not only for our eternal destiny, but also for the happiness and success of our lives in this life. Stick to it, stick to it, that is all we need to do, and it will turn out. Of that I am sure. This week in Mission Leadership Council, President Barclay bore a powerful testimony about how if we, as missionaries think our testimonies and faith in our Savior are solid now, that we have no idea what another 40 years of living the Gospel will do. He reminded us that we are still just starting out, fledglings, just stretching our wings, learning to rely on the Lord. It was a powerful experience to feel the Spirit as he bore his testimony of the Savior. He is really a great example to us, to me.
This week was a great one in some ways, and tough in others--our wonderful investigator is really looking good to get baptized on the 24th of October, and we are extremely excited for her. Also, we uncovered that her husband (kind, but not interested) may not be into the Gospel, but he IS into Ping-pong...by small and simple means, are great things brought to pass. That is all I have to say about that. We had a lot of lessons fall through, and we traveled quite a bit for exchanges in Burgas, but no worries. I have been praying for more humility lately, so it is only to be expected. However, I have definitely been feeling more humble lately, so (as usual), our gracious Heavenly Father knows best!
Mother; the package would come to Sofia, so I don't know yet, but I should find out by at least next preparation day. Thank you so much, whether it is there or not! There are not really any pine trees, but the weather has gotten got a little bit cooler, and it is very beautiful here. This really is an amazingly beautiful country, in so many ways. Ponderizing sounds neat! I am not sure how they will translate that word into Bulgarian, but I will give a try for sure--it sounds like a great idea. Thank you so much for all that you do for us, Mother. I love you so much!
Father; just to double check--you are getting lots of pictures of Ronnie scoring these touchdowns, correct? It sounds like you had a great time down there in Salt Lake. Do you remember when we went? President Monson wiggled his ears. I will remember that forever! I love you so much, Father, have a great week!
Paige; I am proud of you for making that choice! Seminary really is something that we need to get everything we can from--it will give you a base of scriptural knowledge for the rest of your life. I am sorry that I did not set a better example! You will do great, I love you!
Ronnie; superstar! I am so proud of you little brother. Always remember that the Lord has given us every talent that we possess, and we should always be seeking to use them for the benefit of others, for their spiritual and physical well being (though I don't think a stiff-arm or two is out of place!). I love you so much little Brother--always remember that you are a bearer of the Holy Priesthood of God--that is the most important team you will ever be a part of. I love you!
Lizzie; whenever I tell people that plays Футбол, they are quite surprised, but pleased that their beloved game has "leaked across the pond." You are great, keep being friends with all those around you, even the other players on the other team. I love you so much! I will write you about your birthday more next week, when I have a little more time--I want to do it justice! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Not a lot of time, but I just want to share a quick story--we showed a young man that we met of the street the Church Building late one night, and after he left, a friend of the church was coming towards the building, and heard them talking, just absolutely in wonder at what they were feeling, why they (the young man and his girlfriend) were feeling so good, why they felt so bright and happy inside. The Holy Ghost is real, and it stays with us when we follow the Path of our Savior. Happiness is a fruit of the Spirit--if you are not happy, seek the spirit. I promise that it will bring you up faster than any other influence. I love you all so much!
With a smile,
Elder Hardy
Sorry that I have to be so quick! We are doing a FH activity in the branch, and we have been asked to collect stories. If you have any, could you send just a few my way? Thank you so much!
I love you!
Elder Hardy
No comments:
Post a Comment