This was a great week! It was pretty regular (translation: pretty extraordinary and amazing), filled with some great teaching experiences and the chance to attend a baptism! Elder Raisor taught a woman in Pazardjik, and we were able to go to Plovdiv yesterday to witness her baptism (there is not place to do the baptism down in Pazardjik, so they traveled up the Plovdiv). It really was a wonderful experience. In the middle of the service, as I was listening to one Sister from Plovdiv give a talk on the Holy Ghost, I was just so overwhelmed with love for the people here...what a blessing. It was a sweet experience. Also, Plovidv is the only other place in Bulgaria besides the Sofia Mission Home/Church building were the Church building is its own building, and actually looks like a real chapel. Also, there was an Organ! It was very weird to hear an actual organ again, but nice. All in all a great week.
Lots of miracles this week--after we got home from the baptism Saturday evening, we were headed out to visit a Less Active Member with whom we have never made any sort of contact, despite MANY tries. It "just so happened" (not really) that there was an older couple standing with the door to his entrance open, and they were very friendly, invited us in, and we happened to catch him just before he left for the night shift, were able to get an updated telephone number for him, and to have a good conversation. What a great blessing! It was just a testimony, again, of the Lord doing all the work, and us not really doing anything at all. That happens a lot!
Mother; I am excited to hear about Benton and Audrey! They will do great work! Tell Benton to learn some Bulgarian as well--there are a LOT of Bulgarians that live there! All jokes aside, it might actually help. I am excited for them. Valentine's day is celebrated here (it is actually a Christian Holiday in the first place, right-- Saint Valentine's Day), so the Sister's baked some sugar cookie hearts for after Sacrament Meeting yesterday, but that was about the extent of our celebration. I love those broadcasts! People will often ask us "what are you doing here?", and when Elder Nelson spoke to us last May, he encouraged us to say; "because I know the Book of Mormon is true!". It usually shocks people enough to get them interested. It is a fun transition. When it comes down to it, the Message of the Restoration is the answer to objections of every kind--if Joseph Smith is actually a Prophet (which he is), and the Book of Mormon is true, there are some pretty serious conclusions to be drawn from that. I love it, I love you!
Father, thank you for taking Mom out on a date! I am grateful for your example of always loving my Mother. The work is progressing well--we have seen a great increase in Sacrament Attendance over the last few weeks, and we have three investigators that are making good progress, are feeling the Spirit, and moving forward, so we are very excited! Thank you for your example of Missionary Work--the more I think about it, I realize that a Mission is just the introductory course to a lifetime of missionary work. It really does bring joy, that I know! I love you Father.
Paige; Boys? As long as they are named Seth, I am okay with it. I love you little sister! Keep singing your heart out, keep being a great example to your friends and to your siblings!
Ronnie; Sounds like a fun date! Just promise me you wont make that sort of plan with any girl! (After you turn 16, of course!). I love you so much little brother. It is the little choices about what you watch, what music you listen to, how you talk, who you are trying to please, that make all the difference. Big changes come from little choices, so make all the little right, and the change will be good. I love you!
Lizzie; one of the missionaries that I served with is from Missouri! I am glad that you are so good at being a friend--that really is the greatest form of Missionary work that we can do; showing true, Christ-like love for those around us. I love you!
2 Nephi 33:10. The words of the Book of Mormon really are the words of Christ, and those who are humbly seeking to be guided by him, will recognize them as such. As we seek his words, we will be shown the path that we need to follow. There really is no greater investment of time than an investment in our growth towards becoming like our Heavenly Father. I love you all so much, have a great week!
With Love,
Elder Hardy
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| We made Plates with scriptures on them! |
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