Goals and Councils

Семейството ми!

      Не съм ви писал на Български отдавна! Този език е много хубав, ако сте забелязали. Аз си го обичам. I love you all so much! Thank you for the wonderful letters--it is always so great to hear your going-ons and doings. Thank you for being such wonderful examples and always seeking to do good. 

       This week was really wonderful, and inspiring--we had Mission Council again, and it was one of the more lively ones that I think I have ever attended. We set some very high goals for baptism, and I really have been feeling the Lord spurring me on to greater urgency and faith as we have been seeking the Lord's guidance and assistance in meeting such goals. I really have gained such a great appreciation and love for goals serving as a missionary--they really are the driving force behind the actions of successful people. Is it not our Heavenly Goal of returning to live in God's presence that encourages us to act in faith and live commandments, and is it not namely that consistent exercise of faith that then turns obedience from a step of faith into a choice couched and settled in sure Gospel knowledge of the meaning, purpose of those same commandments that we may not have understood at the beginning? Setting goals and making plans is not just a process invented of men, of that I am sure. All in all, the week was wonderful, with many opportunities to teach, and to go on exchanges with the Elders from Varna--I was with a missionary that I had been on exchanges with 9 months ago when he was a new missionary, and it was a lot of fun to see how he has grown and become an even greater servant of Christ than he was before. A rewarding week.

      Mother; we did find some new people to teach! We were walking down the street, and we said hello to a large man sitting at a Cafe table, and he beckoned us over, and we had a lesson with him on the spot, and have had another chance to teach his since then. He was a Muslim until a year ago when he had some dramatic spiritual experiences, and he became a Christian (he also looks like a Samoan lineman for BYU, but that is neither here nor there). In Sofia other missionaries teach English, and I sang in church a few weeks ago, but not recently. About Mother's Day, we are not quite sure yet, but I will let you know by next Monday--we will get it worked out, though it might have to be on Monday. We will see! As a side note, this week you have been doing laundry Bulgarian Style! This last week our washer broke as well, so the clothes came out SOPPING wet and sudsy, so drying was a 2 day experience in patience, but we got a new washer the other day, so all is well. Dryers...strange stuff.

        Father; that sounds like a great service project! We do that sometimes as we walk along the streets. Also, thank you for that great advice Father--it really is true about it being a cause to sprint, not to lament. Here in Sofia, planes fly over all the time, and when I served here the first time (almost a year ago...) I was talking to a departing missionary who had served here for his last few months, and I asked him whether it was hard with the constant reminder of air travel all the time. His response was enlightening (though i've probably exaggerated by the many times I have told it); "that airplane sound to me is like a whip cracking, telling me to work harder!". That statement only becomes truer and truer as time goes by. *Crack!*

          Rees; Get in the Zone, the Auto Zone! Allow me a quick missionary related joke; do you think if you work there for long enough, you will become the Zone Leader? I love you brother!

          Paige; you look so good soloing! Whatever happens, happens--this is what always comforts me about these kind of situations "well, I may not have achieved such and such award or accomplished such and such task, but at least I know the Book of Mormon is true!" I love you little Sister--you are beautiful. (And I think you'll make it!).

         Ronnie; glad to hear that the operation went well. You always have been the most accident-prone for whatever reason. Maybe it is just nature trying to bring balance--you were born to handsome for your own good! I love you little Brother.

        Lizzie; it sounds like you are doing wonderful! You need to teach me some of your moves--the Bulgarians usually do a pretty good job of showing me up when it comes to Soccer Balls. I love you so much little Sister!

       I know that this Gospel is true, and that Holy Ghost will guide us as we take a little time to listen. Pondering time is precious time. I am so grateful that we have a Heavenly Father who cares enough to not just give us guidelines and then leave us to our own devices, but who will guide us each individually in living his Principles, and becoming that which he wants us to become. I love you all so much, have a great week!

With Love,

Elder Hardy

Hello!

Лъвов Мост...You can read the translation. Sort of a central place in our area.

I love taking pictures from the Apartment window...

Out with the Old and Experienced, In with the New and Excited.

Family of Mine that I Love!

       Thank you so much for your letters and pictures, I am always filled with energy and excitement as I read about the developments in your lives. The Lord truly has blessed us so much individually, and as a Family Unit. You all look great! 

        This week was hectic, but the Lord had some great lessons for me to learn this week. Quite a large group of Missionaries with whom I had worked closely (including a few former companions and my trainer) were here in Sofia on Monday, and flew out Tuesday morning. It was tough to watch so much Gospel knowledge, testimony solidified by trial, and good-heartedness just get on a plane and fly-away, to see these people with whom I have so many shared memories, good moments and tough moments, start another phase on their path of discipleship. However, as we learn from Lion King, the Circle of Missionary Life just moves along, and on the next day, there were 7 new, fresh faces (well, maybe fresh is not exactly the word after 19 hours of flying) come into the mission, confused, surprised, unlearned, but excited beyond belief, ready to give their all to the Lord. It was such a contrast in such a short time, I couldn't help but be reminded me of (excuse me for the strange analogy) a hot glue gun--you see the hardened glue go in on one side, and the melted, mold able, steaming adhesive agent come out the other side in a matter of minutes. Truly, if there is anything that serving a Mission does, it breaks one down, makes one mold able, ready to be used in the hands of the Master Craftsman. We had a chance to help out with Orienting the new Missionaries, which was fun and exciting as well. A great week.

        Thank you so much for sending me those pictures of Brother Davis's funeral--I really am so grateful for all that he taught me, all that he helped me to become. He helped us grow so much because he never treated us like the 16, 17, 18 year-old boys that we were, but like the men that he wanted us to become. I will always be grateful that he was loving enough to get on my case, strict enough to put just enough fear in my bones to make me take responsibility seriously, to stick to my word, to find answers and solutions instead of only problems and complaints. I love him, and will always love him. Please, give my heartfelt love and best wishes to Sister Davis. 

        Mother; whitewashed means that you and your companion are both new in an area (fresh like a freshly painted fence). We will continue teaching one of our investigators, but the rest will be taught by the incoming missionaries. We were moved into another apartment (see picture). The Spring is beautiful here--it has been alternating strong rains and powerful sunshine, so the plants and grasses are shooting up like there is no tomorrow. I love you so much Mother, thank you for all that you do for us!

        Father; this first week we have had a chance to teach a lot of lessons despite being busy otherwise, and we had one of our progressing investigators come to church and have a great experience there, so things are going great. Mostly we are just seeing a lot of experienced Missionaries leaving who have been leading the Mission since I got here at least, and consequently many new Missionaries as well. There are now a small number of Missionaries left who were here when President Wilstead was here, which doesn't make a huge difference, but just some small things...frankly, it probably comes from the feeling of being a Missionary for the short time that I have, but I just don't want to admit it. In any case, things are great, just changing!

        Rees; 22...it feels like yesterday that I was feeling jealous that you had turned 13 and I hadn't, that I was feeling down because you had gotten big and could beat me in wrestling, that we were singing about peanut galleries together. I have too many great memories to share in one go, or to write down, too many small moments shared together, too many big ones. I cannot share one story that could capture all of the things that I feel, but I want you to know that I am grateful that you are my brother. Thank you for sharing books with me, for sharing money with me (two allowances are better than one!), thank you for sharing your advice with me, thank you for sharing your love for Jazz Music with me (I think it came from you! Or maybe Jordan), thank you for sharing your sense of humor and clever insights with me, thank you for sharing a room and a bathroom with me, pretty much our whole lives, thank you for sharing hikes and camp-outs and games nights and (begrudgingly) dances with me, thank you for sharing your love of the Lord with me, thank you for sharing your love of the Scriptures with me, thank you for NOT sharing your ability to grow facial hair with me, thank you for sharing you life with me. I love you so much, Brother. Happy Birthday.

       Paige; don't worry about the face--it happens! I love you, have a great week!

        Ronnie; whatever happens with Jazz Choir happens, always keep developing your voice--I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been for me in serving others. I love you little Brother!

       Lizzie; in Bulgarian. we would call you a нападателка (striker or "attacker")! I am so proud of you, and love you so much.

        The Gospel is true. If we will draw near unto the Lord, he will draw near unto us (D&C 88:63). I love you all so much!

With love,

Elder Hardy

The Pink Palace.  You get used to it after a week, don't worry.

The two Districts in Sofia (from last transfer)! The first and only city in Bulgaria since I have been here to have more than one District in a City. Great stuff!

Conference. Was. Great.

Dear Family Mine,

        Thank you so much for the wonderful letters and updates--I am glad to hear that you are all alive and well and suntanned! I love you all so much, and love seeing pictures of your adventures. This week was a very rewarding week; we struggled to meet with our investigators, many of those who would agree to meet didn't show up to their appointments, and we spent a lot of time in our back-up plans this week. However, it was a great testament to the true essence of serving the Lord. I really feel as if we did some rewarding work this week, and felt the Spirit bearing witness that we were doing our best, and the things that were happening were according to his plan, and not (entirely at least) because of our (my) weaknesses. He truly knows all the variables, and when we follow the counsel given to us in the 123 section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. 17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." Truth. 

         Otherwise, this week was crazy and wonderful. Conference was so великолепен that I find it hard to condense into one message, but I really loved the messages about Family Councils (thanks Mom!) and also from Elder Ukedorf about...marriage. I think every missionary with less than 6 months left got a big clout in the left ear during his message. All in all, I felt richly blessed to listen to those wonderful messages. We watched all the Sessions in Bulgarian with the branch members except for the Priesthood Session (3 on Saturday, 2 Sunday, a lunch in between on both days). Some came from quite far, but they come from far away every Sunday, and quite a few people just watched it at home. All in all, wonderful.

           Transfers were also this week; Elder Strobel and I will be staying together and staying in Sofia, but we are getting "white-washed" into a new area, so we are excited to get to work. There were lots of changes in the Mission, but I am sure that things are going to work out great.

           Mother; I like the "just keep swimming" approach too--especially if it goes on in Florida! All jokes aside, I love you so much Mother--I as well have gained a powerful testimony of Joseph Smith and his calling. How blessed we are to be part of this restored Gospel! Sorry that I have little time, I love you!

           Father; there were lots of talks about Fatherhood it seems this Conference, and it just reminded me again and again how grateful I am to have been raised by a righteous Father. You do not know, and likely will not recognize soon the effect that you have had in my life, and continue to have. It is eternal. Thank you for teaching me everyday how to be the Father that I need to be, thank you for your faithfulness and devotedness to my Mother. I love you Father.

          Paige; did you meet a Bulgarian? I am glad that you enjoyed your time in Europe--it really is a wonderful place--and I am glad that you are back home in safety. I love you so much!

         Ronnie; sing your heart out! I love Jazz Choir, and I know you will too. Listen and match, and everything will be ok. I love you little Brother, keep the commandments. What did you think of Priesthood session? How is your Quorum doing? I love you little Brother.

         Lizzie; I am glad that you did not get eaten by an alligator! That would have ruined my day! I love you so much little Sister--remember to always be the bigger person, that kindness is the best defense to anything, and that you are defined by your eternal identity, not what you wear. I love you so much!

          Read the scriptures, I love you all so much!

Love,

Elder Hardy  

A tree by our apartment...sorry for the lack of pictures of me!

Train, Train, Train!

Family Mine!

        Thank you so much for the wonderful letter this week--the Family is spread out all over the world! I am grateful for your wonderful words and encouragement, and the pictures as well. I really am blessed to have such a great family.

        This week was the "Mini-MTC" for the missionaries that arrived a few weeks ago, and we didn't think that we would have much of a part in it, but some missionaries that were going to teach had some health problems, so we found ourself training quite a bit, without really expecting it. It was fun though-- we taught about planning and about How to Begin Teaching (one of the fundamental skills). I enjoy teaching with Elder Strobel, so there was no problem. In other news, we have been having a lot of success as a District recently, the Lord has been giving us some great blessings of late, and there are now quite a few people who are preparing actively for baptism in the City, and we are very excited. We had an experience teaching one of our investigators that was..awesome. As we were teaching about the plan of Salvation, the Spirit came into the room strongly, and he really was understanding the doctrine, a real blessing that I didn't realize was such a rare occasion until I was a Missionary. As we talked about the Atonement, I felt the strong impressions to challenge him to be baptized, and he accepted. I know, without a doubt, that we the missionaries had so very little to do with that moment. We really are called to be his TOOLS, to simply be worthy and ready and trying our best to invite the Spirit, and then get out of the way. The Church is true.

      Mother; yes, we will hear it all this coming weekend--the Missionary equivalent of the Super Bowl! I am very excited to hear the Council of the Prophets and Apostles. Beyond a doubt, I know that they are called by Jesus Christ to their service. It looks like you are having a great time in Florida--I am so glad. I love you all so much!

        Father; I got a good laugh about the Han Solo joke. I have a funny family! Thank you for being such a good Father and good example. I love you so much!

         Paige; Wow! We are so close! Did you find any Bulgarians yet? I love you so much. Be safe and have a great time with Hailey. I cannot believe that you are 17...it still blows my mind. I love you so much!

          Big Ron; you are so tall! I hadn't seen you next to Dad before...take care of all the rest of them for me! Did you have a good time listening to Priesthood session? I always am so glad for the chance to hear those talks, given directly to us. The Priesthood is a sacred responsibility and an unimaginable privilege. I hope that you take the time to study out thoroughly the trust with which God, our Father, has trusted us as bearers of his Priesthood. Ask Dad, he'll tell you all about it, but more importantly, watch how our earthly father lives, and that will likely teach you more. I love you little big brother!

        Lizzie, that is a stylish hat! Sister Sherbert (one of the senior couples serving in the office) says that we look alike--I was flattered! I love you so much little sister, and am proud of all that you do.

        Every time that I read in the Book of Mormon about the Plan of Salvation, whether it be from 2 Nephi 2 or 9, Alma 11 or 12 or 40-42, or so many other places, it fills me with joy and gratitude for the Latter-Day Revelation that gives a more clear view of our Eternal  pre-existence and un-ending destiny. It is a plan that can be understood by a child but requires a life-time of study, but I am grateful for every single bit of knowledge that I have received about it. I love you all so much, have a great week!

with Love,

Elder Hardy

Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee in the Park

Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee in the Park

Work hard, play hard (and safe, so as not to impede the work during the week!).

Park Zaimov...missionaries walking through her paths since 1989!