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