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