Thank you so much for the wonderful letter! It really is a treat to read all about your comings and goings, your too-and-fro, the little miracles of everyday life. Isn't life grand? I love it.
It was a really rewarding week--the Office Elders (i.e. My MTC group and one of my trainees) had an amazing week, ending with the (almost) unexpected baptism of Georgi. I cannot express how grateful and happy I am for Georgi--it was absolutely incredible to see how his countenance was changed as he came to church yesterday, throughout the whole baptismal service, and afterwards as well. The outpouring of love and support from the Branch was incredible, and the fact that his Mother and friends were there to witness the whole thing, and to feel of that strong Spirit was even more incredible. God really is a God of miracles, and rewards us with his Spirit in equal proportion to the Faith that we exert in his name--Georgi took a step of faith, and the Spirit really has already started to change him. I have been studying about conversion, and about following the Spirit this week, and the more I study, the more and more it becomes clear to me that if I want to change, that if I want to truly become converted, I should focus my efforts on living and praying in such a way to ALWAYS have the Spirit with me. When I truly am feeling the influence of the Spirit, I feel no desire to be sarcastic or to make untimely jokes, I have a much more clear awareness of how much I am talking and when I should stop, I feel NO desire to seek the faults in others, but only to help, I have no desire to seek my own will, but to give all I am to the Lord (to be consecrated, in a word)...He (the Spirit) really makes all the difference. I love the analogy of the Pickle-Jar by Elder Bednar; if we want to be changed from "cucumbers to pickles" (or from the natural man to the fulfillment our true spiritual identity), we need to saturate ourselves not in brine, but in the Spirit of the Lord, to not sit long in a solution of man's concoction, but in a pattern of Covenant keeping, Gospel Living. Great stuff.
In other news, Elder Strobl and I are staying together again in the same area (transfer time comes around so fast!), which I am very excited about--we have a lot of great potential in our area, and have faith that this coming transfer is going to be a great one. Round three with the Ivy League Idahoan!
Mother; I absolutely have had some "just eat it moments" along with, "and it looks like you're going to have to eat your companion's portion as well" moments. It's ok though! Eating is like a relationship--you look for the good in every ястие! (Dish). Thank you so much for keeping me updated on the missionaries--I am so glad to hear about Benton and Tevah and the Sants, but I am the most excited about Alex and Christian. I love them so much, and am so excited for them! Serving the Lord is such a wonderful blessing. In terms of a package, I think the only thing might be a few gallon-size Zip-Lock bags. They are really hard to find here! Also, M&M's would not go amiss. Other than that, I am doing great--thank you so much for thinking of me. I love you so much!
Father; I love what you said-- "Sprint through the finish line and on into the consecrated life." That really is an important fact--the more I think about it, a mission really is a warm-up lap with lots of coaches and few distractions, preparing a runner for the real competition. I love serving the Lord so much. I absolutely agree about writing talks--it is a great way to turn feelings and impressions into thoughts, conclusions, and eventually knowledge, I am grateful to be part of a Church that allows it's members to grow in such a way. Thank you for your example, have a great week!
Jordan! So many thoughts, memories, feelings...one of my favorite pictures that is in the Album I show people is the one where you are holding the crab whilst your two frightened little brothers look on bashfully. You always have been the bravest, the most ready for adventure and a laugh (which was usually painful to those in your direct vicinity, due to that wonderful and sentimental punching habit). You have always been the leader of the pack, the inventor of the game, the mastermind of the plan, the lead soprano who was always ready to sing harmony. Thank you for being you, Sister. I love your smile, I love your confusing-hair color (thanks, by the way--I inherited it to some extent), I love your willingness, your dedication to your family, and to me. I am grateful for your example and for your love. Thank you for helping me to love books, for being goofy, but knowing when not to be. Thank you for your love of music, it influences me every day. Thank you for leading the way, Како. It is strange that you are turning 24. I don't know what I did in the Pre-Earth Life to get the privilege of being your Brother, but whatever it was, I am glad that I did it. I love you, Happy Birthday!
Paige; I love you so much! I love picturing you with the headset on, hustling a group of nervous, make-up clad 8 year-olds onto the stage so they don't miss their cue. I am sure you do great. I love you so much little Sister!
Ronnie; effort really does make the difference, and learning to give one's all is a skill that only comes through practice. It is not only a sports skill however, it goes for all things, including the Gospel; whenever the wispy mists of casualness or laziness start creeping into my mind, I love thinking about D&C 58:27, or the oft repeated phrase "be ye not weary in well-doing". You have so many skills and talents little Brother...remember that they really only come into effect when they are used. I love you so much, Big Ron, I hope you know that. Have a great week!
Lizzie; you look so happy for just having run so long! I am proud of you, and love your smile. I love you so much little Sister!
Well, my time is up. I love you all so much!
Love,
Elder Hardy
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| Alex! The Young man in the branch. He is great. |
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| A beautiful Bulgarian Rose. We ARE famous for them, don't you know |
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| Make sure not to post this one to Social Media or anything like that (well, all of the pictures I send with Bulgarians in them, really). This is Georgi, who was baptized yesterday here in Sofia. He is a really great guy! |
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