It was so great to see your faces and to hear your laughter and to get to talk to you--I love you all so much, and am so grateful for all that you have done and do for me, and for the great love that you have for each other, and for those around you. Elder Strobel had finished his Skype right before I got on, and as I watched him talk to his family for a little bit, then started talking with you all, a Bulgarian twist on an English idiom (or maybe the other way around--Bulgaria is a pretty old country, don't you know) came to mind, which I put as the title. (Крушката не пада делеч от дървото). Really, our family environment does so much in not only forming our mannerisms, ways of speech and communication, but even in the way that we think, act, interpret the world and those around us. I am grateful that I fell from a good, healthy, wonderful, strong tree, deep in root, and towering in foliage (towering in Spiritual height, I mean). I love you so much, family!
This week, I really have been showed so many of my weaknesses, and, especially this week, I have been wracked with guilt and just frustration for the times that I have said things in a way that I don't want to ( or more than I should), or acted in non-Christ-like ways, or been visited by less-than-kind thoughts. I think I have done more repenting these last 4 weeks (and this last week especially) than I ever have in such a short time, but it really has helped me understand the power of the Atonement so much more in my life. He DOES forgive us of our mistakes, he DOES offer us a hand to enable us to overcome our weaknesses, he DOES love us despite everything. I still have so much farther to go, and want to cry with Nephi, "O wretched man that I am!", but I am grateful for the lessons I have learned. I am very grateful for the Gospel in my life, very grateful. I know with a SURETY that the Savior lives, and that he loves and cares for us, that there is no depth to which his hand cannot reach, there is no condition with which he cannot commiserate, and not only commiserate, but to show the escape, for he has already found it, he has already stamped down the weeds and cleared the bushes to make the way back to our Father. All we must do is trust him.
Mother; Thank you for the good questions and I hope that I answered them effectively! If you could send me that list of classes when you get a chance, that would be great (but maybe in a little while). I think I might want to re-take some of the beginning science classes, but I need to think about it a little more. We'll see. Thank you so much for doing that for me, Mom. I love you so much!
Father; it was great to see your face! Thank you so much for praying for our investigators, they really need it, and I know that prayer has power. I love you so much Dad!
Paige; you now have a REALLY big little brother! Thank you for being a good example to him and to all those around you. I love seeing your smiling face. Have a great week!
Ron; you are so large! I am grateful that there is someone around of that size to intimidate dates that come by (that is, if Rees's mountain-man appearance doesn't do it first!). May you grow just as quickly in spiritual stature as well. I love you so much little brother!
Lizzie; you really are becoming quite the young woman, little Sister. I love you so much--make sure and keep the family in line for me!
I love you all so much, have a great, great week!
Love,
Elder Hardy
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