Elder Tanner Hardy: Potatoes

Family!

I love you so much! Thank you so much for the wonderful update! Today is Elder Strobl's last day (thus the title), so I don't have a ton of time to write, but I hope all those pictures I sent will make up the difference!

It really has been a great week; we visited a LOT of members, taught a lot of lessons, and even found time for exchanges in Stara Zagora (my old area!), which all in all made for a great week. I was able to work with Elder Wilde, who is from Portland and has red hair, so you can imagine which cousin I was thinking of for the whole exchange! I also had a chance to teach some members there, and help make some progress in sorting out some unpleasant situations there, so I was very grateful that the Lord let me make it back there.

Transfers were this weekend, and I am staying in Sofia, in the same area for yes, what will be my last transfer. I will be with Elder Abbott, from Tennessee. I really have come to appreciate serving with Elder Strobl, and after 4 and a half months of being with him (almost) constantly, it will surely be weird to be with another companion, but I am really excited to work with Elder Abbott as well. As I have pondered the things I have learned because of Elder Strobl, I really thank the Lord that he sent someone that exemplifies so many of the traits that have wanted and still want to gain. I have learned to appreciate silence a lot more, and more than just talking about it, I have been given the chance to see it's power in action. I can honestly say that I have made more ground on sincerely dealing with my tendency to speak when I should be listening in the last 4 months than in any other time on my mission, and I am grateful that the Lord put the right catalyst in life to help me to change. No one can convince me that the Lord is not close to his servants, that they do not hear his voice.

Mother; I didn't want to mention it, but the Zip-Lock bags are for packing. There is a summer youth activity for the 14-18 year-olds in the whole country, and also for the 18-30 year-olds in the whole country as well. I actually will be at the Youth Conference this Thursday, just for a little bit--we are taking a Family History specialist from Ukraine from the Sofia Airport to the little village the conference will be held in. That should be interesting! The nearest Temple is in Ukraine, but the Temple trip this year will be to Germany, due to certain factors. I love you so much--thank you for keeping me updated, you are amazing! Thank you for loving my crazy Dad for 26 years!

Father; Snow? That is hilarious! I am glad to hear that you haven't lost your wit! I wrote Sister Alley a letter--I will be praying for them and their family this week. I really love them. Thank you for your good example! The Lord has blessed us with lessons these last few weeks, so we haven't had too many of those 10 hour days, but I will always be grateful for what they have taught me. The Lord supports those who do his work, of that I am certain.

Jordan! You go Sister!

Rees, I love you.

Paige--I like the pig-tails! It makes you look younger, which I like. It softens the blow a little bit! I love you so much!

Ronnie, I can't remember how many reps I could do, or what my max exactly was, but I could rep with 45's on both sides. I think the max was 45's and 25's? I am not sure. You are looking large! I love you Brother.

Lizzie--it really gets fun when everyone really can not only hold a tune, but sing where they should! You are going to do great.

I want you to all know that I know that this Gospel is true. Death has lost it's sting, because of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the perfect example not only of strength however, but also the perfect example of submissiveness (Mosiah 15:1-6). I know that as we submit to the will of the Father, it always turns for our good. I love you all so much, have a great week!

Love,

Elder Hardy