Thank you for the wonderful letter! It sounds like Summer is in full swing. I am so glad to hear that the Hardys have moved into the neighborhood! I love them so much, and now they are only a bike-ride away. Give them my love. It is strange to hear about Max and Jacob's Homecoming talks--I still remember clear as day when I got the picture of the two of them posing together in the Mexico MTC...time sure flies. When I imagined the cousin-jamboree going on, my heart simply filled with joy. Heaven on earth is best experienced in the relationships found in the family unit. I feel blessed beyond words to be part of our family. Blessed beyond words. I love you all so much.
This week was a great week--there were no trainings or other such events, but we had a chance to go on a couple exchanges, which is always fun and enlightening--I was with Elder Hall-Brown from...several southern states (he is really tall--a дълго момче as the Bulgarians might say), and Elder Irvin from Bountiful. I love working with other missionaries--it is a blessing to hear their testimonies and experience their faith! We also had some great chances to teach our progressing investigator this week--it is amazing how the Spirit brings people close to each other--I barely know his for a month, and he feels like my 3rd brother. This Sunday he delayed his vacation so that he could come to church and get ready for his baptism. I just don't have words. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father, who sends his Spirit to teach the principles we can't to inspire the commitment we can't demand, to stir hearts that are out of our reach. He is the Lord of All, I know it.
This week we also had another amazing experience; at the beginning of the transfer, we went to a far corner of our area to street teach in the area, one rarely visited by the missionaries. While we were there, we felt that we would have more success if we came back and tried to do some "service tracting", knocking around to see if there was any service we could do. During Zone Conferences, Elder Abbott again felt that same prompting, so this week we made time on Saturday and headed out there in our "Helping Hands" shirts to try and find someone to help. Then, the miracles started. On the bus to the area, we had a great conversation with a young couple, and were able to testify of the reality of the Plan of Salvation. After knocking quite a few doors in the area with little success, we passed by one house, and saw a woman disappearing around the corner--we yelled after her, and she didn't come out, but her husband did! After a nice conversation, he invited us in, and it turns out that his wife is not only VERY interested in reading the Book of Mormon, but we also will be able to go out to help them dig some plumbing canals for their house this week. AN AMAZING BLESSING! I know that the Lord prompted us to go out there, he guided us to their house, and gave us the right words to say to open their door and their hearts. The Holy Ghost is real.
Mother; you did it! There is nothing like a sore body to motivate one to exercise more diligently. I sure love High- Adventures; being out in nature is a great blessing, and a chance to feel close to Heavenly Father and his creations. It sure is strange how a Ward can change in just less than two years, however--looking at the picture of the Young Women in the Ward, I think I recognized three of them--that is including one sister and one neighbor! Maybe they have just changed, but still. Time is a weird thing. I love you so much Mother, you are a wonderful example to me!
Father; Mr. Miagi (Karate Kid) has got nothing on the whole fertilizer-bag-conditioning program! I love it! That is definitely something that the young men don't appreciate--outside of the practice rides for the Mount Rainier bike trip, I don't think I ever even considered getting in shape for a High Adventure, and I did just fine. You set a good example. I love you Father, have a great week!
Rees--Hey, I love you. I talked with 4-5 people in French this week on the Metro (tourists), and the more I try to talk, the more comes back. Also, there is an African Guy in the branch who sings the Hymns in French, and whenever I sit by him, I sing them in French, and realize how much I have forgotten! Have a great week.
Paige--is it weird to be one of the "big girls" in Young Women now? I am sure all the dancing made the High Adventure a whole lot easier. I know that after "Hairspray", sweating my brains out night after night, I felt a lot more fit! I love you little Sister!
Ronnie; I see we are having a similar experience! I had to play for Priesthood quite a few times as well. Treasure it! It is nice to have stimulation besides Mom to get good at the piano. (P.S. It'll pay off when you serve your mission here in Bulgaria!). I love you little Brother!
Lizzie; so many cousins! I can just imagine you leading them in all sorts of games and mischief! I love you so much Elizabeth, I hope you know that!
You are all wonderful, have a great week!
Love,
Elder Hardy
 |
| Elder Abbott described in one photo--that is the wrapper of an ice-cream bar. |
No comments:
Post a Comment