Dear Mom, Dad, Eric, Belle, and Coffee,
Thank you, Dad, for your testimony. I felt the spirit so strong as
I read why you follow Christ. I can't even begin to describe what it
means to be a member of a family that has strong, powerful testimonies of the
restored gospel. Coming to Taiwan, and in many cases seeing people
struggle with their identity in a corrupt and broken world, makes me appreciate
my family more than ever before. I love you all. This gospel means
everything to me. I cannot deny the change that the Savior has wrought in
our family. How glorious! How marvelous! How can we not shout
praises to Him from now till the end of eternity! Thanks be to Him who is
mighty to save.
Next week, it's mom's turn.
I bet you're all wondering why I'm emailing on a Thursday,
well...basically, we initially had a temple trip planned for Wednesday, but
then Monday morning (after the entire Zone had the day planned with proselyting activities) President Blickenstaff that he was going to be out of town
when he announced trainers so he announced them early, subsequently having a
training meeting for them on Wednesday. Since missionaries in our Zone
are training, the temple trip is moved to next week and preparation day changed
to Thursday. Our temple trip is now next Thursday, so don't expect an email
till then. Following that, preparation day will be back to normal!
Sorry about the stir it may all have caused. I'm still alive however.
I can't even describe how badly I don't want to return home. I
love my mission more than anything. I love serving the Lord. I know
that the Lord loves me and desires my welfare. I've never felt so close
to the Lord. I've never felt so much like I've been actively helping people
like I do now. Home feels like a foggy dream that's hard to recall
properly. I just can't imagine not eating rice every day, not speaking in
Chinese, not wearing a white shirt and tie (which unless exercising in the
morning, we always wear no matter what the circumstance), not being a full time
missionary wearing the name of the Savior on my chest. The thought hurts
and stings a bit. All I know is that I'm not ready yet. Like the
end of LOTOJA. You get to this point, and you're not finished yet.
In fact, far from it. There's probably even still another rest stop in
there somewhere. I have time. I have to make the most of it.
Blake Rost is home? Incredible. I bet
he was a great missionary. I love that young man. I love that
entire family actually. I know that they all are disciples of Jesus
Christ. Something I'm still working on and hopefully one day will
achieve. Nate comes home soon doesn't he? When is that? It's
likely less than ten weeks, right? Wow. I can't even fathom him
coming home. I think I'm most excited to see him when I return.
He's always been a great example to me. I imagine his testimony and
leadership abilities are more than stellar.
Elder Taylor is doing well I believe. He is in the south whereas
I'm still in the north, so I never see him, but he's training right now and I'm
sure he's doing great. Elder Taylor is a wonderful missionary and a
wonderful person. I just hope that we are able to run into each other
before all is said and done. Seeing him in the mission field is pretty
surreal to be honest. It's like a pure line back to home. I can't
fully describe it, but it's indeed strange.
I miss home teaching with you Dad. I wish we could be home
teaching companions again. I've realized on my mission how to properly
home teach. Before I just picked an article and shared some thoughts on
it. Now I know that there needs to be testimonies, promised blessings,
invitations, inspired questions, and so much more. We are family home
TEACHERS not family home visitors or family home sharers or family home
anything else. I can't wait to be a magnifier of my callings. The
idea excites me. The church needs more members like you three: active,
and diligent in all things.
In my next interview with President I will bring up my feelings about
leaving, and receive some inspired counsel. Unless he asks me to stay or
suggests strongly that I should, I won't change anything about the current
choice. I also believe that returning home at that time seems like the
most effective and efficient choice. I'm not suddenly not a missionary,
or a servant of God, or incapable of being close to the spirit when I
return. On the contrary, I have a greater responsibility to prepare for
my future family and help my friends come unto the Lord.
I love this gospel. I love you all. Please take care of
yourselves.
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