FIRST: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE NEW BAG!! I love it. :) I was actually quite surprised that it came as fast as it did. Those UPS trucks know what they're doin’! (Norm included). [We realized after we dropped him off, that although his paperwork said to bring a backpack - which he found an awesome one that his Lita helped him purchase - that now missionaries are to have the side messenger bag so we had to scramble and send photos and have him pick one and send via UPS to the MTC]
Well this past week has been one of the longest weeks of my life. OF MY LIFE! But it has also been one of the greatest! I have learned soooo much! I just can't believe how much I've learned in the short amount of time here. I'm continuing to stay positive, and optimistic and strong. Though there are some moments I feel like I don't know much, (and really now I regret days I didn't go or listen in seminary), I know that there is still time to learn. And you know what, I've seen the same thing with many other missionaries here. We really have to be converted in order to convert. I've never known this church to be so true in my life! It's awesome!
I don't know if you know this, I can't even remember and I don't know why they chose me, but I was called to be the District Leader like the 2nd day here. It's crazy, and at first I didn't even know why the Branch President and his counselors chose me. But looking at it, it was again to teach me a lesson as well as help those in my district. I LOVE MY DISTRICT! It includes 8 of us including myself:
Elder Jensen from Provo, Utah
Elder Anderson from Utah
Elder Durtschi from North Salt Lake
Sister Taylor from Pleasant Grove
Sister Hulme from Idaho Bear Lake
Sister Anderson {no relation to the previous Anderson}
& Sister Perrins from Washington
All of these Elders and Sisters have taught me so much and their testimonies have built mine even higher. We became really close within the first couple of days, and we sit together and laugh all the time during meals and work well as a District. We are lucky, and our teachers Sister Davis and Sister Avery have been terrific. I love them as well, and I have felt the spirit so strong with the lessons they teach. I've learned so much, and really when you study and work and really really study- you know this all just makes sense.
I hope you guys were able to watch GC! I know you guys probably did, and I can fully agree with President Monson when he said that this GC was one of the most inspirational GC's he has ever been to. We actually traveled from the West Campus to the Main Campus to watch GC. It was lame at the Main and I really love and enjoy the West tons more. It's just my home here I guess. ; ) But being forced to watch GC in a room with hundreds of other missionaries isn't as bad as you or some other missionaries think it is. I took notes and listened more than just sitting on our couch at home {which right now I miss cause my back kills}. But one of my favorite talks - besides seeing the black Edward Dube and hearing the Australian who spoke, Elder Terence M. Vinson - would have to be from Richard J. Maynes and his talk about what I called "The Race". I know personally that running XC (the little bit that I did) was not easy - cause, hey -I quit. Haha, but I love how he said that endurance in righteousness makes our testimonies stronger. Dedication, perseverance, and self discipline can build both physical and spiritual strength. And I know you said that I started off running, and honestly I did, but I came to realize that was running, but with no real direction. Well I eventually found that direction, and it is toward our Savior. I need Him oh so much, I need him when I speak and teach investigators (which here some are and aren't fake), I need Him when I'm trying to lead our district, and I have come to know that I will constantly need Him. So I have had to truly humble myself, and I know I ain't perfect, but I am trying. Through Him, anything is possible and through Him we are able to have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the holy ghost and ENDURE TO THE END! I know I sound like a missionary, and guess what, I am!
I love this church, this gospel and I can testify it to you it's true. It really is.
I continue to pray for you guys back home. I heard Aves was driving farther, so I expect her to drive to Georgia and back in two ;) I love you so much, I miss you and you should send me some photos during Christmas! I got to take a few pics today actually when we went to the temp (which was great and made a little more sense) and I felt my Instasoul start! I will send you some as soon as I can! Love you all again so much, and I keep you in my heart and Grandpa Louis.
Thank you mom for the update and reminder for Georgia :) We got our itineraries and instructions for our flight Tuesday morning. I should read those... anyway thank you and thank you all again!
I can't wait to be in Georgia because it's too cold here. I'll probably write to you again next time from there. Luv ya lots and stay golden! Til next time.
- ELDER BLACK
Well this past week has been one of the longest weeks of my life. OF MY LIFE! But it has also been one of the greatest! I have learned soooo much! I just can't believe how much I've learned in the short amount of time here. I'm continuing to stay positive, and optimistic and strong. Though there are some moments I feel like I don't know much, (and really now I regret days I didn't go or listen in seminary), I know that there is still time to learn. And you know what, I've seen the same thing with many other missionaries here. We really have to be converted in order to convert. I've never known this church to be so true in my life! It's awesome!
I don't know if you know this, I can't even remember and I don't know why they chose me, but I was called to be the District Leader like the 2nd day here. It's crazy, and at first I didn't even know why the Branch President and his counselors chose me. But looking at it, it was again to teach me a lesson as well as help those in my district. I LOVE MY DISTRICT! It includes 8 of us including myself:
Elder Jensen from Provo, Utah
Elder Anderson from Utah
Elder Durtschi from North Salt Lake
Sister Taylor from Pleasant Grove
Sister Hulme from Idaho Bear Lake
Sister Anderson {no relation to the previous Anderson}
& Sister Perrins from Washington
All of these Elders and Sisters have taught me so much and their testimonies have built mine even higher. We became really close within the first couple of days, and we sit together and laugh all the time during meals and work well as a District. We are lucky, and our teachers Sister Davis and Sister Avery have been terrific. I love them as well, and I have felt the spirit so strong with the lessons they teach. I've learned so much, and really when you study and work and really really study- you know this all just makes sense.
I hope you guys were able to watch GC! I know you guys probably did, and I can fully agree with President Monson when he said that this GC was one of the most inspirational GC's he has ever been to. We actually traveled from the West Campus to the Main Campus to watch GC. It was lame at the Main and I really love and enjoy the West tons more. It's just my home here I guess. ; ) But being forced to watch GC in a room with hundreds of other missionaries isn't as bad as you or some other missionaries think it is. I took notes and listened more than just sitting on our couch at home {which right now I miss cause my back kills}. But one of my favorite talks - besides seeing the black Edward Dube and hearing the Australian who spoke, Elder Terence M. Vinson - would have to be from Richard J. Maynes and his talk about what I called "The Race". I know personally that running XC (the little bit that I did) was not easy - cause, hey -I quit. Haha, but I love how he said that endurance in righteousness makes our testimonies stronger. Dedication, perseverance, and self discipline can build both physical and spiritual strength. And I know you said that I started off running, and honestly I did, but I came to realize that was running, but with no real direction. Well I eventually found that direction, and it is toward our Savior. I need Him oh so much, I need him when I speak and teach investigators (which here some are and aren't fake), I need Him when I'm trying to lead our district, and I have come to know that I will constantly need Him. So I have had to truly humble myself, and I know I ain't perfect, but I am trying. Through Him, anything is possible and through Him we are able to have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the holy ghost and ENDURE TO THE END! I know I sound like a missionary, and guess what, I am!
I love this church, this gospel and I can testify it to you it's true. It really is.
I continue to pray for you guys back home. I heard Aves was driving farther, so I expect her to drive to Georgia and back in two ;) I love you so much, I miss you and you should send me some photos during Christmas! I got to take a few pics today actually when we went to the temp (which was great and made a little more sense) and I felt my Instasoul start! I will send you some as soon as I can! Love you all again so much, and I keep you in my heart and Grandpa Louis.
Thank you mom for the update and reminder for Georgia :) We got our itineraries and instructions for our flight Tuesday morning. I should read those... anyway thank you and thank you all again!
I can't wait to be in Georgia because it's too cold here. I'll probably write to you again next time from there. Luv ya lots and stay golden! Til next time.
- ELDER BLACK