August 1, 2011

Before I write the letter, here is a picture from this past week. My companion and I were destined to be companions if you can tell by the picture.

Hello Everyone!!!!

This past week was week number 6 of the 7 week transfer! I can't believe how fast the time has already flown by! We have been in the 'search' mode all week long because our investigators kind of disappeared, so we have been out talking to a lot of people and knocking a ton! This week we taught a less active member named James that some other elders referred to us. At the beginning of the lesson we could tell he wasn't taking it that seriously, and I asked him what he has liked so far about meeting with the other missionaries. He said "It is awesome because they never make me do stuff"....well, his answer didn't sit well with me and my companion and I bore very strong testimony on how we don't live the gospel or go to church to be entertained. We told him the reason is because we need our Father in heaven. We must be closer to him and continually strive to be as close to him as we can. Church is not meant to be a fun zone, it is something sacred that cleanses us and brings us more into touch with our Heavenly Father, it is sacred. Because it brings us closer to our Father in heaven we have what we call Joy..."not fun or temporary happiness". Pure joy that only comes through living the way that God has commanded us to live....we went on a bit more with our testimonies but it was really powerful and by the end of the lesson it had completely changed his whole outlook on it, and he said he wanted to go to church. I love this work, it is just the greatest :).

I got to go on exchanges with my former companion Elder Bray in the Chinese branch! I still remember my Chinese! I have seen so many blessings with this language, but it is still very hard. I am so happy to be a missionary in exactly this mission. It stands out to me as a testimony, that the Lord knows exactly where he puts his missionaries and why. It seems as though I have been tested in every area of my weaknesses but also been able to use my strengths to the fullest here. It is really nice to take this time to stop putting focus on myself and put on those that are around me, it really makes life a lot happier and easier. I love you all! I hope everything is going well! Until next week!