Letter #3

 Hey everybody!

It's been another crazy week, I'll start from where I left off in the last email. Tuesday night last week, we had an amazing devotional by Elder Bednar (same person I talked about in the last email) but this one was even better because he was speaking live to the Provo MTC, so we got to watch it live from there. He talked a lot about the Book of Mormon, about faith, and the power of the Holy Ghost as a witness to us. I don't remember exactly where I heard this, but a quote that went perfectly with this is that there's enough proof of the gospel to not immediately dismiss it, but there's not enough as to make faith unimportant. That just really stuck out to me, because it just goes to show that if you're looking for proof to know that the Book of Mormon and Bible are true, you're looking in the wrong place. True knowledge and belief comes from sincere prayer and seeking the influence of the Holy Ghost. 

We had another really great devotional on Sunday evening, we all kind of got chewed out a little for stuff like playing hackysack during our breaks in classes (which is shame, I was just starting to figure it out lol) but we also talked a lot about love for Christ. Believing and having love for Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel; without it, nothing else matters, and nothing else is possible. So I want to invite you guys to seek and act on the love of Christ. 

Anyways, the devotionals are great. Between those, our studies, and church, the CCM has been a big spiritual boost, so it's been great. Other than the spiritual stuff though, it's been fun. We've been playing a lot of basketball and hackysack, and I'm not really good at either, but I'm definitely getting better so it's all good. I also had mom order me a football (even though it's not technically allowed) and it was super nice, made me seem not so far from home, until, of course, it got taken up after only a couple of throws just earlier today. Still all good though, it was just bad timing and luck, kinda funny too.  Speaking of things that aren't allowed, theres a lotttt of rules on stuff we can or cant do, and so we've been doing all kinds of random stuff to entertain ourselves. The latest thing is flicking bottle caps to eachother, we do walk routes and stuff, it's so much fun. Hopefully that doesn't get banned too. 

Last couple of things, food and small miracles. The food here has actually been amazing, out of all the stuff we've had there's only been 1 or 2 dishes I haven't liked. Hasn't made me sick either (knock on wood) so it's been good. 

Now for the small miracles I've seen. It's pretty easy to get discouraged out here, so far away from home and in a different language, but every time I've been discouraged, I get the most random compliment out of nowhere from some other missionary. It's not a super big deal, but it sure makes me feel better, and makes me feel like God notices what's going on. 

Anyways, last thought, sorry I know it's already been a long email. My new favorite scripture is Alma 17:11 which says:

11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

I love this scripture because it fits so perfectly with missionary work. I'm going to face a lot of trials and hardships, and have already faced some, but if I have patience I'll be able to help others, and I know it will bring blessings. I know that the same thing applies to you guys as well. Having patience and turning towards others will bring great blessings, I can promise you that. 
Anyways, til next time! Love you guys, keep up the great work!


Most interesting food so far. It was like beans on toast with mystery meat and cheese, but it was actually super good.


View of the CCM


Super cool pic of Moses and the Israelites


5G (I promise I'm not the shortest one lol)


My new favorite painting.

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