It's hard to believe another week has gone by, because it seems like just a few days ago I was here in the internet cafe emailing. It has been long and short at the same time: on my mission, each day takes FOREVER and I'm worn out by the time I go to bed, but each week takes less time than I think.
The work has been going excellently here. We will have
another baptism this Saturday, a man named Brother F. His wife is a member of
the church, but she died suddenly just a month before I got transferred here.
Ever since his wife's death, Brother F has been serious about become a member
of the Church. He wants to be sealed to his wife in the temple so he can be
with her in the next life. We had a great lesson with him about tithing and the
Sabbath day, and we explained to him that we show our commitment to God by
giving him our money (tithing) and our time (Sabbath day). I could see in his
eyes that he understands those commandments and wants to follow them with all
his heart. I'm excited for his baptism!
Last Friday evening, I ate balut for the 1st time! It tastes
like scrambled eggs and chicken noodle soup mixed together. Of course, the
texture is very weird! I gagged once or twice, but I didn't throw up. Oh yeah!
This Sunday, the highlight of the day was being invited to
the mission home for dinner with President and Sister B. She cooked a real
delicious Mexican lasagna, with apple slices and salad. Afterword’s, Elder R
and I shared a short lesson about forgiving our fellow men. We used the example
of Nephi in 1 Nephi chapter 7; even after his brothers tied him up and left him
for dead, through the help of God he was able to "frankly forgive
them" (= complete and free forgiveness). Nephi's example continues to
inspire me. It was a great lesson, and the Holy Ghost was definitely there!
Some miscellaneous stuff: the other two elders in our
apartment are addicted to solving Rubik's cubes. On preparation day, it's OK
for missionaries to solve a cube as a "recreational activity".
Elder N has started teaching me how to solve one, and I'm
getting pretty good at it! I remember when I was an 8 year old trying to solve
one and giving up because it was too hard. Who knew it would take me another 10
years to figure it out?!?!
Today we had an activity with all the missionaries in N
zone. We all played group games like musical chairs and had a "boodle
fight". To do a boodle fight, everyone cooks up a lot of rice and ulam
(main courses that go over rice). Then, everything gets dumped onto a giant banana
leaf, and everyone digs in and feasts... WITH THEIR HANDS ONLY! It was a very
crazy and fun experience.
Well, I better sign off now so I can get back to work. I've
started to realize that my main focus is becoming (more and more) on my work
here as a missionary. I'm starting to lose myself and become more dedicated to
the Lord. Life is very hard, but very good and full of blessings. My God bless
you all richly! Hurrah for Israel!
Elder Every
