Due to Martin Luther King day...
The libraries weren't open, and I was completely unable to make contact with my family. When this happens, do not fear... it is not because I forgotten about you.
This transfer has been interesting. I feel that it has been rather testing. Ok, not rather. I should say 'quite'. I won't go into detail... although it goes into a certain "Car'pe Diem" pocket-book, also known as "The Book of Thoughts and Wonderment". (Thanks to Tina) I also durst not seeing how my companion is sitting right next to me. So we fixed up my bike. It had a minor problem with the seat that was causing some potentially large and rather uncomfortable issues. Now it is better than when I received it.
Hmm... so tomorrow after Branch Council, I am going on an exchange with my District Leader, Elder Wood. He is a really great person, and I am excited how it will turn out. This is my first 'actual' exchange on my mission. Well, something really sad happened. I just received an email from that one of the Elders in my district has decided to go home. It is really sad because I see many people drifting off the beaten path of Obedience as a missionary. I guess I expected that everyone would be super obedient just because. But honestly, I see many fall into the trap of disobedience. This is probably the biggest problem/mistake you can make as a missionary. One reason for this is that when you begin to becom disobedient, you begin to see the mission as a prison rather than an opportunity. I think that this is one of Satan's greatest fronts and strongest holds upon the missionaries. If we could just BE OBEDIENT, what power would the adversary have over us? We would be as the army of Helaman.
After hearing what happened to Elder Englehart, (the Elder that is leaving) I can't help but think back to my mission and how it has affected me. I am so glad that I am here. One of the reasons why is that I KNOW that this is where the Lord would have me be. I know it. The things that I have witnessed, the people I've met, the things we've taught, and the things we have felt all help me to know that this is where I am supposed to be.
The things we teach are true. This isn't theoretical. This is as personal as it gets. The testimony of the Spirit is the most real feeling I have ever felt. I am so greatful to have such an amazing family who give me support. I have been so blessed, and when I see others who don't have that foundation beneath them, I wonder how they did it because I know I wouldn't be able to without you all. Keep up the good work. After reading D&C 100, I know that I have been truly blessed. I trust you in the hands of my God.
P.S. - Something interesting that I thought I should tell you. The Church has begun to have these new Pass-Along Cards. Also, they've really been pushing the Mormon.org website. They've asked us to make these profiles on there and to encourage members to create profiles on it as well. I haven't been able to use it yet but every Wednesday and Thursday, they've told us to go on there and get familiar with it. If you can, talk with the missionaries next time they're over. Hopefully I'm not telling you about stuff you already know.
Anyway, love you!!
Elder Ostler
No comments:
Post a Comment