Hi hi hi hi hi!
Okay so first
things first. Mama. All last week I was thinking primarily about what I
said in that e-mail last week. I have been praying and praying and
thinking and pondering and studying the scriptures trying to have that
assurance that God is real and that he lives and loves me and knows me -
and that relationship has developed. I feel like I know him and can
feel him telling me what I need to do, what I need to improve on, how I
can be better, it's crazy. But on Wednesday, we had district meeting,
and I went and got flogged (stood up basically) for a couple
appointments and then came home, kind of disappointed, for lunch. I
walked in and there was a letter waiting for me. So I unwrapped my
Subway Sandwich and started to read. What I read was one of the most
inspiring things I've ever read mama!
I don't know
if you knew when you sent it that what you talked about is basically
what I've been thinking about for weeks. Differently from you I feel
like I have felt the Spirit and the power of god manifested in many
instances in my life. But now here on a mission I am actually trying to
find him, and know him. But Mama I was searching and searching for an
answer. I was praying to receive a witness. I felt him and I knew he was
there and I could feel the voice of the spirit whisper things to me.
But I came home on Wednesday and sat down and read your letter and I
cried, I wept actually for a good 45 minutes and read and re read it and
let the other Elders read it. I don't know if you kept a copy of it for
yourself but you should. It was very poetic actually.
There
was one paragraph in particular that hit me the hardest. You started by
saying that you could not tell me of a specific moment where you knew
that God was real and that he lives and loves you, but over the years of
dedicated service and striving to do what's right, your testimony has
developed into a knowledge that he lives and he loves you and that hit
me so hard.
You also talked about faith. And how
moving forward with energy and earnest desire in the absence of proof IS
Faith. You must be very inspired mama because on Wednesday I was going
on splits with Elder Wright to teach Sarah, who is on the verge of being
baptized, but is holding back because she is not sure if she knows for
sure it's true, but she feels the Spirit and the happiness that comes
with church members. So I read her your letter. (I hope that's okay) and
it hit her quite strong. She said that it was quite the coincidence that
I received that letter the same day that I was going to visit her. I
told her it wasn't coincidence, but that my mother is an inspired woman.
Anyways Mama that letter was beautiful thank
you. It touched me deeply and helped me to know that Heavenly Father
knows me and loves me too.
Yes I got the movies and the pictures thanks!
Okay
story. This week I have had several experiences that have made me more
angry than I have ever been in my entire life. It's something I have
felt the whisperings of the spirit tell me I need to work on: being less
angry. Even though I have good reason to be....
Anyways
one evening we stopped by the house of a woman who we had met on her
doorstep once before, and she invited us in for a cuppa and to warm up
(we asked for hot chocolate instead). We came into her living room and
there was a man there, who I soon learned was Margaret's (the woman
who's house we were in) ex - husband. I asked his name, he said Peter,
but he refused to shake our hands. He then proceeded in the most vulgar
way I've ever heard, to completely bash our purpose for being
missionaries and our entire religion as a whole. I cant remember a lot
of the details of the conversation, what I remember really well is that I
argued with him intensely. It rose to the point where we were full on
yelling at each other and very aggressive. Luckily as missionaries we
are not alone. Elder Faingata'a reigned the situation in and started
testifying like a boss like he always does. Only then did I realize that
my arguing had completely driven the spirit from the room - because I
felt Elder Faingata'a bring it back.
So I sat
down and apologized, but then also bore fervent testimony. Peter, who
told us his name was actually John (so I'm pretty sure it wasn't either
of those) would have none of it.
We wrapped it up,
and explained our purpose, which Margaret was very interested in and
told us to come back when her ex - husband wasn't there. He was furious
and angry and on the brink of violence with us. Anyways we left. While
walking away I felt the most anger I have ever felt in my life towards
any one person. I was very tempted whilst in that house to stand up and
punch that man in the mouth, that's how disrespectful he was being.
Nonetheless I have learned from my mistakes not to become angry, for it drives the Spirit away. So words of wisdom:
''Don't get mad because it be bad''
Also
I know that God is real and he wants the best for us, but I also know
that Satan is real. He seeks for people to be miserable like he is. He
tries really really really really hard to get people to do the wrong
things. People like Peter/John are listening. Things keep happening to
our investigators that make it hard for them to come to things or have
lessons. Everytime something important that will help them is coming up,
like a billion obstacles get in their way. It's frustrating. This
Thursday was the first addiction recovery class. Vida didn't make it.
Next week though! She came to church again so that was good!
All in all, it was a hard week, but a good week. We knocked on a lot of doors....
Like a lot. Probably 3-4 hundred.
And
dad send me that talk s'il vous plait. I would love to read it. I know
too how important it is for me to recognize that it is the Spirit that
teaches, not my persuasion. i have learned that lesson well.
Also Happy Birthday Dad!!! (In two days)
Love you guys!
Tada
Elder Thompson
It snowed here for like an hour but then melted right away...
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