This week was quite challenging! After being in this area for so long I have times where I think to myself "What else does the Lord want me to do here? I've tried everything to help, people might be getting sick of me, and I feel inadequate at times." BUT I had a pretty humbling experience after thinking all these thoughts.
I remembered my "why" for serving a mission. I came out here to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No matter where I am I know this is where the Lord truly wants me. This work isn't about me. It's all about our Savior Jesus Christ! In the words of President Hinckley "Forget yourself and go to work!" Even with these thoughts in my mind throughout the week, there were times I couldn't help but smile and love this marvelous work the Lord has prepared for us here:)
Our friend Julia is still doing amazing! She passed her baptism interview last Saturday! I have loved every second discussing the Gospel with her. Her love and passion for the Gospel is incredible. She is still on track to get baptized on February 6th :) This past week we were able to have a Salt Lake virtual tour of the Conference Center with her. Luckily I have an amazing cousin who is serving there. So we set up a tour with her and her companion! It was amazing to see her and have Julia see the Conference Center. Very spiritual experience. Everyone please keep Julia in your prayers so she can continue to prepare for her baptism :)
Another amazing experience I had yesterday. We've built a really strong relationship with one of the part member families we've been working with, the Bohanans. There's Sister Bohanan, her son (Hector), and her daughter (Petra). Hector is a member and Petra is not...yet. Hector just barely turned 13 and he needed to be advanced to the office of a Teacher in the priesthood. He asked me if I could do that. We met yesterday and I was able to ordain him. I thought that was an amazing experience!
This past week I've been studying about repentance. I recently listened to a talk by President Nelson. He mentioned the word "metanoeo". It is used in the Greek New Testament for repentance. The prefix "meta-" meaning change and the suffix -noeo is relating to words that mean "Mind, Knowledge, Spirit, and Breath". This word really struck my heart. As we truly repent we have a desire to change mind, knowledge, spirit, and yes even how we breathe!
Everyone needs to practice daily repentance. That is the only way we can progress. What an amazing opportunity we have to repent and it's all because of Christ. Love and miss you all!
-Elder Espiritu
Great letter and insights!
ReplyDelete