I hope everyone had a good week, and I hope my movie-referencing email last week wasn't too weird! I attached a picture of me with Kira, who was baptized here in Brantford about 3 months before I arrived here. He was back home in China from the time I arrived here until a few weeks ago. He's a really good guy. This picture was taken last Monday, when we went out to dinner with him as part of our Preparation Day. He just got that brand new yellow Camaro last week, and he's really proud and excited about it- so I got my picture taken with him in front of it! Just to remind all of you, this is possibly my last week in Brantford. You'll know for sure next week! There's also a good chance I'll read and write emails earlier in the day next week, around 10 a.m. (eastern).
I am anxiously awaiting the snow to arrive! It seems like it won't be snowing for a little while, but everyone says it could realistically start anytime now. But maybe they're just trying to scare me. I'm still enjoying all of the autumn leaves- we got to rake some last Monday, and it was really fun! I've never liked raking leaves... but for some reason, I liked these ones. It would've been fun to jump in a pile of them... but not in missionary clothes. This past week we spent a lot of time preparing for a stake-wide Youth Mini-Mission that took place on Saturday the 20th. We had to plan the day for 5 other companionships to go out and visit people, proselyte, and do other missionary things. I believe all the youth in Brantford had a really good experience going out and serving in their own city. We had a 16 year old with us for the day, and it seems like he had a good experience. It was a lot of work getting ready for it, but the youth and their leaders who were involved all had a good experience, and that's all that matters!
This morning I took some time to study about patience. President Uchtdorf said "Often the deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness..." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience" April 2010). Preach My Gospel says "Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious... You must be patient with all people, yourself included, as you work to overcome faults and weaknesses." (PMG, pg. 120)
Its easy to wonder why things aren't happening they way you would like them to. We wonder what it is that is stopping us from having succes, or from feeling happy, or from overcoming weaknesses. Warning: once you go down this road of thought, it becomes easy to believe that you're being punished, that you aren't worth very much, or that maybe you should just stop trying. But, as one of my favorite sayings go: "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change." Stay positive, trust in God, do your very best, and never, ever give up. This advice continues to help me every day of my life. Hopefully you can find worth in it as well!
Thank you for your support and prayers. They're needed for all of us! Jesus tells us to "Pray always..." You are in my prayers. I love you very much.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
No comments:
Post a Comment