My companion is pretty hilarious. I have been laughing
and joking probably the most this transfer... the only problem is sometimes it
can chase away the spirit. There is one quote in the "adjusting to
missionary life" that I thought was funny. it says to
"rediscover your humor" meaning that.. almost all missionaries
lose their sense of humor for the first part of their mission. I wouldn't
say I lost my sense of humor but I have definitely been more serious these past
5 months than I ever was at home. There is a certain reverence that needs
to be learned... and I am not talking about the reverence that I thought was
folding my arms in church when I left in the middle of sacrament to get a
drink. The Lord speaks to us in the quiet moments and if commotion is
there... you will drown out promptings and feelings.
Even though we reached our goals... I still feel like I can
improve in everything. The numbers we send in to our mission president
mean absolutely nothing if they are not backed with spiritual experiences.
Numbers are numbers.... but experiences are life changing. I know
that I can do better at helping my investigators to feel the spirit. I
want people to change for God not for the White man who comes to their house
every other day to talk about God. Unless someone feels promptings to
change their life from God... the changes wont last. We have sooo many
investigators who are just struggling to keep commandments. The problem.
They don't feel like they need to change. Once you realize what you can
gain if you listen to the prophets and what you will lose if you don't you will
make decisions and act on them!
I have been reading the Book of Mormon whenever I get free
time. I finished it at the beginning of my mission and I am already more
than halfway again! I love how much inspiration comes from that heavenly
sent book. I swear every time I read.. I read the exact chapter that my
soul is thirsting after. I have my brothers testimony of the book of
mormon sitting on my desk. He gave it to me along with a book of mormon a
couple of months before I left on my mission. I read it about once a week
and pray that I can gain as powerful of a testimony as him. I see
progress each week:) The Book of Mormon is a very personal book even
though it talks about people I have never met.. the reason why... The Lord can
speak to you if you listen. If you don't believe me... then try it for
yourself!
We had a zone meeting this week that was awesome!
World wide they changed the requirements for what needs to be taught
before a person is baptized. We now have to teach lesson 5 which is laws
and ordinances. We also are asked to continue teaching recent converts at
least once a week for 4 months after their baptism! On top of
that...President ostler is giving us an hour a week now to write letters to
people we have baptized in our old areas to give them a spiritual boost.
Sierra leone struggles with enduring to the end. I know that even
though this change was for the whole world.... it is perfectly inspired for my
mission. My chest was on FIRE when they were talking about the new
changes. I don't feel the spirit often like that but it was such a
"heart warming" experience;) I really love missionary work.
It is so interesting to me that we spend All our time talking, thinking,
and studying for these people and they have no clue.
I went on 3 runs this past week. I just want to be
exactly like my old dad:) The mornings when I get up and do something I
end up having a awesome day! As a missionary it is hard to find time for
yourself to relieve stress... so thank goodness for going on runs where I don't
wake up until about halfway through! haha I really do love going to bed
early and waking up early! I hope it is one habit I keep after my
mission! I am personally much more able to overcome temptation when I go
to bed early!
Shout out to my indoor soccer team!! I scored a goal while
playing for P-day today! Africans are toooo good at soccer so with out
the support and love from my fellow team mates around the world I wouldn't have
been able to muster the power that was packed behind my bullet! Also it
was raining the entire time and we were all just slip n' sliding everywhere!
Best day of soccer yet! I honestly couldn't stop laughing and smiling!
Also last week on the 4th we set up an indoor court in our
parlor and played 2vs2 it was too much fun! Sometimes when the fun
doesn't present itself... you have to be creative and go and find it!
Life is great! don't forget to stop and smell the flowers...
or in my case today.. take your time so that you don't eat the flowers when you
slip on your face! haha
Love your main man Elder Cran!
P.s. sorry no pictures this week... I will send double next
week! I have some good ones!
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