October 19, 2014 - Fantastic Week

My companion and I with Reuben and Rachelle.

This week was a fantastic one. It rained a lot, and we got more than a little wet. On Friday, we had two members come with us to our appointments to act as fellowshippers, and between the four of us, there were only three umbrellas. I lent my umbrella to the member that didn't have one, moved everything that the rain could hurt into my bag, and got absolutely soaked. Despite being wet, cold, and more than a little tired, the day was amazing. Our day ended teaching Reuben and Rachelle. (Reuben is the investigator in the last email) We taught the portion of the Plan of Salvation concerning Pre-Mortal Life and our first parents, and teaching it to them was delightful. They asked questions that delved so much deeper than we normally go, and made comments that made it crystal clear that they not only understand what we taught, but believe it. We went home physically uncomfortable, but that didn't matter because our spirits were so full.

View of the chapel from the back

As a side note, before I left on the mission, I really didn't understand the doctrine behind the Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. Early in my mission, I felt like I taught it poorly because I didn't really understand it myself. That has slowly been less the case as I've taught it more and more, but it still hadn't felt like it had settled fully. That night, I feel like it just clicked for me. It's hard to explain, but I feel like I understand our origins as God's children on a level that I certainly didn't before, and that only adds to my faith in God's love for his children.

Saturday night, transfer announcements were sent out. Seeing as Elder Nierves and I have been companions for two transfers, we expected one of us to be transferred, and Elder Nierves was so sure that it was him. When we read the announcement, we were very surprised, but quite glad, that neither of us was being transferred. Three transfers though, that's pretty unheard of. (at least in our mission) I realized that when the end of the transfer comes, I will have either been roommates or companions with Elder Nierves for all but six weeks of my year in the field. Not gonna lie, we're pretty tight. *crosses fingers* Kinda like this. Heh. Life is good, God loves us, there is a plan. Birth is not the beginning, nor death the end of life. May you all have an enlightening week :)

Love,

Elder English