This
was a week that I hope to never forget. It was another really good one.
I know I say that every week, but that is just because it gets better
and better. Of course there are hard times, and struggles, but just the
overall experience is something that outweighs the rest. I love it, and I
love everything that I get to see and be a part of every week. A new
transfer is beginning this week, and I will be staying in Genk with
Elder Clement. I am grateful that I will be able to work with him again,
because he teaches me a lot. We are becoming better friends and
figuring each other out as well, so I feel like I would've been cheated
if we got split up. Of course, every companion can't be perfect, but as
long as we try to connect with them on any level, help them with
anything, and be open to anything that they have to say, everything
works out. I think that the most important thing about a companionship
is to realize one thing. No matter how long you have been out, or what
situation you are in, you ALWAYS need to look at your companion an learn
from him. Go to him for advice, follow his counsel, and be his friend.
That is something I have learned on my mission. It is sometimes still a
struggle, but what a blessing it is to be able to get to know so many
different people at once.
Elder Clement and I had a great week, especially
on Tuesday I was on exchanges in Leuven with Elder Steenblik. I love
him! He is so fun to be around, and is such a great missionary. A member
asked us to come on a bike ride with her, and her ex-husband who is an
inactive member and has depression. She paid for our bikes, and begged
us to just go enjoy some of the day with them. I was not going to say no
to that. We took a long bike ride through the Belgian fields, passing
castles and old churches, all while having such a great time. I remember
thinking to myself at that moment how blessed I am to be serving here.
It was a great day, perfect weather, and we had the opportunity to help
an inactive member and befriend him. She even bought us great ice-cream
;) Elder Steenblik and I taught a lesson at night to their 12 year old
investigator, whose mom is a less active. It was a fun appointment, but
just a fun, memory building exchange.
On
Wednesday, we taught Freddy, and got his baptismal form in order, and
comforted him with some struggles. We then headed off to Nederland! We
were spending the night in Goude for the Mission Conference that we had
on Thursday with Elder Ballard. We stopped in Rotterdam, in my old city,
and ate dinner with Oma Croese! How fun was that!? My Grandma from
Rotterdam. I love her haha. It was fun to sleep over in Goude as well.
Thursday came around, and we made our way to the big Zoetermeer chapel.
Of course, Elder Yocom had a seat reserved for me, and we enjoyed the
whole day together. What a fun day it was, and I can tell you how
spiritual it was. As soon as Elder Ballard entered the room, I knew that
he was an Apostle. He is such a small, but powerful man. I felt his
love and encouragement beaming from his body as he spoke to us, and also
two members of the 70 who were there. Elder Halstrom from the 70 also
gave a great little speech. This was the first time that the whole
mission has been together on one day since I have been here. It was so
fun seeing all of my friends, and old friends from high school all in
one place. I will try to get my hands on the Davis picture that we took,
as well as my MTC group picture. It will be fun this week as well, as
two more Davis students come into the mission. Shoutout to Elder
Morrell! ;)
We traveled home with the
Zone Leaders in their car, which still took 4.5 hours. It took us 7
hours by train the day before haha. Crazy! The Zone Leaders came to give
Freddy his baptismal interview, so they also spent the night with us.
Elder Muse and Elder Bosco. Muse is a good buddy, and he goes home this
week, and Bosco is one of my best friends from the MTC, so it was
amazing to spend time with them! It was just a fun week. On Friday, we
taught a lesson to Freddy again, and taught other lessons to other
investigators we have. Freddy has been quitting smoking, and we just
went in there to tell him how serious his baptismal covenant is. The
Spirit was guiding us, so we got down to business. We asked him to give
up his cigarettes to us, and because he keeps them in his pocket just
for the safety that he knows he has them if he needs to smoke. He hasn't
smoked in a week prior to this. Just as we asked him, a newspaper came
through the door hole, and it was titled "An article to a healthier
life". He gave up his cigarettes.
To
top this week off, Freddy was baptized on Saturday! How special was
this. He is such an amazing man, and is literally changing his life.
Such a special experience for me to be a part of. I will share more
about it next week, when I have more time, but just know that he was
prepared by Heavenly Father, and that he is a kingdom builder. I love
him!
I had a good, happy week. The Lord
is blessing me, but trying me at the same time. I learn everyday, and I
am grateful for that. I love you all, and I hope that you all have a
great week.
Go Cougs and Go Ty...
Alma 26:12
Elder van Elkins
No comments:
Post a Comment