Homecoming talk rough draft

 Rough Draft Notes: 

Welcome - introduction, love, gratitude, excitement, what a privilege 

"I hope they call me on a mission when I have grown a foot or two." My dear brothers and sisters, I have not grown a foot or two over the last two years, but I have served a mission. 

Brother Shilaty and the Socs - Sunday only christians - don’t be a Soc. It is increasingly common and accepted to be casual in our christian commitment to the Savior and His church. 

Casual Christian Commitment - What can we do to become more devoted disciples of Jesus Christ? 

Forsake and sacrifice your favorite sins - 

John 21 - leave your nets forever 

Come Follow Me Manual, November 5th lesson, “Each of us has to give up something in order to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ—bad habits, incorrect beliefs, unwholesome associations, or something else.” 

There will always come a point in our lives when following the gospel becomes difficult. Following the Savior means moving in the complete opposite direction as the world. So if you’re moving upstream and it’s a little difficult, know you’re moving in the right direction. 

Story of Jonathan - giving up smoking a pack a day, drinking alcohol and coffee every day, 

Each of us have our favorite sins, and when we are at the altar of Sacrifice with the Savior we say, “here are all these things that I am willing to sacrifice and give up.” And you lay them on the altar but you’ve got this little sin or habit or interest or passion behind your back and He says,”These are wonderful. Thank you for being so willing to sacrifice these things, but what about that one?” And he’ll ask you to give away that one thing that you are just holding on to and we say, “No, no way, I can’t ever give this one up, this is my favorite one you can’t take this one.” And then we get upset and say that Christ is asking too much of us, that it’s too hard, and we forsake the only path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. My friends, we need to shift our perspective to be constantly looking for what more we can give to the Lord. Pray to know what He would have you give up. It’s not about how much we have to give, it’s about how much more can we give up? 

If you want spiritual power to enter into your life, give up something that is difficult for you to give up. 

1. Gratitude - the key to happiness and a knowledge of the Savior’s love “you will never be happier than you are grateful.”(Hallmarks of Happiness by Elder Gary B. Sabin) 

3 Nephi 10:10 - Right here on the same page I can see a complete contrast: Joy and total destruction. Oftentimes in our lives we get so tunnel-visioned. We think that if we ever hope to find joy we must first rid ourselves of trial, affliction, and adversity, and vice versa. We live in an all-or-nothing world. Can gratitude and joy not coexist with destruction and pain? If you desire to develop your personal relationship with the Savior, seek for opportunities to be grateful. You will

recognize His hand and what He is doing in your life and you will see His love laced into the fabric of your lives. 

2. Follow the promptings of the Spirit - 

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely apostles and prophets that live today. Our living prophet has cautioned us, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” 

Baptism & the spirit: If you are not baptized, please sincerely pray to know if baptism in this His church is what He would have you do. It is of the greatest necessity that we obtain and maintain this sacred gift from our Heavenly Father. 

"The Holy Ghost is a revelator. No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations." (Joseph Smith). 

Story with Ignacio - Two weeks ago in Baltimore 

In a devotional given at Ensign College, Loren Dalton, the former mission president of the Brazil São Paulo Interlagos Mission, spoke about the importance of following spiritual promptings. He teaches us that promptings from God are Him communicating with our spirit, but because spiritual things are often difficult for us to understand, we interpret those promptings in a physical way. 

2 Yea, behold, I will atell you in your mind and in your bheart, by the cHoly Ghost (DandC 8:2). Now even though we know God can speak to us however He wants, we learn that it is often through a feeling or a thought that we receive. 

11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: 

12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11–13) 

And so it is crucial that we learn to follow that still small voice. Now just as we have spiritual promptings from God, we also receive spiritual promptings from the adversary. "Finally, possibly the most dangerous of all: THE ADVERSARY OFTENTIMES WILL SPEAK TO US IN THE FIRST PERSON: (let me repeat that) He will say things like, “Nobody likes me," “I'm ugly,” “I'm stupid,” “I don't feel like praying,” “I don't get anything out of my scripture reading” or “I don’t want to live anymore.” He will say it over and over and over, talking in the first person, hoping that you will take ownership of that thought and begin acting accordingly. You need to understand that this is not you. That when those negative thoughts come into your head, that is a prompting... from the adversary who is hoping you will believe it's your (own) thought. We need to recognize these and kick these thoughts out." (Loren Dalton, Ensign College, May 21, 2019). My young friends, you are too valuable, too talented, too gifted, and too loved to ever let these thoughts from the adversary mean anything to you. Your worth to your Father in Heaven is more than you will ever understand. The reason I bring this up is that because, in the spiritual warfare that we call Earth, we are almost constantly receiving BINGS from one side or the other. And our actions in accordance with those BINGS are either constantly drawing us closer to our Savior or pushing us farther away from Him. Our spiritual survival depends on our ability to

Homecoming

Mission Homecoming Picts

 Homecoming pictures     

His Love

 

     Hola a todos! I hope that each of you have been doing well this past week. Here in Maryland things have been going well. The weather is starting to change a lot, and for the first time in a while I started wearing my heavier winter jackets. This past week we had the opportunity to go on various exchanges with Elders across the mission, from Baltimore to Frederick. There was some failure to communicate which resulted in crazy impromptu schedule changes.  

     This transfer is coming to a close this week, which is absolutely crazy to think about. It has gone by so fast. I have learned many lessons, and have enjoyed being with my new companion, Elder Rowland. There are many missionaries across the mission that have been growing and changing as we attempt to make improvements and adaptations to become more effective missionaries. I am very grateful for the missionaries who have made the decision to serve. It is anything but easy, but it is so rewarding. If you are considering a mission, I invite you to pray to know if it is right for you. Pray to have your eyes opened to see what the Lord has for you on the other side of your 24 or 18 month service. I promise that it is greater than you could possibly imagine. 

     During some of my personal studies this past week, I had the opportunity to study the chapters in the Book of Mormon associated with the visitation of the Savior to the Nephite people in the Americas. There is a verse that I have read probably 20 times in the last week. It has become my favorite verse in the Book of Mormon. 

3 Nephi 17:9 reads, "9 And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him." I can't help but feel the Savior's real and overwhelming love for me and for you as I read this verse. Do not ever think that you have done too much, or have gone too far, to feel or deserve this love. My dear friend, you mean more to Him than you will ever be able to possibly comprehend. On my mission, I have come to understand the Savior's healing power. In this verse, we read about how all that were afflicted in any manner were brought to the Savior. It does not matter to Him whether our struggles are small or large. Whether you are affected emotionally, physically, or mentally, please let yourself be brought to the Savior. I know and testify and He will heal you. Do not give up on yourself simply because you have struggled for so long, or so intensely. I bear my witness that Jesus Christ desires more than anything to heal you. Unconditional and regardless of any whisper of the adversary that might tell you that you should not or cannot or simply don't deserve to. I testify that His love and His power will mend the wounds and afflictions of your life as you let Him. Remember that He has always loved you. I love you too.  

      Elder Blackburn 

 

     Hola a todos! I hope that this last week has been great for each of you. I also hope that you enjoyed general conference! It is indeed a very special privilege to live in an age guided by living prophets and apostles. I know that as we proactively seek out and follow their council, we will feel more of the spirit in our daily lives and we will see blessings. 

     This past week was a good one! It was a really fast week. I had the opportunity to be in various cities across Maryland and Pennsylvania with missionaries, and I learned a lot from each of them. 

     As mentioned earlier, I hope that each of you had the opportunity to watch general conference. If you have missed any of the sessions or happened to fall asleep for any of the talks, I invite you to go back through and listen to all of them. There you will find guidance for your life concerning what it is the Lord would have you do. I wish to briefly highlight one of my favorite quotes from the entire conference: "You will never be happier than you are grateful." Stated in the Saturday evening session, this quote resonated with me because throughout the conference I had noticed that a number of speakers had given instruction regarding personal happiness. And oh how we need it. We live in a fallen world where sin, temptation, trials, sicknesses, and an onslaught of emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental challenges abound. In a world so discouraging, it can be difficult to find the silver lining in anything, but with the Savior's help I know we can. We learn a powerful lesson from the Book of Mormon. In the almost ultimate destruction of the Nephite people in the early chapters of 3 Nephi, we learn of great suffering. However, in chapter 10, verse 10, "And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer." Isn't that a dramatic turnaround? Their loved ones were still gone. Their cities were still in ruin. How is it that they found any reason to give thanksgiving? It is because of Jesus Christ. He came and He suffered and died so that people like you and me can have the strength to give thanksgiving when our own lives seem to be in ruin. He stands ready to comfort us, to give us that joy, as we do our best to see that silver lining. There always is one. I would invite you to begin keeping a gratitude journal, where you write down at least 3 things you are grateful for each and every day. I promise you that as you do this, you will find more joy. As your capacity to be grateful grows, so will your capacity to find happiness. 

     Elder Blackburn  

Elder Haynie & Elder Daines

  

 Hola a todos! I hope you have had a great week. This past week for us in Maryland has been a good one. We had the privilege and opportunity to be visited by two general authorities. One of which was Elder Haynie, a member of the 70 who gave the talk at this recent general conference on following the prophet and compressing our plastic water bottles. To say the least, it was delightful to be addressed by an authorized representative of the Lord, especially before the general conference. I will return to his comments later in this email. 

     We had exchanges in various parts of the mission and were blessed to attend a mission leadership council meeting on Friday. We have seen quite a few miracles, and have felt the guiding hand of the Lord in our lives as we do our best to gather scattered Israel. A few storms have blown up the East Coast, and this past week has been full of rain. 

     This past week, Elder Haynie and Elder Daines had some powerful insights into our purpose as missionaries. Elder Haynie expanded my understanding of the gathering of scattered Israel, something that has been preached from the pulpit of general conference many times within the previous few years. There are two quotes that I wish to highlight and share with you that Elder Haynie shared during this past week. For many of us, living within the kingdom of God and participating in the work associated is a privilege but often draining task. God seems to demand the very best of us, which is true in some ways. But I wish to remind you that God is at times and in all ways and all places our loving Heavenly Father. There is absolutely nothing that you could ever do in your life that could separate you from the love of God. (Romans 8). That being said, within whatever capacity in which you serve, remember that "God does not choose based upon the criteria of the world." (Elder Haynie). I wish to remind you that God's eyes and standards are often not the world's eyes and standards. Remember that you are called to this work because you are exactly who the Lord needs. Do not let Satan tell you otherwise. However, we need to remember that we are given things to do, from callings in His kingdom to keeping the commandments, that are meant to change our natures. As missionaries, obedience is often brought up. While it can have a negative connotation, it is crucial to remember that it is a good indication of where our heart lies. No, we are not perfect and we do make mistakes, but when we desire to be obedient with all our heart, we give our will to God and He can shape and mold us. "The tragedy of obedience is that you return home the same person you were when you left" (Elder Haynie). The principle taught is that we have to be all in. If we desire to become who God wants us to become, we cannot have one foot in the world and the other in the work. My dear brothers and sisters, whatever your capacity in the Lord's kingdom, be all in. Do not sell yourself short of growth and change by hanging onto mistakes of your past, the whispering doubts of the adversary, or laziness and idleness. I promise that as you are all in, you will feel the Savior changing and shaping you into who He needs you to be. Your desires will change and blessings will enter into your life that weren't there before. I promise you joy as you embark in the service of God. 

     Con amor, 

                  Elder Blackburn 

York: The Promised Land

 Hola a todos! 

     I hope that each of you has been doing well this past week. This has honestly been one of the fastest weeks of my entire life. I am coming to love my mission and the people in it more and more each day, and the opportunity to serve in the Lord's vineyard has truly been a great one. 

     This past week we had the opportunity to have exchanges in the Northeastern section of the mission, up in Elizabethtown and York. I'll be completely honest, the exchange that I had in Elizabethtown was not ideal. For a variety of reasons, I left feeling we hadn't accomplished as much as we should have. The following day, however, I was to be with one of my best friends on the mission, Elder Smedley. He is truly one of the hardest-working people I have ever met. His diligence and desire to be consecrated and obedient are inspiring. He as well had had a difficult day prior to the exchange, and so we decided that it would be a reset day for both of us. We felt the Spirit directing us throughout the day, to talk to this person or knock on this street. It is humbling to know just how much the Lord is involved in His work and to know that all our efforts are never wasted. The Lord blessed us to see many miracles that day, but I learned more about the importance of following the subtle promptings of the Holy Ghost. I learned that testimony is a powerful tool when helping others feel the convincing power of that same Holy Ghost. This truly is a joyous work, and I am grateful to be a part of it. 

     This past week I was studying a lot about obedience, and the necessity for it. I'd like to share with you a quote I found from my studies. "What President George Q. Cannon said long ago is true today and will be until the Savior comes personally to lead His Church and His people: “Obedience to the Gospel brings [people] into a very close and intimate relationship with the Lord. It establishes a close connection between men on the earth and our Great Creator in the heavens. It brings to the human mind a feeling of perfect confidence in the Almighty and in His willingness to listen to and answer the supplications of those who trust in Him. In times of trial and difficulty, this confidence is beyond price. Trouble may come upon the individual or upon the people, disaster may threaten and every human hope may seem to be overthrown, yet, where [people] have availed themselves of the privileges which obedience to the Gospel brings, they have a sure standing place; their feet are upon a rock that cannot be moved.”15 (The Faith to Ask, and Then to Act, Henry B. Erying)." Since obedience is the first law of everything, it is crucial that in this life we develop the capacity and habit of submitting to the will of God. If we have any hope of obtaining any blessing in this life or the greatest of all blessings, eternal life, we must learn to be obedient. There is no other way to salvation and no other way to temporal and spiritual blessings in this life. I invite you to ponder what more you can sacrifice, to submit yourself more fully to the will of the Lord. I promise that as you do so you will find more spiritual power in your life to overcome the daily challenges that threaten to destroy our personal peace. 

West Side

 

     

Hola a todos! I hope you are doing well. I wanted to update you on how the mission has been going. I always like to start with a weather update, so here you go. This past week we have really started to dive into fall, and we've gotten a lot of rain and the temperatures have dipped significantly. We have been doing our best to stay dry and warm. 

     This past week we had the opportunity to be on exchanges in the Western portion of the mission, which is always fun. The majority of my mission has been spent on the western side of the mission, so it always feels a little like home to me. Elder Rowland and I have been doing our best to work hard with the time that we have together in our area, and it has been super cool to begin to see the fruits of our efforts. 

     As for my spiritual thought today, I wish to relay the words of the Savior, as quoted in the recent general conference talk, "Finding Personal Peace" by President Eyring. Here are the Savior’s words: 

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 

“At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 

“Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 

“He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 

“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

     My dear family and friends, I want to testify to you that I know that the peace that the Savior offers each of us is real. I have felt it in spite of some of the darkest and difficult days of my life. I know that as we turn our will over to the Savior, He will make more of us in our present circumstances than we could ever make of ourselves on our own. I bear my witness of His love for you, and urge you to do everything you can to seek the Savior more in your life. As you do so, I promise that His peace will be evermore present in every aspect of your life, and His spirit will abound with you in all that you do. 

     Love, 

          Elder Blackburn

ohana means family

   

 Hola a todos! I would like to take this opportunity to apologize. I have not been very diligent about writing emails of late, but I hope to do better. This past week was a very tiring but an amazing week. We had transfers! It was hard to say goodbye to Elder Bartlett, as we had been together for 3 transfers now. He did get off okay, and he sent me a picture to let me know he had arrived safe in Salt Lake City. Saturday and Sunday have been my first days with my new companion, Elder Rowland. He is from O'ahu, the main island of Hawaii on the north shore. I speak Spanish and he speaks a little bit of Hawaiian and almost fluent ASL, so we've had a fun time practicing and communicating and praying (very basic) in four different languages when we have the chance. I've already been learning a lot from him, and I am excited to see how we can help the mission during our time together as companions. 

     Apart from that, I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve in Clarksville more and more. It is a tougher area, but I have enjoyed watching not only my testimony grow, but my relationship with my Savior as well. I want you to know that I know that He lives. I have felt His love and I know that it is specific and unconditional. He does not love two people the same, but He loves each of us perfectly. I know He loves you, and I know there is nothing you could ever do to disqualify you from that love. 

     This past week I had the opportunity to re read some of my favorite verses quoted from the prophet Isaiah. "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrow; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he has wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all." (Mosiah 14:4-6). In Clarksville I have learned more about the enabling power of the Atonement than I have throughout the course of my mission. Over the last two years generally I have experience the Atonement of Jesus Christ on a personal level. I have made many many mistakes, and have felt the harsh excruciating consequences of sin. But I have felt the power of the Atonement work in my life to take that weight from my shoulders. I have felt it change me: my desires, my hopes, my dreams, and my understanding of the divine potential we all have as children of a Heavenly Being. The enabling power of the Atonement, however, is different. I have felt here in Clarksville more than any other time in my life the strengthening and uplifting additional and divine help of the Savior. I have felt myself, as weak, simple, and unqualified as I may be to represent the Lord, given strength,  words, and reassurance beyond my limited mortal capacity. I know now that who we are, what we've done, and what we have to offer is nothing compared to the assistance that stands available to all who seek it. 

     I will leave you with a favorite quote of mine: "I have watched men (and women) filled with potential and grace disengage from the challenging work of building the kingdom of God because they had failed a time or two...because they stumbled and became discouraged, they withdrew from their...commitments and pursued other but less worthy endeavors. And thus, they go on, living only a shadow of the life they could have led, never rising to the potential that is their birthright. As the poet lamented, these are among those unfortunate souls who 'die with [most of] their music [still] in them.'"(You Can Do It Now! Oct 2013). My dear friends, if we fail to access the uncomprehensible enabling power of the Atonement, we will of a surety fail to measure up to what we are meant to be. Do not hesitate to rely on or seek this real power. Do everything you can to live worthy of it. I know it is real, and I know it is worth it. As you do so, I promise that you will find in the workplace, the home, the sports field, and the church, that your efforts will be magnified and you yourself will change and evolve to become the disciple and instrument the Lord would have you be. Trust me, as I am living this great miracle and privilege every day. 

     Con amor, 

          Elder Blackburn  

Zone Conference & Pickleball

 Hola a todos! I hope you have been able to have a wonderful week. This past week in Maryland was super fast. We had the opportunity to attend zone conference which went very well. The spirit helped me receive some much-needed revelation and helped strengthen my testimony. 

     President Brigham has been doing very well and is now starting to adjust and become comfortable with leading the mission. I am grateful for the opportunity which I have had to serve under two mission presidents, which has expanded my vision, ideas, and creativity. 

     This past week I read through the Apostolic commission a few times, and was impressed by verse 18 of chapter 28  in Matthew, which reads "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Sometimes it can be easy to forget that our Savior has all power - that regardless of our personal circumstances, weaknesses, inadequacies, failures, and sins, He has the power to help. That by fulfilling the Atonement, He is at all times and in all ways and in all things our loving Savior who suffered and died so that we can all be strengthened and loved when we most desperately need it. I would invite you to evaluate your pride. Honestly assess whether or not you are taking advantage of, and relying on the enabling power that stands available to each one of us.    

"When thou art converted"

   Hola a todos! I hope that each of you are doing well. I do not have a ton of time to write out this email, but I wanted to thank each of you for your continual love and support towards me and the Lord. You have each inspired me in one way or another to press on and smile on, and I won't ever be able to adequately thank you for it. May the Lord bless you for your sacrifice. 

     This past week has been a little crazy, as we have been preparing for the first transfer exchange under the stewardship of President Brigham. He's already been a wonderful addition to the mission and I know that he will continue to be so throughout the course of his three-year service. 

     Recently I have been pondering the difference between a testimony and conversion. At one point in the Savior's ministery, His disciples had a testimony that he was the Christ, the living son of God. And yet the Lord said, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Even when we know things are true, we do not let them become a part of who we are and what we do. Please, my friends, let the gospel of Jesus Christ get into your heart. Let it and the Savior be the foundation of your life. Turn to Him always. And I promise that you will find strength beyond your means and inspiration to keep going. 

The Mist of Darkness

  Hola a todos! I hope you're doing well. I extend my love for each of you and thank you for continually supporting me as I dedicate myself to the Lord. I know I couldn't do it without you. 

     This past week was a fast one for sure! We had some meetings towards the beginning of the week, but we saw some good success in our area. We have been receiving a lot of referrals recently which isn't very common in this area, so we are grateful for each and every one of them. 

     I was studying about the restoration this past week, and can't help but express my gratitude for the opportunity I have to live in the dispensation of the fullness of times, when the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is here on the Earth. There were many many things restored, one of which was the sealing power to unite families for the eternities. I will forever be grateful for the sure knowledge and testimony that my Father in Heaven has given me concerning these things. If I have learned anything during my missionary service, it is that Satan has surrounded the truth with the mist of darkness described in Lehi's vision. What is the scariest word in the Englilsh language? Deceive. Why? Because by definition, when you are deceived, you are doing something wrong and you don't even know it. So how can we avoid deception? As dark as dreary as that mist of darkness may be, all travelers can arrive safe on the other side by clinging to the rod of iron, the which is the word of God. If you do not do so already, I invite you to study the Bible and the Book of Mormon every single day. Too often do we preach that principle and fail to live it. I promise that as you do so, a spiritual power will enter into your life that will allow you to press forward through the mist of darkness of this world. You will feel  the spirit, and he will teach you and guide you on the path we all must travel. 

     Thank you again for being so unwavering in your commitment to God and His truth.   

     Love, 

            Elder Blackburn 

President Switch

 

     Hola a todos! I hope each of you have been able to have a wonderful week. This past week in Maryland has been a crazy, but I am learning more and more how to depend on my Savior and draw upon the infinite power of His great atoning sacrifice. 

     As you can read from the title, this past week President Nye completed his 3 year service as mission president and President Brigham and his wife entered the mission Tuesday night. We will miss the Nye family. They've had a wonderful impact on the mission and its missionaries. We are very excited to continue to get to know and work with President Brigham. He is originally from California, and had a career as a corporate lawyer. He is very warm, energetic, and innovative. He is very excited to be here and we are excited to have him. He will bring a lot of new structure and ideas to the mission that will help us develop and achieve new heights. 

     The weather here has been quite rainy this past week, and on many occassions have I been soaked. 

     I do not have a lot of time today to write, but I would like to share a quote that has had a profound impact on me. "Oftentimes we find ourselves as sailors in a big storm, searching for rest on the shore. Sometimes God calms the storm, but more often than not God calms the sailor." I know and testify that when we turn our lives over to God, especially during the stormiest and darkest days, everything will be okay. Our trials and challenges may not disappear, but you will be blessed with peace. You will have the spiritual strength that you need to get through whatever it may be that stands in the way of you and the shore. Rely on Him. He loves you.