Having Approval From The First Presidency...

 

     Hola a todos! This last week has absolutely flown by for me. There is so much that I want to talk about and so few paragraphs to write it. 

     To start, the weather has been so hot and humid this past week. Sunday was the only super nice day this week. 

     We started this last week with exchanges with the other Elders located here in Frederick. I went into their area with Elder Starr and it was so amazing. We had a goal to find at least one elect person that day and after a series of 6 different revelations, we were guided exactly to the house where we found a lady who wanted to learn more and listen to us. 

     To keep up my sanity, my companion and I have been taking a walk every single morning and it has been so nice to get up and to enjoy a bit of nature first thing in the morning. 

     This week we spent a lot of time working with members this week, and for good reason too. Sunday we had the meeting directed by the Stake Presidency. The entire meeting was so incredible and the Holy Ghost was undeniably present. I will never forget the words or the feeling as I listened to our Stake President stand at the pulpit to say the following: "Having approval from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it is proposed that the Frederick Spanish 2nd Branch be changed to the Frederick 2nd Ward (Spanish)." As of Sunday, the first Spanish ward in my mission was created and to even have been a part of that change let alone a participant in the sustaining vote itself was incredible. The entire branch was crying by the end of that meeting, myself included. 

    I will close with a quick thought. This week I read again the story of Alma the younger when he is reunited with his close friends; the sons of Mosiah. In verse 2 of Alma chapter 17, "Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth." One of the greatest joys I have experienced as a missionary is the joy of watching someone grow their relationship with their Savior and receive the deserved blessings of committed covenant keeping. I hope to have the same reaction as Alma when I see each of you again. I have so far to go in my spiritual progression but I hope each of you progress alongside with me. 

      I will bear my testimony to each of you, knowing you indiviudally, that I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, is true. I know you cannot and will not find a more abundant life full of joy, happiness, patience, blessings, and love than that found in the restored and true church of Jesus Christ. I leave that with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.  

The boys 

Sleepy Elder Blackburn 

Exchanges with Elder Starr 

Diner food 

My companion y yo