The Sick and Afflicted

 Hola a todos! I hope that each of you had an amazing week. This last week was certainly one of the hardest weeks I have had on the mission for a number of reasons, but first let's talk about the blessings. 

     To start, this last week's weather has been pretty good. Considering it is November, we've had considerably warm weather. I have enjoyed the different decorations around the city of Winchester as we move more into the holiday season. Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree is looking more and more at home in the corner of our bedroom. Christmas is the most beautiful time of year and the most amazing holiday. It's such a wonderful opportunity to take a step back and look at those around us: their needs, wishes, hopes, desires, dreams, and weaknesses, and to decide to do something about it. In a world that is getting darker and more full of sin, we need an equally increasing batallion of more forgiving, patient, loving, selfless, and Christlike people. Strive to become that people. I beg of you for my sake and for the sake of those I talk to on a daily basis. 

     Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you had the opportunity to reflect on your many many blessings and exercise some humility and gratitude. I certainly was humbled this last week. Our entire area has just seem to collapse in the midst of an ankle injury and 102+ fevers. We haven't been able to work as diligently or in the ways that perhaps we wish we could have this past week. The trio life is a hard life, and sometimes I feel like I'm babysitting a two-kid daycare. But there are already so many lessons that I have learned and I'm excited to see which ones the Lord has next for me. But I am grateful for your prayers. 

     This last week I reviewed the great story of Moses, but specifically his call to preach the word and experience with the burning bush. Upon learning of the immense task placed upon his shoulders, Moses declares in Exodus, "...Who am I, that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?...O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue."(3:11,4:10). To that the Lord spake unto him, saying "Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord?"(4:11). Oftentimes we reflect on our personal unworthiness. If you're anything like me, I do this a lot. It is easy to ask in our lives as Moses did, "Who am I?" Who am I, that I deserve a spouse like you, or children like you? Who am I to deserve this life or this job? Who am I to serve and fulfill this calling? Who am I to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord? Who am I to be a loved child of God? These thoughts I am sure have arrived to each and every one of us at some point in our lives. But as often as we remember our faults, we forget the response of the Lord. We forget that he can make our lives so much more than anything we think possible. We foget his infinite and divine ability to forgive, to heal, to bless, and to strengthen. We forget that in God, with God, we have never and will never walk this life alone. And if you ever do arrive at a moment such as Moses did, there will be no greater refuge than that found on your knees. I love each of you. The Lord does too. 

Sick day exchanges with the other Elders