This week has been a roller coaster emotionally. Elders Bickle and Burhoe, with whom I have been living, both went home on Monday. I hope that all is well with them and that they can truly say that they gave it their all. I don`t think I can really describe my feelings when one of my good friends from the mission goes home and I am still here. It`s kind of bittersweet...knowing that they are moving on to the next step of progression in their lives, but at the same time you want them here to help guide you and to help you get through the hard times. I know that this is just a part of the experience, but it is foreign to me. I know that this is Heavenly Father’s plan to expose me to heartache so that I can be made stronger.
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| Photograph taken July 31, 2011 |
On another note, we had changes. Elder Soulier left to be a zone leader and I am still here in Ducaud. It is pretty neat being the comp with more time just because I know where I`m going in the area. haha My new comp`s name is Elder Cabrera. He is from the Southern Coast of Peru. He is really cool. He has 20 months on the mission. I know that there is a ton that I am supposed to learn from him, so I`m going to take full advantage of that. I am also teaching him English. We figure our purpose when we get home at night is to help each other progress, so here we are. haha
Also, we have two new Elders in the house...Elder Smith and Elder Dowdy. Elder Smith is from Billings, Montana. He lived with Elder Peck and was like his best friend. Elder Dowdy is BRAND NEW! Elder Smith is training him. It is weird to see people with less time than me...I still feel new.
As my spiritual thought for the week, more than anything, I want to say this. OPEN YOUR EYES! On my mission, I have seen many people who say that they don`t want to move forward with the gospel because they haven`t had their prayers confirmed or that they haven`t had any signs that this is what God wants for them in their lives. My point in this is to tell you this, God is showing us all signs, we are just too blind to see them. If we would open our eyes, our hearts, and our lives to the gospel, we will see the Love of Christ write it`s story in our souls. By that I mean, if we allow it, the gospel of Christ will guide us to where we are supposed to be. Without this, we are forever lost. I encourage each of you to think more about the way that God answers prayers. If someone prays to God that their family would be closer, do you think he will send magic rays of happiness? or give them opportunities to be closer?
I testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live. They are very much aware of us and our individual circumstances. The hastening of the work is continuing. Not only the work of the world, but the work in each and every one of us. Let the gospel work in you. That is my prayer.
Con Amor,
Elder Jackson
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