"Cuz it's a... Great Day to be alive!!" (lyrics to some country song I've forgotten by now) But I've just been so happy this week :)
I've started a new routine in the mornings that's really helped me wake up feeling rejuvenated and with the spirit. I go into our small little bathroom quickly wash my face and brush my teeth, and then I choose a hymn. I sing her loud and proud, Elder Ashby probalby doesn't enjoy my out of tune voice it too much but it has been a powerful way to invite the spirit into my day. Afterwards I say my morning prayer and proceed with excercises. I've come to see the amazing resource hymns are to invite the spirit into our days at any time and hope to remember this promise and sing them loud and proud throughout my life :)
On Friday we had my favorite activity thus far in my mission! With the help of President Gomez we set up a night to find investigators with a chapel tour. In the Library we had Family Search set up, the Sacrament table was prepared, there was a short I Am a Mormon movie clip, we even filled up the baptismal font. Throughout the week we were inviting every one we came in contact with to come to our chapel open house for a short tour. We were pretty excited after getting everything set up and were so thankful for the help of the members, but we couldn't just sit and wait for people to randomly walk in the church... So into the street Elder Ashby and I went :) We were buzzing around like chickens with our heads cut off just street contacting everyone! In one hour we only found one person willing to come take the tour and it was awesome! The members led her through and at the end she was begging for us the missionaries to come over and teach her more! That night was a lot of work and preparation but finding just that one person made it all worth it. Extremely grateful for the help of the members especially the example of President Gomez!
It's starting to get hot and the bugs are in full force but I am once again so grateful for every second here in the mission field. This past month has been the hardest month of my life, but never have I been happier or thankful. I know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who is always there to comfort us. Today I was reminded of a special moment in the airport just before boarding the plane that would take me to a foreign country. I was talking over the phone with my own Dad and we were both fightin' back tears. He ended the conversation with 'I love you son.' (there was no fighting back the tears after that) But I can just imagine our Heavenly Father saying a similar short phrase before we're shipped off to this earth.
He is there, and he does love every single one of us. Because of this love he has provided a way for us to return and live with him and that is through the teachings of His Son Jesus Christ. We truly have the "Pearl of Great Price". The answer that so many peple seek. May we follow the words of Nephi and at every opputunity "talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, prophesy of Christ, and write according to our phrophecies, that our children may know to what source they look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25: 26 Don't discredit yourself from this special work, in these special times the Latter-Days. Lift Up your head, smile, and share the beautiful message of the restored gospel. :)
I am so grateful for the amazing blessing it to put on the name tag each morning and participate in work of the Lord. Thank you so much for the love and support, I can feel your sweet spirits throughout each day. Keep being shining example of Christ! :)
Love,
Elder Larsen
ps. You'll be happy to know that I hemmed my pants this week. You wouldn't of ever guessed it but Makord can sew :)