Hey Fam and friends,
So the computers are being a bit weird. I am doing fantastic. I forgot everything that I wanted to write about back in the residence room, everything I write to you all I write down previously to make sure I get you all everything. So there will more than likely be a hand written letter later this week for you all with my deeper thoughts. I just woke up from a 15 minute nap too so I'm a little groggy. Something I've noticed is my senses are dulled after I wake up and I have a hard time until I read my scriptures or read preach my gospel. I've spent the majority of this week pondering. And I don't know why you are worrying lady. I lived by myself for years, I'm pretty sure I've gathered a few skills since being out there. Such as eating properly. Don't worry, there isn't any sense in it. I'm doing what I should and the Lord is protecting me more now than ever before, plus I'm not as dumb as some of the missionaries I see around here doing stupid stuff. I feel like I'm not making any sense right now. But, know that I'm fine and will be. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
For what ever reason I can't get out what I'm thinking right now so I'm just going to write and whatever comes out comes out. I've been studying and pondering TONNS! More pondering than I have ever done before, which has been excellent! I've noticed my thoughts have been refined and purified and my focus is so much more effective. Elder Judd and I had an awesome companionship inventory this week. I had expressed a need for us to be more focused during study time (aka him) and he said I will not make it through a mission if we don't have tangents. I told him a tangent would be fine if it was stated and then no more than a few sentences later we were back on task. He freaked and said no I don't agree with that but whatever I'll do it. I stopped him and more clearly than ever the spirit said ask him why he's upset. He and I then spent the next 2 hours speaking about things and the wall that was wedged between us was broken completely down. The spirit guided me that entire conversation told me clearly what to say and when to listen. I testify that as long as we are willing to listen the Lord can guide EVERY action that we want to take. My teacher Hermano Hallsted is an excellent exampler when it comes to this.
I've also had an experience when teaching our investigator Freddy. I was in the lesson just finish up and getting ready to close when the spirit clearly stated you aren't done yet. So I waited. It was about a minute before I said anything, we sat there all in silence, my companion was looking at me like what are you doing? I then just opened my mouth and asked how is your family? he said good. I then asked how do they feel about you being baptized.....He waited....I don't know I haven't told them. I didn't know where to go but I knew the spirit had told me to keep going I just wasn't sure where so I asked more questions about his friends and said I knew that those weren't the questions I need to ask but I knew no where else to go so we closed. I felt so unresolved and the spirit was saying that there was more. What had happened was I was so anxious to follow the spirit I forgot to listen to it's guidance what should have happened was me asking why he hadn't told his family and what concerns he had there. Once I realized this I felt so resolved. But the lesson was over. So next time.
Each week we do something called TRC where we go in to peoples "houses" that are members and teach them. Elder Judd and I got a native speaker from chili whose name was Natalia and she was amazing! She knew no english whatsoever and our message she said was so profound and that we were going to be excellent missionaries. I had a fun time trying to understand her, her endings on words where dropping off before they were finished and her tongue kept swallowing the words as they came out but somehow and I know how I was able to understand her.
This week for your homework....I've been studying a ton on how the spirit works and specifically meekness. Go look it up and make sure you ponder on the verses that you will be looking up for it. They are powerful and will give you a better understanding of how to listen to the spirit, and what we need to do to be more meek then after pondering. PRAY! Always! I spend so much time on my knees it's crazy. I literally get complaints from elder Judd because I make us pray so dang much! Tell Judy HEY! I love you all and am glad you are my family and friends! We have to go do daily planning soon so I better bounce. If there is one thing I want each of you to do is go lay out on the grass look up at the stars and appreciate what our Heavenly Father has given us. Lay there for 10 minutes. Think of how apparent his works are around us and think of how me can more fully recognize them. Think of how the earth has a spirit, how the plants, animals, everything living and dead has a fantastic purpose in the plan that God has created for us. Then after a bit of thinking go find a private spot and pray! Ask Father if he is there if you don't know whether he is or isn't, ask him a question you have if you know he's there, and so long as you are willing to do WHATEVER action it is he is going to direct you to do HE WILL ANSWER! Our answers are based on our willingness to do our Heavenly Fathers will or our SINCERE DESIRE TO KNOW. I have received more answers in the past month than I have ever been able to recognize throughout the course of my life. I love my God! I love my work! I love the fact that I'm always tired because I'm striving so hard to be obedient to the will of my Father in Heaven. I love the imperfections that I get to polish in my life! They help me grow daily and most of all I love my savior! Not only because he suffered for me sins, not only because he is my brother, not only because he died for the salvation of those I love, but because He was perfect, and the perfect example that I get to attempt each day to mold my actions to. He makes me want to be better, HE LIVES TODAY! In the name of Him, Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Love Elder Hatch
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