from Jennifer

Dear Family,

 

Today was a fun day. We played basketball, soccer, and ping pong at the church in Ubon. I really enjoyed playing basketball. It's been quite some time since I've played. Tomorrow is zone conference. We will speak about setting Visions, making goals, and planning.  I'm excited to have another opportunity to invite the Spirit and rely on the Lord for help in inspiring our zone. 

 

So, my companion has been having some personal health issues which has been an obstacle for us in our work together.  He will return home from his mission on the 28th of this month. That means that I will be in another three man team, and get two new companions. Right now I'm balancing helping my companion, working in my area, and helping out the zone.  It's been quite the learning experience.  There are so many valuable experiences to be gained from serving a mission.  One of the youth in our branch who had been deciding if he were to go on a mission or not had received a confirmation from the spirit and bore his testimony about how he knows that a mission is the best university that he could enter.  I agree.  It's so good.

 

Last Sunday Ahm passed his interview. He's moving to Prea before next Sunday. He'll have to get baptized in Lampang. I don't have any worries about him. I feel like he is the most firm investigator in the faith and truth of the Gospel that I have ever taught before. To me he gets it. There is so much power in the simplicity and truth of the Gospel.  It's what we need to accomplish in life. Some of the teachers at church don't quite understand the Gospel and their role as teachers in inviting the people that they teach to improve their lives. Some people still simply teach the lesson material without any goal or conscious effort to explain the Gospel truths and invite the people to change, which without that the lesson is lacking in focus and power. But with a commitment in mind which will help the learner repent and come unto Christ then the lesson becomes focused and it gains personal relevance and meaning.  

 

The scar from the 2  by 4 is pretty much all healed up.

 

As far as the Trek is concerned... I remember a powerful closing talk from President Thornock. I remember feeling the spirit extra strong as I served and studied in a peaceful and serene place. I remember walking for hours and eating soggy delicious rolls. I remember a lot. Overall it was definitely a worthwhile experience, especially if you go in with the attitude to serve and learn.

 

I love you guys sooo much. It was way good to talk to you on the Phone. Sorry I had to cut it short... I had a lot of things that I needed to accomplish.

 

Love,

-Elder Lilly