I miss home a lot. Two of my favorite artists came to Salt Lake City and I missed it. I know that in retrospect, those concerts won't matter, but it did make me think about home. My mom and sister are in Seattle fighting hard, with no promise of anything. It's been really hard to not miss them and things back home. I try hard everyday to focus on my purpose. I work as hard as I can, but sometimes it just isn't enough, and I find myself in heartbreak and tears because I am away from those I love. I have thoughts of being forgotten and not knowing if things will be the same when I get back home. I have really tried hard to get past these feelings, but they do come up. Someone emailed me during the week and said "You are a great man and you will be rewarded for your effort." This meant a lot to me. I remember the months leading up to my mission. I remember when I came out. It has been a sacrifice. I honestly can say that I was not beaming with joy to come out here, but I knew what God expected of me, and I know He does not leave our efforts unrewarded. My family and my future family will be blessed, and that is why I am here. I am here to bless others. This is not about me.
We might have hard trials, however, God compensates for our hardships evenly. This week was really hard. I had thoughts of quitting, going home, and it was hard, but I was able to experience and equal amount of joy.
On Teusday, we went over to a less-active's home. He texted us earlier that morning and told us to come. He was struggling with some paranormal activity in his life. He told us that he's always been sensitive to that kind of stuff and that he was very scared. I could tell from the first time we saw him that he was not his usual self. We gave him a blessing and dedicated his home. His whole demeanor changed and we've tried checking up on him this week with no success. However, we are so grateful he thought to text us in his time of need. He recognized that God was the only way he could turn.
On Saturday, we went over to one of our investigator's homes to read the Book of Mormon with him. He wasn't home so we started to bike away pretty deflated, but then we saw 3 kids playing near a playground. We went over and talked to them. They were between ages 9 and 11. 2 of the kids were hesitant but the other one was a little African American boy named Raheem. He was very friendly. He said the other kids names were "Eggroll Kenny" and "Whiteboy Talon". Yes, Kenny is Asian and Talon is white, it was pretty funny. We talked to them about school, basketball, and their families. They all opened up at that point and were very talkative. They asked us what our jobs were and we explained that we teach people about Jesus. Talon said "Well, teach us." So we taught them the Plan of Salvation. They responded very well. They asked questions and were very interested. Kenny was the one who responded the best. He told us he felt something warm inside him and we told him that it was the Holy Ghost. We told them that there was more to our message and they were really excited. We gave them our number to give to their families and parted ways. It's in the Lord's hands at this point. All we can do is hope and pray.
Sunday, we were able to have dinner with the bishop and his family. He has an awesome family and they really gave me hope. He told us stories from his mission and we had a good time. Very relaxing.
This morning, we went outside and our car was gone. Long story short, it was towed. We had to go through a long process to get it back. At first, I was pretty ticked off, but it ended up being alright and we had a different type of P-Day than we usually have. I saw a sticker on the back of a car that said "Dios es bueno". This week was a total manifestation that God is good.
I am still hurting from this week, but still healing. It is an amazing feeling to take one day at a time.
Moroni 7:13 "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."
I don't just say this without meaning it. I love and care for you all. Have a fantastic week and pray always.
Much love,
Elder Poulsen
Elder DeVroom
The bishop and his family
P-Day jawns
Yours truly
Milo. A drink that was everywhere
when I went to Singapore and Malaysia.
Love the taste of nostalgia.
