Tuesday we had district meeting. The Jensons are super awesome and brought a ton of snacks for us to eat. We had a good meeting about setting goals! I never really understood the importance of setting goals, so I got a little slap in the face. A good quote that I shared was by President Benson which says:
"Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Each week when we partake of the sacrament we commit ourselves to the goals of taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, of always remembering him and keeping his commandments. Of Jesus’ preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he ‘increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. ‘Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?’ asked the Master, and he answered, ‘Verily I say unto you, even as I am.’ (3 Ne. 27:27.) Now, there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure.”
I thought that was a really good quote on why we need to set goals in ALL aspects of our lives, not just specific aspects like I was doing. I am excited to work on setting some more goals.
Thursday we had lunch with a super sweet Hmong Niam Tais (Grandma) as Hmong people call them. Her name is Niam tais Ying Moua and she is literally the sweetest. She made a really beautiful Hmong tie and it's all hand made which is insane. Super cool. She taught us a few things about Hmong culture and also shared her conversion story which was powerful. It is always crazy to hear how much the Hmong people have gone through, but they trust in God and know they are doing the right thing even though they face ridiculous trials in the process. It is always a testimony builder to hear their faith and testimonies. During the night we went to one of the people we are teaching, Alvinia to support her at her talent show. She did a super insane hip hop dance. It was super cool.
Saturday was definitely the best of the week! Not only did we get to see all the Hmong Elders again, but we had an amazing conference just for the Hmong elders. We learned a lot about Hmong culture and how to help the Hmong people. It was really helpful and I learned lots of things I am excited to apply. The highlights of the conference were listening to all the Hmong Elders bear their testimonies, Awards which had a compliment and also a funny roast for every Elder, and afterward, we all went out to eat together. We definitely have a strong brotherhood and it was hard to say goodbye to everyone. I wish we all lived closer to each other so we could hang out and see each other more often. It was also so cool to see how much we all have grown personally, in the language, and our love for God. It was just like when Ammon and his brethren all got together again. Super cool.
Sunday we had the opportunity to hear from a return missionary. He gave a really great talk on revelation and the lessons he learned on his mission. The second hour of church I translated again and it was by far my best translating of my mission. It was really cool. Something that Elder Taylor and I have been talking about recently is the gift of tongues. He asked me how I see the gift of tongues in my missionary work since I have been out a long time. In the beginning of my mission, I would have said that the gift of tongues helped me to be able to speak and understand which is true. Now, I feel like I can rely on my own abilities to speak because I don't struggle and need to rely as much. But... I still always will need to rely on Heavenly Father to help me know the things to say - things that can help the Hmong people to feel of God's love and feel the spirit. Even though now I can rely on my own skills pretty comfortably, if I don't help them to feel the spirit than my words are vain and honestly are a waste. I am grateful to be out and serve the Hmong people and know how important it is for me in all my actions to help others feel the spirit.
Love you all,
Elder Rich
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| All 12 Hmong elders |
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| Thought we were finished |
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| Most Improved Hmong |
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| Most likely to become a Hmong rapper - roasted award. |
