This week went by really fast and part of that was because it was 1 less day to pday and also because we were super busy.
Wednesday afternoon we exchanged with the Lake Michigan Elders. I went with Elder Winborg in his area. He is the nicest guy ever. Super fun to serve with him for a day.
Thursday afternoon we exchanged back and we went straight to a lesson with Avarploy and Don. We had a great discussion on the Plan of Salvation and somehow in that discussion we got to the topic of baptism and Avarploy out of nowhere say "I want to be baptized." So we are prepping her and helping her to get ready to be baptized, so that is super exciting.
Thursday night we exchanged with the Parkway Elders. I again left the area and went with Elder Pisciotta. He wasn't feeling good so a lot of our exchange we were stuck inside the apartment which was a bummer, but I took advantage of the time that I had and taught myself a lot of the other Hmong dialect, Moob leeg (Green Hmong). I put together a pretty decent list of changes between the dialects. I have been practicing speaking it for a few weeks now and I am picking it up super fast which is really fun. I am even teaching Elder Lamb some as well which is really fun. The next day we were able to go for a few hours and help a family move. They were non-members so that was a great opportunity.
Friday night we exchanged back, we were planning on exchanging with the APs and I was going to be going in the area, but it got rescheduled which was probably good so I could spend more than one day in my own area for the week haha. Elder Lamb and I were curious and out of all the 42 days the transfer, we only have 19 full days of work that we are actually together. The rest are exchanges, meetings, church, etc. Pretty crazy.
Sunday we had church and after we had a great opportunity to teach a guy named Lue. He shared with us his conversion story and after we shared him ours. It worked out perfect that we were at the church. A YSA aged member was there and overheard our conversation and asked if he could share his testimony. It was such a simple, but powerful testimony. It brought the spirit in so strong. After Lue asked us for a Book of Mormon and said he wanted to read it. It was super cool.
This week we had a lesson on trials in Priesthood. I thought it was super cool. We read the talk "Wounded" by Niel L. Anderson. In it, there was a part that I really liked. It said:
"Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."
I think this is very powerful and true. We all have trials in our lives. They are part of the great plan. In the moment we may not understand why, but these are all for our growth and sources for us to learn from. I remember all the hard times in my life and all the things that I learned from those experiences. It's important to remember that and also to always rely on the Savior during those times so that he can help and support us.
Love,
Elder Rich
