MAR_19_18_GROUP_GBRG

 Hey everybody!! 

Yet another week in the life of a missionary, but I could honestly not be more happy. :) You know that feeling when you just look around, and are happy? LIke, at Christmas or Thanksgiving? That's how I feel right now, here in Irwin. And it's not because I'm having the most success, or because I'm having a baptism everyday (because I'm not). I guess the best description I could give comes directly from the scriptures. You're welcome. (Alma 29:9)

"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."

NO, we didn't have an abundance of investigators at church this week. No, I haven't baptized anybody in the past three months. But this calling that I have, this admonition that I've received to bring the gospel to others. THAT'S what it's all about.  My only desire is that I might be an instrument in HIS hands to bring SOMEBODY to get closer to Christ. If I'm doing that, then I'm doing my job. And nothing makes me more happy.

With that being said, it's actually been a great week!! I received my new companion, Elder LI. It was super sad to say goodbye to my last companion, Elder Lin. He's off to bigger and better things in the town of Freeport. I love that guy to death. But I'm grateful for this opportunity that I have to serve with Elder Li. We get along super well, which I'm SUPER grateful for. We've already seen lots of success just in these past 5 days or so. I can't wait to see what we can accomplish together for the next transfer, and hopefully more than that.

He's from China. Yup. You read that correctly. I delight in serving with international missionaries. It's sorta my thing. Sue me.

We have an appointment this Thursday with a woman named Diane Anderson!! She's been coming to church like EVERY week this past year with her boyfriend, Brother Shaler. Everybody thought that she was a member, but APPARENTLY not. I was talking to her yesterday, and she told me that she's very interested in receiving the lessons and being baptized!! Goodness, I could not be more excited!!

We will also have the opportunity soon to give a blessing to another investigator, Caroline. She has already received three lessons from some online missionaries, who then handed her over to us. Unfortunately, over these past few days, she got in a car accident, which severely damaged her legs. She enjoys running marathons, but might not be able to run ever again. She had surgery yesterday, so if you could keep her in your prayers, we would really appreciate it. She is a beloved daughter of God, and I am so grateful for her willingness to receive a blessing from us, and hopefully continue on the path towards eternal life. 

Here's some pictures from this week:

1) Just a picture of me in front of a medical helicopter. No biggie.