Hey momma,
Thanks for sharing that quote and what you are experiencing right now. I'm experiencing mostly the same things. In a place like this where we have to ride our bikes in the 100+ degree heat, where there aren't many people around, and where we might be lucky if we get to talk to more than 5 people a day, I always look out for all the little miracles and mercies I can get. You definitely have to appreciate the smallest of good things. On the bright side, when there is a success it becomes that much better because they can be scarce sometimes.
Back in Lexington there was this Chick Fil A in the Lake Murray area that we all called "The Best Chick Fil A" because you had to bike up a HUGE 2 mile long hill to get to it. So once you get there you're so out of breath and energy that when you get to finally eat, it's like the best tasting chicken sandwich you've ever had haha.
This area is kind of like that. Sometimes it gets almost hopeless and then we have a little success and we get really pumped because it cost a lot to make it happen and we are glad to see it come to pass.
We're hopefully going to make cookies for that family that held my packages for me. We want to deliver them and thank them for what they did. Coincidentally, a member in the Ward mentioned to me that he has a friend on our street that he promised he would get a Book of Mormon to. I'm hoping that the lady he referred us to is the lady and husband that held my packages. He didn't have the house number so we are going to search for her tomorrow and hope it's that house. That would be a miracle! I know this will be a great opportunity.
The packages have been SO HELPFUL. I have been hungry and hot and so I've been able to cure those problems with all of the stuff you sent. The water bottle is the best and it keeps water cold even after it's been in the sun for 3 hours or more. Thank you so much momma!
To answer your questions:
The most spiritual thing that's happened to me this week is probably when Brother Patotzka asked me to bear my testimony during Elder's quorum. We just had a lesson on temples and so I talked about when we all as a family were able to go to the temple for Ryan's wedding. I talked about how I really felt like it was a preview of eternity, being with my family and friends, without a care in the world, only feeling love and joy as we sat together knowing Ryan and Sarah were able to take their huge leap towards Heavenly Father. I felt the spirit really strong because of how much I miss everyone in the family, and I was really grateful I could have had that experience before leaving on my mission.
I can't really think of a specific funny thing that happened this week. There were a lot of laughs Elder Pace and I had though.
The thing I like most about Elder Pace is that he is super observant and also, even though he doesn't say much, when he does it's really funny haha. The longer I've been with him the funnier he gets.
The craziest thing that happened this week was probably when we were biking and turning right in a street. I looked to my left and 100 feet down the road was this woman in a really long dress and hood. I freaked out for a second because I thought the heat had gotten to me and made me hallucinate or something. Turns out it was real and she was just standing on the edge on the road taking pictures of herself with her camera on a tri pod across the street. It was the weirdest thing I had seen all week. I know that doesn't sound that crazy but the weirdest things happen out here. Like when I was on exchanges with the other Elder Pace in my district, we knocked on a door and a guy was completely naked and swung the door open right in front of me.... In my mind all I thought "is he naked?... Just look at him dead in the eyes Elder Bills. Just dead in the eyes." He saw who we were and hid behind the door and I went "Hey we're you're missionaries, how are you doing today?" And he just went "good" I thought "this is so awkward I can't keep a straight face any longer" and I just said "well, are you interested in our message today?" He went "nope I'm uh good" "Alright sir catch you later" and I stepped off that porch as fast as I could hahaha
PS: WE HAD SOMEONE COME TO CHURCH THIS WEEK. An investigator that the elders before lost contact with. She is awesome and she is the wife of a less active. Their kids aren't baptized either. We are really happy and are hoping to help them. We are seeing them this week. It was a miracle out of nowhere. God is always looking out for me and never lets my faith go unnoticed. But rarely does he hand me a situation like this. I hope I can continue to be trusted with these things.
I love you momma! I will send some photos we took this week in a minute!
Elder Bills
Poppa,
I love how you thought greatly about the temple and our experiences together in it because I thought of them too. The lesson on Sunday was about temples and I was asked to bear my testimony and the whole time all I could think of were the memories of our family in the temple. I specifically remember sitting there with you when I was being endowed, and I know that what you said has impacted me immensely. It was a moment that I cherish because it helped me gain the foundation of my own testimony. I try to always repent and change and make sure I don't make mistakes twice now because I always want to be able to go to the temple and receive revelation for my own life. One thing that I look forward to about going back to school is making sure I walk over to the temple at least once a week. I will need it.
Im glad the high adventure was sick! That sounds so fun! I know how it is to be scared of heights too. I jumped the rock at Waimea and that made my heart almost shoot out of my chest! It was fun once I did it. It took me like 20 minutes to build up the courage to do it though. I'm proud of Troy for taking that jump!
That was my week. It was really great. I feel really hopeful for these
coming weeks and next transfer soon. Our zone has been on fire with
putting people on date for baptism and I hope that it will rub off
into our area. President Turner is always working hard to help us have
extra faith and the spirit in our work too and it helps a lot.
Love you dad. I hope you have a great week.
Elder Bills