Half-time Report

For those of you just tuning in, Henderson is leading 12-0 at the end of the first half. Which just goes to show that you simply can't have any true baptisms without proper Priesthood Authority. Here are the stats:

• Served with 6 companions (3 Americans, 3 Africans)
• Served in 3 areas (All different regions)
• Been hit by 3 cars and 2 motorcycles #manofsteel
• Gone through 2 watches
• Lost 25 pounds
• Thrown up 3 times
• Gotten Malaria 0 times (This is the real indicator of victory)
• Eaten 1 dog
• Converted 0 Muslims
• Baptized 0 seven-year-olds 
• Chased 1 intruder out of my apartment

As you can see it's been a pretty eventful year here in the sub-Sahara. But it has only been one year. The truly great thing about a mission is that I get two of them! I'm so excited to see what this next year brings. It has gone by really fast and I know this next year will go by even faster, so I need to relish every moment.

It's interesting, because, especially when you serve in a third world country, it gets really easy to complain about your circumstance. For instance, I got a picture today from one of my friends serving in the states. The picture was her zone and each companionship was standing in front of their respective car. The other missionaries in the cafe and I had a good laugh because our cars are our feet. And it's constantly 1000 degrees outside and indoors doesn't exist here. #acalsodoesnotexist

But overall the work makes every inconvenience so worth it. In fact it makes you start to enjoy the inconveniences. I feel like Paul who began to glory in his tribulations. Mind you, I don't suffer at all comparative to Paul (I honestly don't suffer at all). But this week especially I was heavily reminded that this is indeed the Lord's work and it is indeed the work I was called to perform.

I have witnessed some remarkable progression in nearly all of our investigators. I have seen the Book of Mormon change people's lives. From Benjamin, to Alice, to Solomon. I am witnessing some true conversion taking place here because of the Book of Mormon. And it is a real miracle.

I've said this before and I will say it again: If you are considering serving a mission, do it. You can't say a mission is not for you. Missions are for everyone. If you face any challenges disagreements, or doubts in regard to the church, revisit and reread the Book of Mormon. Those who read the Book of Mormon daily develop the faith to move mountains. I've witnessed it. Society is flawed and has stumbled greatly. If you put your trust in the Scriptures and the Prophet more than a world that preaches moral relativism, you will be happy no matter what trials enter into your life. The family is the basic unit of heaven. They exist for our happiness, and they are the design by which exaltation is accomplished. We cannot attain true happiness without it. Remember that all good things come from God. And also, all things that come from Him are good and for the benefit and love of the children of men. I love you all! I wish you all the best for the next year until we meet again and I can witness to all of you in person the truth, as I have witnessed it first hand. Love you!