Because He Lives

Feliz dia de Pascua and Happy Easter, everyone!

Yesterday was great, and I hope your Easter Sunday we wonderful, too!

Exactly a year ago my first Easter in the mission was coming to a close. The church service had almost nothing to with Christ (I'm not sure how that’s even possible) and the last hour of church about child abuse and molestation (again, I'm not sure how that happened) and when we walked out of the chapel we felt pretty bummed on life. If ever, there is one day out of the whole year that we can focus completely on the Lord and his sacrifice! We couldn’t believe that this opportunity came and went and nobody seemed to think any differently than on a regular day. My mind was discouraged for my companion who seemed heart-broken to say the least.

Well that didn't happen again! Whewee. Yesterday  was great! I hope that your Easter Sunday was wonderful, too!

Exactly a year ago I was standing on the corner of Boylston and Exeter St. in downtown Boston watching the first rush of Elite women cross the finish line. A few hours later two bombs went off right at that corner and I was tucked away safely in my bed in Roslindale, far away from the chaos. The nastiest flu bug of my life kept us from staying at our post to watch a friend cross the line at 3PM. The following days were an equally nasty turn of events as we went on and off of lockdown while the search for the bomber went state-wide. In the mix of all of this the Lord’s work continued onward and I was moved to a different city, got assigned to be a trainer, and still had the flu two days after the bombing. Five weeks in the mission field and already things were completely unpredictable. The best way I could describe it is that things were toe up. TOE. UP. Completely crazy.

The work continued onward and I learned to keep up. Again I was assigned trainer to another new missionary and moved, again, this time to an island in the sun that I had never heard of. The island was full of these creatures called American’s whom I had not ever served around as a missionary and they threw me off my game. My companion was hard for me to understand but gosh darn, I loved her so much, and I did all that I could to be a good example and teach her to be the best she could be. We’ll stop the timeline there – July 2013.

Trainee number two was off in Peru and I was settled in with my new (finally experienced) companion in an area that wasn't new (finally) doing what I love best. Serving others.

There is far too much in the world that fights against us. The weather, enemigos, our weight, bad hair days, grades, payments, taxes, sickness, death, disappointment, pride, pressure, judgment, expectations, finding out that the Oreos aren't on sale this week, and the clock that just won’t stop going 60 seconds per minute.

Why give in?

We are on the winning team. We are God’s children! Click here!

We were not made for failure. We have been built for success.Click here!     
        

Yesterday was a time to remember that because of the Savior, we can do all things. He overcame the world and conquered all challenges placed in front of him. There was nothing strong enough to fight against him and win. Not even death.

 
 Since July things have been progressively harder but I have in turn become progressively stronger. You wouldn’t believe the things that have happened. I have not been sending home many specific stories about what happens here because I do not want to brag about what happens, or complain about the struggles. I want to share with you what I’m learning. If there were a way that I could take you out to dinner and tell you face to face, I would do it in an instant. I’d listen to all that you have to say, I would tell you what I think, I’d ask how you feel, and I’d tell you that I love you. But since I’m here and you’re there, don’t take it from me. Go to the real source. You’re brother, Jesus Christ, is standing and waiting to take you up and over the next obstacle. Having overcome it all, He knows how to help us. Nothing is too big or too small for him to help with. If you think that you’re too independent for help, maybe you haven’t asked the right person. If you think that you’re too rebellious or weak for his care, perhaps it’s just that you weren't there when he forgave his betrayers while he hung on the cross. BECAUSE OF HIM everything is possible.

Don't let the things of the world get you down. To God, all things are spiritual, including you, so you’re better off than you think. If the final moments of the day prove to leave you sad, still, fall asleep with a smile on your face if no reason other than because He lives!

I love you

Have a great week!