Hullo whoever is reading this,
How amazing the Lord's work is. This week was special for me. I was able to be a part of a lot of really amazing experiences. And I mean MANY so I'll have to give you a speed round.
We were out and about and I was gonna go to this apartment to see this one person, and there was a really practical and logical way to get there but also a really impractical way to get there. My brain was telling me to take the practical way but my heart told me to take the bonkers way. So we did. And we found someone who is genuinely interested in learning more about Jesus Christ. I think I was inspired to go the way I did. It was just too poignant to be a coincidence.
I went on an exchange to Castroville and absolutely loved it. I mostly just tagged along and watched because I don't speak any Spanish, but the culture and the people there are so down to earth and my heart was so full of love for everyone that I met. Also Elder Call may have shown me some sick tracks he made before his mission…
New Years was quiet. A nice early bedtime.
Our dear friend Gabriel was baptized. It was such a tender experience for all of us. All the way up until the moment it happened he had a lot of doubts. But immediately after he came out of the water he was simply beaming. After we confirmed him a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and he received the Holy Ghost there was a clear change about him. Where before he was quiet, reserved, and almost detached, he had become outgoing, exuberant, kind, and so so happy. As we chatted afterwards we told him that we hoped he would always remember this day and the way that he felt, his response was one word and a big smile, "Unforgettable."
This year I have been reflecting a lot on my life as a missionary and as a human being in my last year of life. Many large changes occurred in my life and in the lives of many. Changes continue to occur in Missionary work and with all of you at home. It's overwhelming sometimes to picture what It will be like to meet all of the people I love after two years of changes. Even the prospect of how much the world could change in 2022 is frightening.
The words of the Prophet President Russell M. Nelson bring me comfort amidst all this change, '
"Please know this: if everything and everyone else in the world whom you trust should fail, Jesus Christ will never fail you. The Lord never slumbers, nor does He sleep. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He will not forsake His covenants, His promises, or His love for His people. He works miracles today, and He will work miracles tomorrow."
I know this to be true. No matter what seems to change, no matter if your whole world seems to be crumbling around you, know that true, genuine love, especially that of Jesus Christ to and every one of us, will remain. Of all things that may change, His love for us is unchanging.
This year through all changes we will experience, let us "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men."
The world waits for no one.
Where else can we go, but forward.
Songs anyone?
The Way We Move--Langhorne Slim
When My Time Comes--Dawes
Into the Unknown--The Blasting Company
Love you all. Till next week.
Elder Winegar
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