April 23, 2018

Mom and Dad,

This week we worked hard and began to see some results of our work. It's been hard for me because we have barely taught anyone over this last month but we are finally finding more and more people. Also, this Saturday one of our investigators, Uriel, is going to be baptized! His friend originally just invited him to church and from there he wanted to learn more. This same friend has invited other friends to church in the past and one other has been baptized as well. Sometimes seemingly small invitations can end up making a big difference.

The part of last week and really the last several months that was hardest for me was feeling inadequate. Feeling that I'm not spiritual enough, prepared enough, that I don't have enough knowledge of the scriptures and that I don't do enough. Yesterday morning in church I was feeling this especially acutely but in the afternoon when we started working I felt much better and really enjoyed the rest of our day. I have often run into the council to forget myself and go to work as a missionary but this had proven hard to apply. My current focus is going to be trying to apply this council and work hard enough to qualify for God's help.

Dad, your idea of teaching English is a good one. We are the only missionaries in our area and my companion doesn't speak English so it would be all up to me. This week I'll look into it and see if we can't possibly put something together. I've never taught English before but where there's a will there's a way.

I was excited to hear about your week and see the pictures that you sent. I loved your backpacking story. It sounds like Hamilton was fantastic and I can't wait to see it when I get back. In the picture, you all look great! Aarons' hair is really something. Your impressions from his life remind me of a scripture that I read yesterday in doctrine and covenants

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

I love the idea of being anxiously engaged, it sounds to me like this was something that Hamilton did well. I also love that we are agents unto ourselves, we have the power and ability to do an immense amount of good and often we are the only thing stopping us.

I love you guys so much and hope you have a fantastic week!!

Love,

Isaac