So so good to hear from you once again! You are right about me being physically and mentally tired all the time. Last night, for example, I memorized around 150 nouns like eating stuff, clothes stuff, colors, places, just tons of stuff. Don't ask me how I did it because I'll tell you that I didn't do it. The Lord did pretty much all of it. It's not fair. Every time I try and do my part, he just continues to bless me!
Let me just tell you that I think your family night idea was super amazing with ya'll doing different clip art things about the gospel.
Tara - Yours was awesome and a lot more true than you know. It's all about "planting the seed". When it is planted and you continue to "water" it or "read scriptures, pray and stuff" then the seed will grow. Another analogy as a missionary I like to think of is this. When I'm out teaching people, I'm kinda like a water well. When I read scriptures, bear my testimony, pray, and things like that, I add water to the well. The Lord is the bucket. When I don't know what to say to someone, that's when the Spirit comes in and pulls water out with the bucket. If I didn't have any "water" the Lord wouldn't be able to help me.
Mom - Yours is perfect, too! It's not only the Book of Mormon that will help us. It's when we have desire and diligence. That's when the Lord says, "OK. Look. Here's a person who is trying and actually wants to know the truth. Let me help you." Perfect!
Heath - I like yours, too. There are definitely things in this life that could bring us "instant" happiness, but that happiness doesn't last. The way we can be truly happy is by doing stuff we're supposed to and then get this . . . we're promised to be in an Eternal state of REST and happiness. Sounds good to me! I'd give anything to rest for five minutes let alone Eternity!
Kyle - You chose my favorite scripture. It keeps me going and helps me almost every day. I didn't know it was the theme this year [for YM and YW] but that's awesome. We need to always have courage. I mean, look at Moroni, for example. He was the leader of an Army when he was 16! And basically every character in the Book of Mormon is way buff and juiced so they probably got that way from having courage, strength, and knowing they are NEVER alone.
Dad - Yours made me laugh. Way cool picture and way appropriate. I've learned here that personal revelation is super important and the biggest boost spiritually ever. When you can learn to listen to the Lord, wow. Can you say blessings/miracles?
We don't have a family night here, we just do class every day/night. On Sundays and Tuesdays we have huge firesides though. They're my favorite. I'm gonna miss those, too when I leave. Speaking of leaving, they say I should get my travel plans around the 12th or 13th so I'll be sure to let you know all about that.
And I definitely think that it's time for another package. What a silly question, Mods. It's always time for another package.
I'll be sure to take a picture of the verb card or maybe even send you one. You'll be surprised.
Sounds like what you did with my countdown chart is pretty legit. Don't forget to put stickers on every day!
Sorry to say, but now we don't call Kim any more. She wouldn't answer her phone, but at least we taught her a few lessons and "planted the seed". It was in English.
That poem you sent was awesome. Portrayed a lot of the feelings I've had already. I can't wait til I get to say for myself the last two paragraphs. But then I gotta start worrying about marriage. Instead of being here with a dude non-stop, I'll be with a girl. Good to think about. :)
Things are fun here still. Portuguese is still Portuguese. Hard some days, easy others, but always awesome. Just wait til you hear my sweet accent! :) I love you all and can't thank you enough for the prayers. Best family ever! I miss ya'll!
Love,
Elder Anderson
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