A True American Answer

The land of the sun is wonderful. Monterey is terrific. I love it here. The weather has been cool and beautiful. This is the best place in the mission by far. 

Spiritual: Being as it is Memorial Day weekend I thought I would take a second and share an experience that happened while we were driving back from a fireside last night with an incredible member who is part of the armed services. Take a second to appreciate what we have here and where it came from. This dear brother as part of his duty being in the National Guard was privileged to stand in a ceremony that the army put on surrounding the fallen warriors. It was incredible to hear him describe a man who had been hit by an IED (bomb) and while he was dying had the courage and faith to keep translating to save more lives. This brother got very emotional while he described the ceremony and how touching it was to realize that one of his comrades in arms did not make it home. He left behind a small girl and a wife. This brother was telling me about how he has to trust in Heavenly Father to bring him back alive. For those who do not make it back it’s a sad and noble sacrifice. There are people watching out for us even when we do not realize it. It made me think and appreciate so much more what a sacrifice it is to these people who do serve our country. The Lord lives and loves us. His plan is the best plan even if it is not the easiest plan. This brother also said that the reason it was so touching was not so much the pomp and circumstance surrounding the memorial, but it was the knowledge that someday that man will once again see his daughter again. That this life is not the end and that there is a higher power. I know that the plan of happiness is just what it says it is. Heavenly Fathers plan for us to be happy and that no matter how hard life may seem at the moment, this is His plan for our happiness. 

Funny: Dylan, our 17 year old investigator, accepted a baptismal date for June 21 this past week. We asked him to pray about the date this week and come back and tell us what he felt. He prayed that night and felt nothing. When he got up in the morning he said he ran into a wall and fell down and cut his arm. At this point things were not looking too well for the 21st. He then said he went into the shower and started washing up. He likes to take really cold showers but for some reason that day his shower was super warm. He told us that even the little knob showed it was supposed to be cold but it was warm. Weird. He was really surprised and a little freaked out. He said that when he got out of the shower he just felt all this power come into him and he just felt like he was on top of the world. He just said "Yep. The 21st is the day!" and that was that. Sometimes answers to prayers come in ways that we really don't expect, but they come. It was perfect. We are so happy for him. 

Where I am at: The outgoing devotional was amazing last night. It was President Watkins last outgoing devotional and so it was quite profound. It was incredible. We had Dhani our other 17 year old investigator come with us and it was perfect for him! There were two recent converts, one a younger man who lives in Santa Cruz and another one who was a self-proclaimed narcissist who bore testimonies that struck him right where it counts. It was wonderful. We are so excited for him. I am going to miss President a lot, but am excited for a new adventure with President Mella. Elder Fisher is getting transferred and it seems like the world is going to end. I am not happy with him leaving. I love that missionary! All is well and I am happy and loving the Lord and His work.