Week 3

This week has been crazy! I've learned so much and felt the spirit so much and struggled so much and excelled so much! It's crazy how so many things can happen in a week and that when I come to type them all out, I forget literally everything hahaha.

So I started out the week still sick from my cold, but it slowly got better and I was able to focus again which was such a blessing. However, I started getting so sleepy during class! It was so frustrating because I was going to bed by 10:30 and getting up at 6:30 so I should have had enough sleep, but I kept falling asleep in the middle of class and I would have to get up and do jumping jacks in the hall whilst earnestly praying that I could stay awake!

I feel like I was far too prideful and self-centered this past week. Ever since Friday, which was when I had my last teaching appointment at the MTC, I have run out of things to do. I got about 3 hours of personal study in because there was a lack of things to go to and plan for. I tried my best to stay diligent all the time, even when we didn't really have anything planned, but the rest of my district did not. They would goof off and play games while I tried to study haha. I should have helped them realize that they should study or work too, but I was too focused on myself. I also was getting to prideful in my teaching. I have been blessed with a great ability to talk to others, and I started thinking that that ability would help me excel in lessons. I was wrong. It is not I that excels in lessons. It is the Spirit that helps me teach so that the Holy Ghost can witness the truth. I still have a lot to learn about my pride and giving glory to God. He has blessed me with so much, yet I still feel so imperfect. It's easy to get discouraged when thinking like this and I was thoroughly humbled in my class last night, which didn't help with the discouragement.

Whenever I get discouraged though I think of this scripture: "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."(2 Nephi 25:23)
I know that God will make up the difference as long as I am trying my hardest, and, for one of the first times in my life, I can honestly say, I am doing all that I can and trying as hard as I can try.

I am excited to go out and serve people! I want so desperately to be able to have real people who I can get to know, love, and teach. I want to work with the Bishop and members as well as working with non-members and less actives. I've been learning about the incredible importance of missionary work within the ward. Basically, there comes a point where the missionary has to rely on Members to help foster in and care for new people.

Speaking of real people, the sisters have invited Jose to be baptized!! And he said Yes!!! He was so excited and he was saying how he wants to know what he needs to do next hahaha. I love that guy so much and am so happy that he is accepting the gospel!

Next week I will be out in the field!! Wish me luck!!

Elder Francis