Dear Family,
Well I have a lot of really good thoughts running through my mind. I'll guess I'll start with conference...or at least the 1/5th part I saw this morning (Sunday Morning Session). They'll be watching all of it as Albanians next week. A really interesting thing happened during that session. The speakers kept saying. "Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, listen to what he says, obey." Then we had the opportunity to hear President Monson 2 minutes later who said, "Follow Jesus Christ and his path of temptation, pain \, obedience, service, and prayer." I was anticipating the prophets words, and was pleasantly inspired as he focused on following Christ. Following the Prophet is just following Christ.
President Eyring
I also loved President Eyring's talk [I love his talks so much, I always feel like I have a connection to him. Thank you Seth for the USB with all his talks on it!]. As a missionary, there is so much council to follow and it is good to do so. However, President Eyring hit the nail on the head saying ''we can receive the gift of confirming revelation'', truly internalizing the doctrine and making it your own! It is so important for missionaries to want to do what has been asked. "I will go and do what the LORD has commanded" I also reflected warmingly on the countless nights I checked in with mom and dad. I'm grateful you set that bar for us!
Elder Hales
He talked about when he looked into the sky and wondered about the gospel. In my mind, I remembered the (also) countless times that I layed in my bed in Claire's old room, looking up at the ceiling-stars and really asking myself "who am I, where did I come from, what is my purpose?" I loved how he just hit home the relationship of the Father ad the Son. That would've been a trinity believers worst nightmare! May you all take to heart "Elder Hale's Promise" that is also quoted in Moroni 10:4-5.
Well I am super happy down here with my new companion Elder Fowles. I looked if we had any relation to Henry Fowles Watson....finding out that I have no idea why Grandpa Watson's middle name was Fowles? Anyway, I couldn't have asked for a better companion. He is a testimony that God answers prayers. He's from Sterling, Utah, went to Manti High, and played football with Colin Haymond (who's grandparents were senior couples here in Albania). His family is 12 kids, he loves horses, hunting, football, and the gospel. He is really obedient and super willing to learn from me. He really reminds me of a mix between Jake and Jay, except he's younger than me! I love having the Utah accent back in my life! We are really excited to do work; to live up to the names of the 9 siblings we have had serve missions, and the combined 25 nieces and nephews that are looking up to us! (Dad, his father served a mission on the Indian reservations and I was wondering if he might know your friend you went there)
I spent the first two days this week in Fier, waiting with another Elder to get our trainees. We had a very successful two days together and had a blast teaching and had a great opportunity to give a blessing.
We then got our trainees. I was happy to see my MTC companion Elder Watson there, also ready to train.
The spirit is abounding with us. Every time we teach a lesson or contact someone on the street, Elder Fowles exclaims, "Man, that was so cool! This feels so awesome!" He finds the joy in the little things. I'm glad we're rubbing off on each other.
We are working as hard as ever and we ask for your prayers. Like Uncle Cory said, "Pray for the conversion of the people." I couldn't ask for anything more. Sometimes, people don't get it. But, how grateful I am for the knowledge that I've gained.
Thanks for all you do. I pray for each one of you every night.
Love, Elder Bejngëdër dhe Elder Faullz
1-Goodbye Elder Penrod
2-Fier Exchange
3-Elder Fowles trained by Elder Bangerter trained by AP Elder Linderman
4-Rainy days in Vlore
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