Lieve Familie,
I can’t even put it into words of just how hard it was to
leave the beloved and Holy city of Kortrijk. Saying goodbye to that place was
like re-living saying goodbye to you all on the curb at the Zoo (the MTC).
It was rough. Elder Argueta and I said our goodbyes at the train
station in Antwerpen, He will be staying in Kortrijk, and after that I began my
long journey from Kortrijk, Belgie to Emmen, Nederland. I am now serving with
Elder England and he is a pretty chill guy. Quiet, but chill and a good worker.
He is from Wyoming so I instantly gave him the nickname Cowboy. As far as
the work goes here... It’s back to the basics again here in Emmen. Starting
once again from the bottom with nothing really. It should be fun. Definitely
an adventure that I have found myself traveling upon several times throughout
my mission. I am not going to lie; the first couple of days/week has been
pretty rough. It’s been pretty lonely. Things are just once again all new, but
I'm sure that things will get better. I constantly find myself reflecting
upon the love that I have for the relationships I have developed with
people/members here on my mission and it brings me great joy and happiness. The
Lord is very mysterious in the ways that he works so as of right now I am just
doing my best to stay positive and not think to much about Kortrijk or the
other things that are distracting.
Anyways it’s good to be back in Nederland. I've definitely had to
adjust back into speaking and understanding the pure Dutch language and
attitude here. I am no longer speaking the girly Flemish that I secretly love
and am now being brought back into remembrance of that great Dutch attitude
that is very bold and straight to the point. It’s been humbling. However the
soccer life is HUGE here! People were going crazy last night when Nederland
won. As missionaries we are actually not allowed to do any missionary work if
Nederland is playing. So in other words... we got to watch the game with some
members! It was awesome and lets just say... HUP HOLLAND HUP!!!! It
really is just a huge party here!
Fam and Friends, I have learned many things throughout my mission
and I am not going to lie- it has been extremely humbling. Humility is so
important in our lives. Maybe I deserved it and still do deserve it, but the
Lord has really been humbling me throughout my mission. I find myself
constantly on my knees pleading for help and support because without it I truly
do feel like I am nothing. As I write this, another one of my favorite
scriptures comes to my mind..
"Behold,
my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my
heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and
heard....
...I am
encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so
easily beset me.
And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my
sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
...My God hath been
my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the
wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
...He hath filled me with
his love, ...
... He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing
of them to quake before me.
...Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me
knowledge by visions in the night-time.
And by day have I waxed bold
in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high;
and angels came down and ministered unto me." 2 Nephi 4:16-24
I cannot deny that
my testimony has grown, but even with this growth it hasn't made things easier
or less difficult. It hasn't made everything just ''a walk in the park'' but it
has brought me joy in this journey and an enjoyment of just believing that I
truly do have someone who is aware of me and that I truly am not alone. I will
always strive to do my best to continue putting my trust in the Lord and
realize that He truly does support me, so as long as I stay faithful and love
him with unconditional love.
Life is good. Nederland soccer is good. Belgium
chocolate is good. Free Agency is good. Music is good. God is good. Love is
good. The weather is not so good. Being LEKKER is good. So on and so
forth...
I love you guys. I love you with all my heart. Please be safe
this week.
Love,
Big Dude
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| New companion Elder England! |
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