Hello everyone!
It's been a pretty solid week, and the energy around the mission is
picking up. As soon as the month ends, we will be out of suit season,
which for me will be the third and final time. That's a scary thought,
so we don't dwell on it much, but it is motivation to keep working
until the end.
In terms of real news, I can start with Nomoto, who is doing great. I
didn't get to explain much about him last week, buts he's been meeting
with the missionaries for about a month, comes to church every week,
including conference, and really just seems to understand the gospel.
We talked about the priesthood this week, and how it gives us the
authority to act as Gods hands on this earth, and he was way
intrigued. It's something he wants to prepare to receive even though,
to quote "that sounds like a lot of responsibility". So things are
progressing great, and now we are just waiting for him to get parent
permission, due to the fact that he is only 18. Thankfully, from what
we've been able to understand, they don't have anything against him
doing what makes him happy and brings him joy, in this case, the
everlasting joy of the gospel. It's, as always, a miracle to be able
to meet and associate with such wonderful people.
Other news from this past week was junkais, with some of the other
elders in the zone. We are again blessed to work with people that have
so much potential, that literally hold the ability to changes lives in
there hands. Sadly, some of the elders haven't 100% grasped how we
need to go about doing so. This leads to spending Friday going around
contacting and teaching with one of them. We were able to have a good
talk, and what it basically comes down to is doing not just the right
thing, but doing it for the right reason. As a missionary, from
everything I've seen and experienced, it would honestly be pretty easy
to just go stand and talk to hundreds of people each day. Might not be
fun, but there are so many of our brothers and sisters here it would
be relatively simple. But if your heart isn't centered on Christ, it
won't be more than that, simply talking. We find the power to go out
of our comfort zones, to connect with people, to grow through our
trials, to improve our lives and others, and we only find that by
focusing on Him who can achieve these things. It brings so much light,
yet, is so hard to teach. The entire theme reminds me of a quote given
by an early church leader when asked how they governed the church,
which is approximately as follows: "We teach correct principles, and
allow them to govern themselves". And, one from Elder Swapp,
"Motivating isn't taught, it's caught". Great thing to think about,
and some fun work personally and for the zone moving forwards.
Besides that, next week we get to go to the temple! The ward is having
a trip, and graciously offered to let us come along. With that said, I
don't know when emails will happen, but don't worry, I'll try to send
something!
Love you all!
Elder Woodhouse
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