This summer has been one of the best of my life. After each summer I always say that that one particular one was the best and that I'll never have another like it but then it gets topped the next, so who knows where this one ranks. The best thing about this summer has been spending time with my family and trying my best to get mentally, spiritually, and physically prepared for my mission. After all the ties, suits, shoes, and white shirts have been bought, I always end up sitting back and pondering how ready I really am to preach the gospel in Portuguese to a people I've never met. I guess that's the fun of it and joy of it. That's where faith comes in to play I guess. I'm clueless as to where I'll be living in the next two years or who I'll be living with. All I know is that I'll be serving the Lord which is good enough for me. I have plenty of my imperfections but I know that the Lord with bless me as long as I'm trying my best.
My good friend Derek was able to visit the past week or so all the way from the deep south and we were able to have some awesome experiences together. One of these experiences included going to the Hill Cumorah Pageant which I've attended which seems like at least a dozen times. Every time I go to up-state NY and get the opportunity to visit the church historical sites and get to see the pageant it gets better. I always feel the spirit so strongly and come back glad I was able to go. The Sacred Grove is truly the place where the boy Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son. I know that they spoke to him. I know that because the spirit has confirmed it to me. I don't have faith that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only church that has the fullness of the gospel, I know it. I know it for myself because I have asked and have put in the work to find out by reading the Book of Mormon and testing the Lord. I know that anyone who does that can have that same knowledge. That seemingly simple fact has brought more joy to me than anything imaginable. Every time I read the scriptures or talk about the gospel I find so much joy and just want to share it with everyone. I can't imagine what joy I will feel when the Lord comes again and every tongue shall confess that He is the Christ. For those that don't know what I'm talking about go to lds.org and talk to the missionaries. They're everywhere, literally. You won't ever regret it and the joy that you will find is indescribable.
I know I will miss my family and friends when in Brazil but I will have the comfort of knowing that my family and the Lord stand beside me in everything I do which is all I need. I can't wait to be in Brazil. I already have one bag packed and hope the other will fit everything else..haha. Anyways, I know the Lord will provide as long as I keep His commandments and my heart has good intentions. Until I return from the Good country of Brazil incredibly tan, God speed, and HURRAHH FOR ISRAEL!!!
Alma 26:35
"Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all apower, ball wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a cmercifulBeing, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name."
I love you all. Keep it real dubtown. As as one of my brothers in the Lord one said, "GO PHILS."
