Week 13

Hola,

So this week, I've been trying to be like Nephi.  In 1 Nephi, we read about Nephi's reaction to leaving Jerusalem.  Contrary to popular opinion, at this point in time he isn't in his I'll go and do phase.  In the beginning of his story, Nephi, like Lamen and Lemuel, he is skeptical.  This is why in 1 Nephi 2 we read: wherefore, I did cry mightily unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words that had been spoken by my father.  

I've felt a lot like Nephi.  At the start of this week, things were rough with my new companion; the language barrier has made things difficult, he only likes to talk about and read his scriptures (I never thought I'd meet another person that has studied the scriptures as much as I have this early in his life), and he's obsessed with cleaning.  At the same time, I really liked my last companion.  In a way, I feel like Nephi must have felt when his dad took him to the valley of Lemuel.  I've left the land of my inheritance, and all my dad wants to do is teach my brother's repentance.  

And so like Nephi I prayed.  And like Nephi I received comfort, and a reminder that I've received a promised blessing to learn my mission language and baptize converts.  At the current rate that I was going with an English companion, I wouldn't learn my language fast enough, and if I don't learn my mission language, I can't help converts.  

In other words, In order to receive my land of promise, I need to spend a little bit of time crossing through the wilderness.  And like Nephi, I will receive comfort and direction as I continue to progress.

That's all for now

Elder Gooden

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Extra email to mom:

Hey mom,

Happy Birthday,

This have been an adjustment; Elder Sanchez and I don't speak much to each other unless we're in lessons.  He likes to clean though, so that has made things nice for me.  The sisters in our area had a baptism, so I got to attend that, but I've been yet to actually baptize.  Also, all of our progressing investigators, apparently have gone apostate and don't want to make their appointments anymore, so we've been doing a lot of contacting.  

My companion also likes to study a lot, so I've been able to make a lot of progress on my elder bednar library.  I don't know what else to write about though, and you've started chatting, so I'll finish this up.

Elder Gooden