8-18-13

Alrighty, hello hello. I'm going to be honest, this week was hard. We had to dump someone. she is this old lady who pretends to forget her commitment, but then slips up and tells us she remembers and we finally just flat out had to tell her that if she never intends to go to church, then we cant keep coming. She was fine with that and said it was understandable haha, so I guess that's the easiest breakup Ill ever have. Also, I never realized how crucial the ward is!!! You guys, anyone who is reading this, church is not about showing up on Sunday for a few hours and half-way doing your calling and then going home and forgetting about everyone you saw and everything you heard. Church is not about going to a building and having someone entertain you and make you feel like youre the greatest and don't need to change anything because Jesus has it covered. To be honest, this church is hardly even about going to church. We call it a "ward family" for a reason. The gospel of Jesus Christ must exist within the hearts of the members. Our church is only as strong as the members, and we MUST be continually working to be knit together with love. I'm sorry if this is coming off as brash, but we are just pretty frustrated with our ward. They don't care about one another. Sure, they will make a lasagna if someone breaks their leg, but they don't want to listen to someone rant about their life problems (which New Yorkers love to do haha). That's what family is for right? Wrong. If you are in a ward, they are your family, okay. We call eachother Brother and Sister for a reason. Our Heavenly Father has asked us two things: love Him and then love one another. When we leave the church building, our work has only begun. We don't have to do big things, we just have to be there for one another. My comps and I are desperately trying to think of ways to unify the ward, because if they can't support one another, then how can they support investigators? I love the families in our ward, but I'm starting to wonder if they even realize how awesome their "ward family" could be. there are so many families that have so much potential, but they are struggling, and nobody is showing up for their brothers and sisters. They just tell us about it, and expect us to fix it. This church is more than a church. It is a lifestyle. It is a state of mind. It is a family under one God and of one heart. Let's act that way and care for our brothers and sisters. On that note, I am soooo grateful for the ward that I grew up in that set such a wonderful example to me. I am using the family feeling I had growing up in my ward as my vision for what this ward could be. Keep that going. It is SUCH a blessing to the youth. It is essential for the success of the members and missionaries.

On another note. I ate at the BEST BBQ place of my life. Yes, Amanda, it was even better than Smoking Apple, which I feel guilty even saying, but it's true. also, we are going to Niagara Falls today. Woot! Oh, and it's a miracle! I got some shoes that dont kill my feet. I can walk pain-free!!! seriously such a miracle.

I hope I didnt sound too negative. There are some progressing investigators that are doing great and really are learning so fast. They answer our questions before we ask them. I love so many of the people here so much. I just wish they could have a more eternal perspective. I wish I did too. I am working on trying to leave things in God's hands and letting Him work in His own timing. We truly are His children and we are cradled in His loving hands. If we could only see how much He cares for us and protects our little hearts, I think our trials wouldnt seem so tough. I KNOW that God only gives us as much as we can handle. I know He loves us more than we comprehend. I know that everything that happens is for our good, even if it is soooo hard to see in the moment.  I love you all. Keep writing. I really appreciate the letters. :)