He will lead us along

I look back on my past now and realize frankly how immature, human,
sinful, etc. I was haha. When are definitely nothing without Him, but
when can continue to grow and progress. It's been such a blessing that
even as imperfect as I was, am, and will be through out this life,
even though I continue to strive to improve, that the Lord still
blesses our efforts. Even just a desire to do good brings so many
blessings. It just makes me think how reliant we are on Him, and how
good and powerful He is. haha, pride is definitely a lie. I used to
think it might be hard to be humble, as if you had to continue to beat
yourself down and exagerate the good of other things and so forth. But
I realize now that humility is really just accepting the truth. It's
letting go of pride. Any way, I have a long way to go, but I guess we
just keep learning and growing. haha, I know that it's a great
blessing and grace that I was able to have any positive influence on
people back home, I know the spirit is the real teacher in any situation. 
Love you all.

faith progresses to the point where we can move mountains in Christ's name

Yeah living conditions are okay. It's a great experience. All lot of
the things that were really dramatic changes have subsided so to
speak. We're thrown in head first, positively surrounded by the new
culture, no relief ;) and so we eventually get used to it. In fact, it
would be weird now to feel cold outside or to have a shower that's
hot. Other little things like that. Especially sitting cross-legged
all the time, at first it hurt. It sill hurts once in a while, but
I've forgot what it's like to go through a day without that, and so it
doesn't really hurt any more ;) (also my legs are developing slowly
toward that circumstance as well). Another big change especially
during this transfer is the language, because me and my companion
aren't much of talkers, we rarely speak english to each other. And
therefore, my language has improved dramatically, and I'm beginning to
feel much more confident! I can understand people much better now!!
Any way, I know that Heavenly Father is looking out for us. I know
that He's so ready to lead us and guide us. I know that He truly is
through His Holy Spirit, even when we don't know it. I know that He
blesses us with knowledge, new perspectives and understanding, people
who can help us, peace, and all other good things. I've really seen
His hand in my life lately. Thanks for your prayer and your fasts. It
definitely strengthened me. Sometimes times are tough, and I know that
by your fasts and prayers and love I've been able to get through them.
True, it's so individual! Sometimes we can feel that way amidst our
trials, and we can feel alone. But it's so nice to know that Heavenly
Father isn't going to let us slip through the cracks so to speak. He's
not going to forget us. No matter how alone we feel, no matter even if
we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel of our trials, He
understands us, He understands our trials perfectly, better than we
do, He knows how to help us through them, and He will lead us along if
we put our trust in Him. He knows where the light at the end of the
tunnel is. We just need to do our best, that's all that He asks.
President Ln has said before something like 'our best on somedays
is better than other days', Heavenly Father knows our hearts and will
bless us so generously as we rely on Him in this life.
THanks for your testimony! It's good to hear your testimony. I've had
Jacob 4:6 on my mind at times during this mission, about how we search
the prophets words and how their witness builds our own, and
eventually, with so many witnesses, our faith progresses to the point
where we can move mountains in Christ's name and things like that. Any
way, it's good to hear others testimonies. When someone tells you
things they know are true, the spirit can whisper to your heart the
truthfulness of it. I suppose that's one reason scriptures are so
important. Apart from the fact that they explain important gospel
truths and principles and commandments. They contain writings of
prophets, and their witnesses. I'm grateful for your testimony. I know
also that the scriptures contain the testimonies of the prophets and
others, and I'm grateful for that! As far as actually things happening
this week. I've been really blessed with guidance and help. Thanks for
all of your fasts and prayers for me!!!!! My language has been
progressing well. In language you've got pronunciation, grammar, and
vocabulary it seemed. (and if all those things are in check, then you
must needs sound like a native ;) but I actually was missing one
thing, intonation (and maybe there's even more things) but any way,
I've learned a lot about intonation now, and know I feel like I'm
REALLY ready to attack vocabulary!! Any way, T is still going
good. Her baptism is this Friday! K is still happy to lesson; he
keeps most of the commitments... but he still won't yet come to
church. We're working with him to develop his faith. He loves to pray,
he sees the blessings of it. He does pretty good with the reading....
A problem here I suppose is that many people aren't accustomed to
reading a lot. I honestly can't say I know anyone who's read the
entire Kiribati Book of Mormon through yet, let alone investigators.
THough I'm sure some members have. It's sad to say.... they certainly
have the time..... any way.... have a good week! I love you all!!!! -

this life is the test

That's an interesting story! Haha, looks like you guys went skiing eh?
Yeah huge turtles!! The meat is like chicken, but it tastes different.
I actually think turtle might be the thing that was making me throw
up. I'm good to eat some, but I think too much upsets my stomach. Not
exactly for sure though, they're pretty dense though... I would
imagine like 200 pounds, maybe 150.
Haha, seasons here aren't even acknowledged, because we're right on
the equator pretty much. So there's hardly a change. Actually though
there is some aspect of season here. Not with the temperature, but
with how much rain we get. We've been in a drought for the past 4
months though, so it's always hot and humid ;)

K has actually been doing pretty well!! He's still got some
doubts but he continues to love lessoning with us, to read the
scriptures, and do follow the commandments. He's actually got really
high morals. But, he still needs time to learn the truth of it for
himself. Another good investigator, Ta, has been progressing
great!!! She is really prepared. She came to church the very week we
extended the commitment. She came this week as well. And she has
absolutely no reluctance with baptism! Any way, her testimony has
grown a lot, haha, when we asked her if she would be baptized, she
answered as if it was obvious, a no-brainer. Haha, any way, I know
that the church is true. Thanks for all of your prayers!! We've been
led to find some really prepared investigators! I know this work is so
important! One of the things I love to say during lessons is this: "Te
maiu aei, tiaki te motirawa, (this life is not our time to relax), Te
maiu aei te kataaki (this life is the test), te motirawa imwiina(the
time to relax is after it)." anyway, I know that it's true. I love to
read in the D&C, just like a loving father, the Lord continually
exhorts them to do the things he KNOWS will bring them happiness. He
continually focuses on and exhorts them to do the things that they
need to, to receive eternal life, the greatest gift. I know that He's
like that with us to. Men are that they might have joy(2 Ne 2 25). The
nature of God is the nature of happiness(Alma 41:11 or 12?). God loves
us perfectly. Just as a loving father He builds us up, He encourages
us, He comforts us. He reminds us of things we need to do so that we
can receive the gifts He's prepared for us. He warns us not to do
things that will bring us unhappiness. Any way, I'm so grateful for
this gospel. I know the church is true. I'm grateful for the example
of the prophets. I know that if we study and pray everyday, the Lord
will teach us the things we need to know line upon line. Have a good
week! Love you all!! - ELder SEffker