First of all, let me say that, while most of the Mission got hit
pretty rough, Fort Smith is fine. We had a small ice storm (which I
believe I mentioned in my letter), but other than that, it's simply
been cold (we've finally put on our coats), with the occasional rain
storm that puts out lots of rain. According to the locals, even if
they say there's going to be snow, don't expect it. It seems a as if
lately temperatures are pretty close to freezing in the morning and
evenings, perhaps they get down to the 20's during the night, but I'm
so far out of the loop I couldn't tell you.
As for other areas, they got hit pretty bad, for example, every
companionship in Springville, Missouri (the whole zone, that is) had
to go to members houses, as they were expected to not have power for
two weeks. The ward here tried to organize a service project to go
help over at Gore (Oklahoma, I think), but they called it off at the
last minute (on account of the rain), but still delivered loads of
canned goods, and at least 72 gallons of water, to the members over
there, some of whom are still without power (as of the 20th).
It's great to hear that Kevin now has a greater possibility of
walking. I hope that he is by the time I get home. That would be
awesome. Tell him I say Hi, and to keep watching Spongebob, because
it's hilarious.
Yeah, we had a baptism. Bob Owens, a pretty smart guy who joined for
all the right reasons. He's probably going to be a bishop some day.
In the way of investigators, there's not much to say. Glenn Allan is
still smoking, and he said we could help him by stop pushing him, so
we're going to stop teaching him so often (no reason to if he's not
going to quit smoking, Elder Morrill said). The Huntington's dropped
us. They're moving south to Greenwood at the beginning of February,
and decided to pick up the lessons and stop smoking after they get
settled in (boo). Mostly it's just trying to find new people to
teach, trying to get a hold of some old contacts, and just doing what
we can do. We were able to paint the Turnipseeds' bedroom, glad to
finally be able to do an act of service.
Elder Morrill's getting really irritated with people, their lack of
commitment, charity, or people skills, and their apparent
satisfaction to not progress at all. Somehow, I'm just able to brush
it aside. Maybe I don't care enough for others, I don't know.
Lately I've been really taking to heart the plan of salvation, and
the truth that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God.
Yesterday, during Elders' Quorum, while we read the 2nd chapter in
the Spencer W. Kimball book, I really took it to heart that death is
not necessarily so sorrowful, and is simply a part of life (meaning,
our eternal existence, and not just mortality). Death can be either a
blessing or a curse, depending on what we do in this life. If we are
able to find happiness in this life, amidst all the trials, pains,
and sorrows, then shouldn't we expect to be happy after we die, when
we are the same, but no longer are subject to the sicknesses and
sorrows of mortality? Of course we should! And likewise, should we
expect to be happy after we die, if we have come to depend on the
pleasures that exist in mortality for our happiness, when they don't
exist in the Spirit World? Of course not!
Thus the great importance of this life (mortality), and a heart-felt
knowledge and realization of the truth of the Plan of Salvation, in
using every moment of this life to continually improve ourselves,
control our bodies, and find happiness that is not dependent on
external sources, but upon what we are and what we do.
And now a request: if you could buy and send me the book Spoken
Marshallese ($25 on Amazon), I think it would greatly assist me in
being able to hold a conversation in Marshallese.
I think that's it. Oh, and who is Kevin Jensen getting married to?
Tell him to send me an invitation (even though I won't be able to
go), and send him my regards.
'Till next week!
