This week hmm... I feel like the theme for me was sunscreen but no beach. We did a good amount of service outside and the first day I had gotten a little pink so the next day I didn't really want to burn so we went and bought my first sunscreen of my mission... The smell reminded me of going to the beach. At first that is all I wanted to do was just go to the ocean and swim; but, instead we went and painted a fence, helped someone move last minute, and then detail a car. (At least we got a little wet when washing the car). At the end of each service I felt like I had done what we needed to do. I'm sure there were plenty of days where Christ just wanted to go to the Sea of Galilee and just relax and enjoy the water; but, instead, there was someone who needed His help and so he willingly went. He healed, taught, and sacrificed everything for me/us. Here on a mission we are told to leave everything behind and focus on the work we are doing. To be honest some days that is easier than others. The smell of sunscreen was a harder day. I came to understand that as we give up our will for the Lord's there will be so much more happiness in the end. I imagine the consequences that would have followed if I had gone to the beach - yes it would have been nice (though I would have been sent home because our mission ends where the sand begins), I would have been able to swim and come home exhausted spending my day focused on me. We miss out on so many blessings when we stay focused on ourselves and we find so much lasting joy and peace as we do the will of the Lord.
Sorry for the little sh-peal - I hope it helps someone cause it sure helped me.
There were a lot of great moments this week:
Ruby was baptized and confirmed - not too many people came but it was beautiful. Her dad was baptized in November and had prepared and was able to be worthy to hold the Priesthood so that he could baptize his daughter. He was so nervous but was excited to see his testimony grow as he allowed the Lord to work through him. Ruby looked beautiful! The following day she was confirmed by her uncle who gave the prayer in both English and Marshallese. It was amazing.
The Marshallese class was full this week. There were so many people in the Relief Society (a class for the women and our role in the church) that we didn't all fit... so there were chairs going out of the propped open doors.
Mark is moving to Alaska next week and its sad to see him go. He has really grown so much already in the gospel. He came to the baptism and loved it. He loves church and makes great comments. He tells us that he will be baptized and that nothing would make him happier that to do it with his son in Alaska - so that is his goal. Another learning moment for me - as much as I want to be there for his baptism I also have had to learn about God's timing. His time is not now but it will come and it will be even better because God knows and manages all our lives perfectly, if we let Him. He told us after church that he truly appreciates what we do. Everything is wonderful and he was so grateful for the time that we spent learning from one another. We have one more meeting with him before he leaves and then he will be off to Alaska where his cousin is a member and hopefully he will continue on his path towards Heavenly Father.
I'm sorry there wasn't more for me to talk about - I love this work. It is hard but oh so good. I love being able to help. I love being loved and loving. It hurts when I see them fall and all I can do is cry with them. Then, I just think what am I to do? And the answer comes - bring them to Christ. He knows. There was a talk once given about a Brother Tuttle and someone else I think its called, "Broken Things to Mend" (or that could have been what I titled my paper that was based off the talk) but; it says Christ has made us and yes we chip, crack, and break. But Christ is the master carver- He made us once and He can make us again stronger and more beautiful. But we have to be the one that gives up and lets him heal us. Today I read the scripture, "Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not;" (Mosaih 16:12). His arms are always extended to us in mercy - but are we willing to let Him heal us? Are we willing to do the things that He asks? I pray that I will always turn to Him because I know of the peace that He offers. I am so grateful for the trials I have faced that have brought me to the knowledge of my Savior. I love Him with all my heart. I love His children! I love you all! Ofa lahi atu! Paoke paoke yuk! Aishiteru! Mahal kita! Te amo! Alofa iate oe! Yokwe yuk! Aloha wau ia oe!
Love Always,
Sister Cassidy Jean Lang
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