Week 102 – Count 'em on your toes

I guess that would only work if you have 10 toes, if you have more or less, then ask a friend. I have no idea where time has gone my friends! This week, how to explain it. Something that has really stuck out to me and I have gained a testimony of on my mission is the principle of accountability. As I near the end of my mission, the end of my time here in my area, I have really been reflecting on the lessons I have learned and the time I have spent. There was an experience this week that has really caused to just have an overwhelming spirit of gratitude. Since I got here in the area we have been working with the Fisher family, mostly brother Fisher to reactivate him. Throughout this process there has been a constant focus on the temple and covenants that need to be made there. It has been one of those experiences working with him that has had moments of just pure frustration, glimmers of hope, but just an overall feeling of we haven't made it that far until recently. We have been pushing and pushing, trying to help him. There have been so many roadblocks come, but there was a huge step this week. We had a great meeting with him and our bishop and really got everything put where it needs to be. I mean the work that it even took to have that meeting, what a trip. As we sat in that meeting, I had such an overwhelming love for this individual, I really see him the way our Father must see him, well really just a glimpse I imagine. Brother Fisher has been coming to church much more regularly and consistently, his whole attitude changing. The Atonement is beginning to transform an individual; this is why I am on my mission.  Sure there are many reasons why, but really to allow others to have the Atonement transform their life, this is what the gospel is there for. 

Had an opportunity to teach a guy named Colin this week, definitely a really great guy. He is a very devout Christian, but willing to talk with us and see what we are all about. I love being able to testify of these truths, to explain how we got to where we are. I look forward to the next time we get to teach him and get into more details about the restoration and Joseph Smith. I am so grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Lord restoring His church through him with all the necessary priesthood keys to enable the human family to reach exaltation. It has been good. 

We had a great member referral this week from Sister Santiago, guy named Andy. What a prepared individual. Just to be able to testify with absolute confidence that we do know the purpose of why we are here, to know what we are supposed to be doing with our lives and know where we are going. We focused on teaching him about Joseph Smith and about the Book of Mormon, and it just clicked with him. Only struggle now will be the teaching because he does shift work, what a struggle! He will definitely move forward though and I see good things coming his way.

This weekend there was a couple Filipino families that kind of gave me a farewell party/belated birthday party! It was a ton of fun! I really hope this week to just get everything done that I need before heading home this next week! Lots of people I need to talk with and see before I head out of here, but there is so much work to be done! I just can't believe this is my last full week as a missionary. These two years have been amazing. I hope it will all come around now at this point and come together. What a blessing it has been. I'll see you soon!

Love, Elder McFall