Loved Ones,
Hello! My, how I love you all. I just have the best family ever, and so many wonderful people in my life. I feel like a broken record here, but I just can't resist continually raving about how great you all are. I am lucky. I am also happy, because it sounds like, at least generally, it is smooth sailing for all. Just remember the lesson we can all learn from The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker: you can always create a good wind for your sails. All it takes is a little bit of music. For us personally, this music may be a good attitude, scripture study, or prayer, with music still playing (double entendre!) an important role. If we will always have a song in our hearts, then the wind will follow the example of our happy tunes and fill our sails. I will also quote Buddy the Elf: "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." Christmas is coming up, but even if it wasn't, who doesn't want a life full of Christmas cheer?
I enjoyed this past week. It was filled with much fun and laughter and much learning. First of all, I just want to say that I'm grateful that the Lord knows us and is continually blessing us with even the little things that will bring us joy. For example, I love pizza and bagels. I love pizza more than I love bagels, but I love them both. New York City happens to have vast quantities of delicious pizza and bagels. I'm grateful that among a host of other reasons that I have been called to serve here in New York, the Lord found a way to arrange the circumstances so that I can enjoy the little things I love while still being where I need to be. This was on my mind the other day as I strolled down the street, munching on a bagel just after enjoying a slice of pizza from Jr. Bella's (we will go there when you all come). I <3 NY. Speaking of food, I stumbled upon a delicious food invention last week. I was on exchanges, and we were trying to decide what to eat for lunch. The plan was to make grilled cheese sandwiches, and we also had some pineapple in the fridge. It was then that I had a crazy idea. "So crazy, it just might work," in the words of Pistachio Disguisee (spelling?). Elder Jensen cut some pineapple rings, I grilled them, and then put them on the sandwiches before grilling them. It was actually really good. I recommend trying it. I have to share a funny experience from last week. Elder Monestine and I were riding home on the bus, and I struck up a conversation with a guy sitting next to us. We spoke about various subjects, and ultimately, I ended up telling him about the Church and the gospel. It was a long bus ride, so we had a good conversation and continued to get to know each other. As we neared the end of the trip, we started talking about Halloween somehow, and the guy said to me, "You know what you should be for Halloween?" "What?" I said. "Owen Wilson," came the reply. I laughed out loud. I thought you would all appreciate that.
Yesterday, the mission had a really cool opportunity to go back to the areas where we helped during the clean-up after Hurricane Sandy. The anniversary of the landfall of Sandy is
tomorrow, and in honor of it, the community of Far Rockaway organized an event called "Rockaway Rising". Basically, the idea was to make a gigantic human chain around the Rockaway peninsula. So, a good portion of our mission came out to support the event. The pictures on the beach were taken there. It was good to be back in that area and again associate with the people I had the opportunity to help. I can't believe it's been a year since all that happened! I am so grateful that I had that experience. I will ever remember the days of mucking out flooded basements and becoming fast friends with strangers, our instant unity fueled by the power of the human connection that seems to reveal itself in dire circumstances. I am happy to report that at least the community of Far Rockaway seems to have recovered well from the damage. From the destruction of Sandy, I acquired a love of service and greater love for my fellow man that will stay with me forever. That experience was a springboard of sorts for me, and as I've continued to serve the Lord in New York, the lessons and love continue to come. Missionary service is a miracle. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the sure way to happiness. Jesus Christ can come into our lives and "muck out our basements", so to speak. We have so much to learn from Him, and we will always be bettered when we feel the touch of the Master's hand. During church
on Sunday, I read "Reverently and Meekly Now". Mom, I want to thank you for suggesting that hymn to me. I want to invite you all to read it and ponder its message. I was touched by the Savior's invitation to use His Atonement. He wants so badly to help us. Sometimes, I try to help people, but find that they are not as willing as they were when, for example, I was offering to help them clean their flooded house, and the problem was very apparent. These experiences have helped me to understand in a small way what the Savior must feel. He invites us to lay our burdens on Him. He is pleading with us to let Him carry our pack, and sometimes even carry us. As I read the lyrics of "Reverently and Meekly Now", I came to see the Savior as a dear friend more than I ever have. That is because I felt the power of the Holy Ghost testifying to me. "Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto [me], but my Father, which is in heaven." I testify that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and it is only through His infinite Atonement that we can be truly freed from burdens, care, and sorrow. I love Him, and I'm so grateful for His sacrifice.
I love you all. Thank you so much for everything! I don't like to use generalities, but I can't think of a better thing to thank you for than "everything". Have an awesome week! Have fun, and be happy!
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