Called to serve in the Adriatic North Mission.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

We found the closest thing to Costco that Bankaluka has to offer 
(i.e. bulk products for cheap). The huge size Milka bars were about 
2 dollars at the most. HEAVEN. Family, get ready to love me.



Attention! 
You may or may not be wondering why I haven't written a big letter in a million years; the truth is, I don't really have a genuine excuse for that. I get distracted a lot. By my mission.

The reason for this letter is to attempt to say something meaningful, seeing as this is basically my last email home before... I'm home. What a foreign concept. This would be a lot easier if I actually felt like I was leaving soon, but my heart is under the impression that this Thursday when transfers are announced, my name will be assigned to any of a number of BALKAN cities and next week I will do the normal thing and get a new companion and stuff. But I would be kidding myself if I submitted to that belief.

SO. In an effort to avoid pouring out the rampage of emotions that are churning through my soul (I will name just a few: excitement, depression, nervousness, severe apprehension, irrepressible joy, fear), I want to bear a firm testimony and then exit as peacefully as possible.

Ha ha.

I think one of the most succinct ways to express what I feel is found in the scriptures. My chosen passage comes from the Book of Mormon. It is Ether 12:4--

 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
Sure and steadfast. This means trusting in the Lord. This means that when things are hard and the summer is blazing hot, you just keep on going. Or when the temptations are swirling and you want to forgo the rules for a bit of "fun" or because you need a "break", you turn yourself around and walk away. When you're in the moment, you really don't think you have the willpower (in Finnish, that is called sisu) to get your carnal and devilish self out of there, but I promise you, you will be able to succeed. God doesn't put us in situations so He can have a good giggle as He watches us struggle pitifully with something that we don't have the power to overcome; no, with every trial, there is a solution. There is the strength to go on. It just probably won't come from your own self. So where in the world do we find it? HINT: LOOK UP. 
I'll see you all eventually (some sooner, some later, some not till the afterlife). Be good.
Црква је истинита!
Сестра Вац
     I used that squatty toilet thing! I feel accomplished.


I said farewell to Elder Porter for the next 6 months at least :( 
He is from my MTC group and also happens to be hilarious.