Winter has set in!

Fall in New England

It hasn't snowed yet, but it's definitely getting colder. Saturday night we were filling up the gas in the car, and it was the first time I felt that "bone-chilling" cold. Sunday was chilly too, and this morning has been the coldest, I think. The line at the Starbucks next to the library here is pretty long...almost out the door!

Well, things here in Lowell are fine and dandy, I guess. Working hard, trying to get things up and moving in this area. Not too much of interest to report. We had our quarterly interviews with Pres. Packard this last Friday, which went really well. I love that man and I'm so grateful to have him as my mission president. He's already been a guiding force for me in my life and has helped me through some tough spots.

I went to the dentist this morning! It's been almost a year, and I decided I wanted a cleaning since it's been so long. Since missionary insurance doesn't cover any of that, I had to get everything figured out myself - it wasn't that difficult, and my family's insurance was able to cover all of it. The hygienist said my teeth are "gorgeous" and the dentist said my bite is "perfect." They even both suggested that I get my teeth looked at again by an orthodontist, because I may not need retainers anymore. I don't know, we'll see. Maybe I'll get them checked out when I go home. The hygienist was very impressed with how clean my teeth are, and I'm continuing my now 20-year streak of no cavities. =D

We updated and cleaned out ALL of the records in our apartment on Saturday. It took a while, but I'm glad we did it. Everything is more organized, and the effort was definitely worth it.

I've begun to notice that my journal entries are getting longer, more detailed, and more spiritual. I've been told by several people back home that my letters are different, that my writing style is shifting, and they can note my spiritual growth. I went through a month or two ago and read my journals since the start of my mission, and I've noticed some changes. I'm extremely grateful for my Savior and His grace that enables me to change to become the man He wants me to be.

Yesterday was a pretty special day for me, I'd say. It was the first time where I had actually been looking forward to fasting, for starters. I always do it in faith and with a willing heart, but this time something was different. I'm reminded of D&C 59:14, where fasting and rejoicing are placed together as synonyms. While we were in ward council early in the morning, I realized that a true love for these people and a concern for their welfare has been developing in my heart. I though I would never love an area as much as I loved Revere, but Lowell is really beginning to grow on me. Once I decided to let these people in, so to speak, a real desire to serve them came naturally. I'm determined to do all I can for both the Lowell ward and the Heritage Park ward in my time here. In the Lowell ward, translating during sacrament meeting came more easily for me than it has been. There's a Cambodian Sunday school class that we attend, and at the end we had a mini testimony meeting - I got up and bore my testimony, and I was surprised at how fluently I spoke. It was almost effortless, minus 2 or 3 times when I had to pause to think of the right word. I'm so thankful for the gift of tongues and the help that my Heavenly Father has given me as I have learned this incredible language. In companionship study yesterday, we were reading 3 Nephi 11, and I had a really powerful spiritual experience. As Elder Ang read the verse that depicts Christ descending from heaven, I was slammed with a witness from the Spirit that testified to me of the truthfulness of those words. The Savior truly did minister among the Nephites. And of course, as such things are with me, I couldn't help but cry. It was so unexpected and powerful. I'm eternally grateful for the Book of Mormon and more so for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll never forget the feelings I had yesterday.

Thank you all, so much, for the continued love and support. This is the best thing I've ever done, and it continues to be an experience that I will treasure forever.

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong