That's right! I'm staying in Lowell for another transfer! At the end of this next one, I'll have been in Lowell as long as I was in Revere. As transfer texts came around, I felt like I would probably be leaving Lowell. Part of me felt like my role in Lowell had been played, but the Lord must have something else for me to do here. When I found out I'd be staying, I was initially a little confused, but then I got excited! This means I get to be here for Meredith's baptism. I also get to continue to teach Sopheak, to help the YSA program here flourish, and to accomplish the Lord's purposes for this area. I'm on His errand here in this part of His vineyard.
My mom told me that she posted a video of me singing at the Heritage Park ward's New Year's Eve party. It was a parody of "Hey There, Delilah" about an Elder receiving a Dear John while still in the MTC. I didn't write the lyrics, but I'm glad everyone has been enjoying it. =P
A snowstorm came through on Friday morning and dropped a good 6-8 inches of snow. We were stuck inside until about 4 or 5 PM. Can you say weekly planning day? Hahaha. The weather has been amazing since then, though! It's "warming up", if you can even call it that. Something odd, though...it got up to 52 the other day, and I felt warm. I don't know how I'm going to handle my first summer back in Arizona! That's quite a ways off though. If this year is anything like last year, it'll probably snow again or something before the end of April.
The Lowell Portuguese Elders went on exchanges with us this week, but this time I went to their area and Elder Maldonado came to ours. It was really interesting to teach all the people they're always talking about and to see this city from their angle.
Yesterday, we had a mini zone conference/training meeting that was very enlightening and helpful for me as I strive to be the most effective missionary I can be. I love our mission president, and I'm thankful for his counsel and direction.
If you get a chance, watch Elder David A. Bednar's address at the most recent CES devotional. Speaking of apostles, Elder M. Russell Ballard is coming to our mission this Saturday! We're all really excited to hear from him! He will be speaking to the Nashua stake the next day, as well. Twice in one weekend, wow! PLUS, Genereal Conference is coming up soon. I'm so grateful for modern-day prophets and apostles and their leadership and guidance for our lives.
We had another musical fireside on Sunday evening, this time in the Cambridge stake center. It went very well and was full of the Spirit. I'm really glad to be part of such an incredible program with other missionaries, sharing our talents and testimonies with others as we praise our Lord and Savior. =]
Miracles are truly happening here. We have 3 new investigators this last week, and we exactly met our goals for number of lessons taught, both with and without a member present. Meredith moved her baptismal date up to the 24th of this month, instead of mid-April - less than 2 weeks away! She's so ready, and I'm honored to be an instrument in the hands of God in bringing her unto the well of living water that the Savior teaches of (see John 4). I know that we can all find the everyday miracles in our own lives if we just look for them.
With love,
Elder Justin DeLong
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.