Happy Memorial Day!

Hope everyone had a good time yesterday with their families. I didn't get to write yesterday because all of the libraries were closed, so here I am today! We got to go to the temple yesterday morning, which was a beautiful experience for me, even more so than normal. I'm thankful for the scriptures, for personal revelation, for friends, and for mission leaders that are aware and compassionate to the needs of those whom they have stewardship over. I have great zone leaders and an awesome district leader! There was a surprise at the temple, too - who else should happen to walk into the celestial room as I sat there after our session than Matt Phillips (formerly Elder Phillips, from my very first district in the mission field)! He's here visiting with his family, and it was great to see him. 

Another eventful happening yesterday was the arrival of an unwelcome guest upon my scalp. I was sitting under some trees, writing letters, while other missionaries in our zone played soccer on an open field. Suddenly, I have a strange feeling on the top of my head, and I go to brush it away, but it doesn't move...almost like when you have a scab or something and it doesn't come off of your skin. I asked the Elder next to me to look at my head, and he was like, "uhm....that's definitely a tick." There's a first time for everything, I guess, and this was my first time having a tick on me. I have no idea how it got there, but I didn't care at that point, I wanted it OFF. I didn't have any on my anywhere else, and we managed to get it out and off successfully. I'm surprised at how calm I remained during the whole thing - I'm learning to manage my stress! Look mom, I'm growing up! 

Elder Moser (one of my zone leaders) and I got asked to do a duet of "How Great Thou Art" for this next upcoming musical fireside (this Saturday) - him on guitar, and me on piano. We've been working on it, and it's coming along really well! I'm excited for it, and for the rest of the normal program. Also on the music front, I played a piano solo of  "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go" in sacrament meeting on Sunday. (Sorry mom, I forgot to record it...) The ward loved it, and the music coordinator wants me to sing next month, too. I'm honored at the opportunity to bless the lives of others. 

We went on exchanges last week with Elder Soares (our district leader) and his companion, Elder Hanberg. I got to serve with Elder Hanberg again, in Framingham. It was really cool to be with an old mission friend from my first area and apartment! I'm also currently on exchanges with Elder Moser. 

Great things happening with a couple of less-active and part-member families here. There are a lot of issues to resolve in this ward and in this area, but I know that the Lord will bless us as we work hard and give Him our all! One less-active member, Maria, came to church this week for the first time in years! She's Brazilian (and an AMAZING cook), and I'm so glad we've been able to help her on the path back to the fold. Trials may come, but all we have to do is trust in our Savior. Nothing can stop His work, and being part of it is the best thing I could ask for! 

With love, 

Elder DeLong