Week 54: August 27, 2018 - Strength in Christ and Grattitude

Dear Family,

Another amazing week here in the islands!!!! 

I actually learned some pretty cool lessons this week. We were teaching this one couple, Lino and Mara, and for some reason, I was just so awkward with them. I remember just not feeling myself and basically reciting the lessons we teach. I wasnt being myself. When I did that, I didnt really enjoy missionary work like I had before. It felt lifeless. Elder Fogg talked to me about it and gave me a few ideas. I was thinking about it and just getting a little stressed thinking why it was so hard for me. We were out walking in an area called Riberinha, and I remember just thinking how I wanted to be happy in that moment. I started thinking of all the blessings I had and how much I wanted to please Heavenly Father. I suddenly got a huge burst of energy and enjoyed doing missionary work so much more! We actually had much more success and helped a lot of our friends become more excited about the gospel. It was a super neat experience. 

We were in church, and our leaders there shared with us some thoughts that confirmed what had happened this week. They said how they admired the energy that President Nelson had at his age and said how he had all that energy because he was constantly thinking about the Savior. They said how they have felt that same spiritual energy as they thought about the Savior as well. I really liked that. I feel like as missionaries, God gives us super powers to be able to endure long periods of physical and mental exertion through the power of Jesus Christ. 

I also really studied humility this week. I've tried so hard to always be humble! Its seriously such a challenge!!!! I remember talking to mom about how the moment we think we are humble is the moment we are far from it. I heard a neat thought this week too about how gratitude is the key to humility. I thought that was so true! I never really knew how to explain how we could have humility, but I think gratitude is just about the best way to put it. Gratitude gives us an eternal perspective that allows us to recognize God´s hand in our lives - His greatness and our nothingness. I am going to try a lot harder to be grateful and recognize all the blessings and tender mercies God has and is giving me.

Love you all soooooo much!!! You all are seriously the best family ever!!!! So so so so so so Blessed to have you all in my life!!!!

Love always,

Elder Barton