June 17, 2012
Tonight we’ve been in our flat listening to a church talk;
obviously after we planned for tomorrow. It was so good.
The weather this week hasn’t been that great. We had to walk
a couple days this week too because the pedals fell off my bike so I had to
take it in and get it fixed. To entertain us we sang a lot of hymns; probably
all the ones I know. Think about how funny that must look to see two missionaries
walking down the street singing the whole time. It was fun and we made fun with
it. We talked too about all different doctrine.
I get in the habit about talking about random things and I
take up too much time. Then my recording don’t email because they are too long
so I’m trying to fix that habit. Emails… talk about trials, wow. Am I right? Ha.
So since last week there has been another cyclone or what
they call “Tornado Ally”. Imagine this: Its like on The Other Side of Heaven
where the cyclone, or Tornado Ally, goes through the village and wrecks
everything. Of course there are better structures now but still the trees;
there are tipped over trees everywhere.
So some of my experiences this week: Steve – I need someone
to write me or remind me to write Steve a letter in two years. I’ve got his
address but I need to be reminded to write him. So basically I’ll commit you to
reminding me. Those true friends that love me will remind me, ha. So he’s an
ex-marine who at first didn’t like us. He basically swore at us and told us the
neighbors didn’t want to talk to us. So we went over and chatted with him for a
bit. He’s a great guy. We’ll talk to him when we’re in the neighborhood.
Talking to people has become a lot easier. I am able to
connect to others because of my interests from back home but when you’re guided
by the spirit it makes it so much easier to connect and open up. The spirit can
really help you ask the right questions.
There is this guy out here that raises pigeons. I think it’s
the coolest thing ever and when I get back home I really want to raise white
ones and then open them at weddings. The cool thing is they fly home because
they are homing pigeons.
There is another lady we’ve taught who really isn’t that
interested in our message but she is the sweetest kindest lady that wanted to
give us $120… a lot of money. We couldn’t accept it and then she started to cry
and it made us feel even worse. We felt so bad but we put it in the fast
offerings in the end.
Mom – Thanks for the Ensign you sent and the faith talk. I
almost forgot to send that to you and I’m sorry. Anyway, I’ve been reading and the talks are
so great. The faith talk is amazing and I’ve been studying it in personal study
because that’s what I first built my testimony on. I love to talk to others
about it. It really is what you have to apply… you have to apply faith to get
more. You have to act of faith and continue that until it becomes knowledge.
Alma 56:48 talks about the stripling warriors. It says “We
didn’t doubt because our mothers knew it.” Growing up at first I relied on it.
My mother knew it so I knew it. I really
never doubted the truthfulness of this religion. Then you get into your teenage
years and really have to find out for yourself. I’m glad I had a lot of good
example in my life to show me how to find out for myself and do that.
I don’t have a lot of time but I also wanted to talk about
D&C 101:7-8. It’s an awesome thought that I love to share with others and
it even rebukes me but I love it.
We’ve been passing out Book of Mormons this week. I love explaining
the book and the history behind it and the prophets and the other side of the
world. One book I passed out was to these two people. One of which was very
open. This woman I think just felt really comfortable around me and told me
about her friend who just got diagnosed with cancer and some trials she is
going through. I was excited to tell her about the Book of Mormon. We talked
about prayer and assigned her reading. The other person is part of a part
member family and he is awesome.
Understanding Grace – This is one of the most awesome things.
We are saved by grace. When people say this of course its true but their understanding
is a little confused but it is the gospel nonetheless. Its amazing when you
truly understand that grace. I have so many experiences about grace that I don’t
even realize until I stop and think about them. I love talking about it. During
our class today I was able to share about an experience I’ve had and talk about
the sacrament. We should all be learning about the sacrament and grace.
I love teaching people about this gospel. No matter what the
question is. There are no dumb questions that any person can ask. I love
answering them.
I really miss Patches, Sage and the family.
As always, keep the faith –
Elder Cook
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