Mask Up

I didn't completely understand the pure peace and strength Christ can give us until this week. Between saying my last goodbyes to my walking-buddy/wise counselor/best friend grandpa Doug, getting COVID, being in quarantine, and other challenges/opportunities the mission life holds, I've NEEDED Christ's comfort. He truly is "The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), "Bread of Life" (John 6:35), "Teacher" (John 3:2), "Fountain of Living Waters" (Jeremiah 17:13), and ultimately "The Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6). No doubt about it.

Matthew 11

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The scriptures are filled with invitations to every person of every kind to lose ourselves, come unto Christ, and find rest. This life is SO BEAUTIFUL yet is filled with challenges that help us grow and develop our character. At times, these challenges feel like too much to handle. We can feel lonely and even hopeless, however, "SIEMPRE HAY ESPERANZA" "THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE". Not just hope to overcome the challenges of life, but to THRIVE while confronting challenges regardless of how daunting or hard they may seem.

As we accept the invitation to lose ourselves, come unto Christ, and find rest, we are allowing Him to change our nature, attitude, and perspective. He will take our old identity and help us find our TRUE identity... our divine, godly potential.

This takes humility, patience, meekness, trust, and desire, but as we give our all, Christ will "ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs" because "the Lord God [does] visit [His] people in their afflictions" (Mosiah 24:14).

One of the greatest lessons the mission has taught me is how to rely on Christ as our source of joy, peace, and refuge. He gives me balance. I can always rely on Him! Christ is the best friend anyone could ask for.

Highs:

-I got to talk to my Grandpa Doug!!!!! Tender moment I will never forget.

-Blessed with such a stellar family, FAMILIES ARE FOREVER

-EMERSON WANTS TO GET BAPTIZED

-VICENTE WANTS TO GET BAPTIZED

-Hermano Adrian brought me A&W rootbeer #grandpadougsfavorite—HUGE tender mercy (I'm not sure how he bought it here in CHILE but God sees me #BLESSINGS)

-Mission leadership council!!!!

-Pastel de choclo

-Hermana Maria kept my braid she cut off to remember me #tinybitcreepy

-Spent hours by myself on Friday and it felt so weird

-Water gasificada

-Hermana Gonzaga and I going home in an Uber

-Venezuelan niño yelling at me to give him a fist bump #mylegacy

Lows:

-I have covid

-My comp has covid

-Quarantine might make me go insane

https://photos.app.goo.gl/21EyypbnKgAqaHje7