The longer that I am out here serving these beautiful people, the quicker the weeks seem to go by. As a natural consequence, the weeks seem to be filled with so many more spiritual experiences. My life is busy, busy, busy! It is at times very tiring, but I am grateful for this experience because I know that life is not going to slow down at all when I return home. I have appreciated the opportunity that I have had to attend general conference this past weekend, and I have immediately started to apply the things that I have learned. On top of that, we have been experiencing so much success in our area! This week, we have already found several new investigators and Joy passed here baptismal interview. She will be baptized this Saturday! So much has happened this past week for which I am so grateful.
Lately, I have really made a conscious effort to recognize those who are less fortunate than me and express charity and true love to them through service. This is not particularly difficult to do where are I am at. Every single day, we are surrounded by thousands of people who need someone to love them. Some of them lack physical and temporal support and are in need of food, water, shelter, or some other service as such. But still there are many who suffer each day with depression, sadness, hopelessness, and other mentally and spiritually destructive sicknesses. My heart has been softened as I have taken many opportunities that I have not previously taken to serve others. I have pondered the question, "Why do we hesitate to help one another?" In Mosiah 4:19 we read, "Are we not all beggars?" Indeed we all stand in need of some sort of help and support. If it were not for the Savior and his atonement, it would not be possible for us to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. Thus, we all stand in need of the mercy and love of our Redeemer. As people who have been blessed with so much, I hope that we will begin to more actively exercise our agency to benefit and uplift the lives of those who have not been blessed with as much as ourselves. There are so many opportunities each day. Open your eyes and recognize those who need a smile or a helping hand. I feel so blessed to be a missionary, for this is what I do every second of the day. But even when I no longer where the name tag, I will readily serve those who stand in need. I know that there is true happiness through selfless service. So lets not be shy or ashamed to help others!
I'm glad that Casey has made it home safely. I'm sure it's nice to have him back. My time is quickly approaching! I can't wait to see you all again. I miss you all so much. I love you. You are always in my prayers!
Elder Staheli.
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