By now you are all in Israel!
I hope you know what a marvelous vacation that is going to be. I was talking with Elder Harper the other evening and we were talking about getting a group of missionaries from our mission to go to the middle east after our missions. If I have the means, I would love to do that.
This last week was once again tough, but I am going to keep on working hard. Even though Elder Scherbel and I did not have much successes, we had little victories here and there. Yeah, we did not break any records, but we did teach good lessons when we taught. Especially yesterday. You all know how at times, I am a crier. I cry. Well, it has been a really long time since I have felt the Spirit strong enough to cry here on my mission. But, the two lessons we taught yesterday were so incredibly simple, yet powerful. I did as both of you (mom and dad) said by just testifying of what I know. As I did such, I felt the Savior's love flow. It was just a great experience overall.
Last night, I got the worst night of sleep of my entire mission. We do not have a baptism lined up for this month. I fell back into an old habit that I was so glad to have overcome. However, I prayed last night and asked my Heavenly Father for his guidance. The overwhelming answer that I got was, "Go talk to President Ellsworth". So, this morning at 7:00am I called him and left him a message telling him I wanted to meet with him. He called back shortly and we set an appointment. It was the best thing I could have done on a p-day. Even though things are hard, after having spoken with him and having felt of his love, I think this week is going to be a great one. He helped me to realize that Satan always wants to get us down. As we gain more faith, we gain more trials. Satan is going to jab at me harder because as I get stronger, his tactics have to become more aggressive. It has been that way. However, I read some scriptures with President Ellsworth that really helped me. Christ has already overcome it all. All of it. I just have never realized that. I am starting with a fresh view on things, and I am just so excited. I know the mission is not going to get any easier, but I know that I will cope with it better as a put my burdens on Christ's shoulders. It was a really good morning so far.
As for crazy events, things have remained fairly calm. I have no insane stories to share with you. Those lessons on Sunday were just great. They were the highlight of the week. Damien and Juana were found again. They came to Church. They are willing to keep learning. We are going to pray hard and study hard for them. It is all about the Spirit with them. If they cease to progress, we may need to drop them.
Paola's mom is still really cold. President Ellsworth wants to go meet her to see if he can help. His only concern is his spanish is pretty purely based on doctrine. Shooting the breeze is hard for him. I think if we can find a time to get him there, it will make all of the difference. His main desire for them is that the whole family takes part and becomes involved. The second principle that we teach anyone is that the Gospel blesses families. That is it's purpose. Our purpose is to invite others to realize that. I pray that the Spirit will guide us to say the words that will soften the heart of Susana (Paola's Mom).
I love you all so very much. My only desire of you all while in Israel is that you find me a nice polyester Israeli tie. I am falling victim to the tie obsession that normally plaugues missionaries. Do you think you could get one for me? Just in case I never go to Israel? Thanks! I do not have a whole ton more to write as a whole lot did not go on. Most of my stuff is intrapersonal this past week, so I am sorry I do not have more inspiring stories to share. My solemn request is that while you are on the Mount of Olives, you read your scriptures. If you can go to Sinai for some reason, read the Sermon on the Mount. You are where the Bible took place. You are breathing the same air, coughing because of the same dust, and seeing the same sights that Jesus Christ himself experienced. I can not even imagine!
I love you all and I remember you in my prayers. We are a family that is eternal, we just have to work together to assure that! I will do my best here in Arizona!
With all of my love,
Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson
(posted by Maddy)
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