Letter - November 22, 2010

Here are some lovely pictures from the leadership training in Riga. We red-heads were on the prowl for investigators.
We, of course, don't speak a lick of Latvian. (Latvian is similar to Lithuanian, but all the first syllables have accents, and all the endings are truncated. I would compare it to a drunk-sailor trying to speak Lithuanian.) However, someone I contacted in English now has, or had, a baptismal date. Yay!!
Also, here is a recent letter I wrote to President Dance:

Dear President Dance,

What a wonderful opportunity it was to hear from President Scwitzer. I have personally found a lot of joy and challenge in applying his inspired counsel.

Sister Edgin and I have put in three hard months together. She has taught me very much, more than few people have over the course of my life. Our week was hampered by the fact that Sister Edgin had food poisoning, but it seems that all is better. I feel a sort of sadness and excitement with transfers coming up.

I find that with the increased comprehension of the language, that there is a certain level of freedom and joy in missionary work that has come about. I can help more in branch auxiliaries. I can express more of my personal life experiences. The one thing that hasn't changed is the heart-break that can come when investigators don't follow the witnesses of the spirit that they have received ultimately accepting baptism. I know that I am called of the Lord. The feelings of sadness drive me to want to be better. I want to be a more kind person, President. As I understand the people more, they also have the ability to try my patience, my charity in a whole new way. I find myself lacking in the Christ-like attributes.

The application of President Schwitzer's teaching for me is a deepening of my level of personal consecration. I feel that this can only help the missionary work. Sometimes I wonder, President, whether I'm in a sort of Zion's Camp. I want so badly to see some results of my service here. I long to see someone accept baptism. However, I know that the personal growth I experience because of these times will have impact far beyond these 18 months. I didn't think I was coming here to experience growth. I thought I was coming here to "perform" if you will, or "produce results." I little expected that the product being refined was me. I feel a new acquaintance with my Savior because of this time. I think of his ministry, of his life and example, and I feel often his influence in my life. I am humbled, it is "wonderful to me."

Thank you for the opportunity to serve,

Sister Paul