Letter - January 10, 2011

Last year went much too quickly. I want a refund.

Sister Alldredge and I are enjoying our reading of the Book of Mormon. We're on a schedule with the rest of the mission, and are studying specifically for references of the Christ-like attributes of Faith and Charity. I find myself craving this reading and find the words coming back to me throughout the course of the day. I echo my Mission President's words, that these attributes must have been a huge focus in the life of Lehi's family. These attributes have a lot of richness which I had previously overlooked. I have a lot to do in terms of developing faith and charity.

We're happy to report that we have an investigator with a set baptismal date. We're so excited to help Zosana make this step in her life to repent and be baptized. Zosana is 73, and is a single mom. Her son's name is Donatas, and he is autistic. She lives in very humble circumstances but is still very giving. We also had a wonderful lesson with a woman named Rasa today. She has two children, and she's very wonderful and sincere. She had her first lesson with two Russian-speaking Sisters a week ago, and today it was all four of us with her and her young daughter. It will be better to teach her in Lithuanian since it's her birth language. It could have been a potentially confusing lesson, with four missionaries, but it turned out fantastic. The spirit was there as we each testified and asked her inspired questions.

We feel the Lord has really blessed us to be able to teach a lot this past week, and to meet many who are interested in meeting this coming week. What a wonderful privilege it is to keep knocking, keep asking, and keep seeking. I feel Lehi's invitation is as much for me as for his sons. This is 2 Ne 1:21. And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be amen, and be determined in bone mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;

I hope I'm the kind of missionary that the Lord can trust with those who are seeking. Thank you for all your prayers and the wonderful Christmas gifts. It means the world to me. I love you all.

Sister Paul