Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Letter dated 24 January 2011

Thanks for the emails! That is so cool that Jacob (Klumker) is going to Africa. I knew an elder in the MTC that was from that city (Johannesburg). His accent was cool! He was an AWESOME missionary.

It's been going good here. I was having a stressful morning the other day during my personal study time. I didn't know why the Lord wanted me out here and then my companion referred me to 1 Nephi 20:10 "For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Those words from him were an answer to my prayers.  He also told me that our area is known to be one of the hardest areas and that they don't ever train new missionaries here because it's so hard. He said that I was chosen for a reason to come here to do something. I don't know if we're going to be on fire in this area but I pray that it will be more active very soon!

My DL and ZL's are AWESOME! They are so funny - we always speak in an italian accent to each other because we have a member who is italian and.....he is just awesome!

The food here is awesome (can you tell that is his new favorite word!! :-)  It's very good and I'm getting better at eating my breakfast in the morning. I also make my companion's bed while he's in the shower - LOL - and do stuff for him when he least expects it, and it really helps me feel good.

One thing that I have learned that helps me in prayer is to set time aside each day and listen to what the Lord wants to tell me. Last night it was awesome! I did as Samuel did and said "thy servant is listening" or something like that and it felt so good throughout the night.

Tell everyone in the branch to write me if they can. Some words of wisdom and inspiration and mission stories would be helpful. I miss everyone in the branch but I've found that my experiences and the help from everyone there has helped me this far and it will continue to help me. Thank you all......I'm not used to saying Y'all yet! LOL!

That is so awesome mom and dad that Bro. Fine and Bro. Miller are your home teachers. I'm so grateful for you and mom and all the sisters. All of the pics and quotes that the sisters sent on Christmas day really helped. Be sure to tell them thanks for me. I haven't heard from them since Christmas. I'm worried about them and wondering how they are doing. Also if you all just want to use the Mission Office address that would be good. The mailbox we have for our apartment is real sketchy so we get our mail through the office.

I'm so greatful for the love you all have for me! It really helps all the time! I love you all and pray for your safety and well-being and that the Lord will watch over you!  Thank you so much! I love you all!

Elder Nicholas D. Richards (the old man) ha! ha!