April 29, 2013

Well this was a pretty good week it was a little different then usual because of our interviews with Press Topham on Tuesday and then we had a statewide day of service on Saturday which involved every stake in PA. So things were interesting to say the least.

But things went rather well I enjoyed my interviews with president as usual and had a good talk. But probably the best part of the week was Saturday and Sunday. We had Tony come with us to the service project on Saturday which was nice to have it seems as though service always makes you feel great no matter who you are. We spent the day walking a trail in the raccoon state park maned with rakes (really an axe with prongs on it) clearing the trail of brush and growth. We were there with Tony and another family from a different ward working side by side. It was a great day and there wasn't any strife. Sunday we were a little sad when Tony didn't show up. But when we were back at the apartment eating lunch and doing our studies we got a text from Tony that made me appreciate Saturdays events even more. It turns out that Tony started his morning reading the Book of Mormon and started to think of eternal families. His mind went from eternal families to the family that we were with yesterday and how happy they were and how nice they were one to another.  He had the question come to his head Why don't I have that Kinda of Happiness. He texted us asking what he needed to do to find out if the book of mormon was true. We texted him that he needed to pray with a sincere heart truly wanting to know. We received a text back from Tony saying that he was finally going to give it his all and truly search the book of mormon and find out if it will bring him happiness and truth. His messages have given me great hope for him and his progression they have also given me a greater understanding on the importance of example and service. The fact that the example of happiness that the one family had and how that softened his heart and started to bring about the might change has truly strengthened my testimony on the importance of not just being a full time missionary but being a life time missionary. I have great hope for Tony and his progression and his ability to find happiness in the gospel. 

That was definitely the highlight of the week. Even though we had other great things happen like being able to milk cows on Tuesday and play a game of barn ball aka a hook hung up in a hay barn. Followed by soaping Nellas house windows with another set of elders and then having to wash them off. It was a week full of fun and enjoyment and progression. I hope that your weeks will be filled with such joy as I have felt and that you never underestimate the power of example. I love you and enjoy hearing from you and pray for you daily.

Love 

Elder Kartchner