What did I do for New Years, you may ask? Nothing, because we were good, obedient missionaries who went to bed at 10:30... Plus, we had to be back in our flats by 7:30 so... yeah... I finished the Book of Mormon though! A little rushed, but finished that night! Congrats to anyone who did the same, & Pat yourself on the back for following the Prophet's invitation! *Patting back*
On Tuesday, companion exchanges w/ the Zone Leaders in Maitland. I went w/ Elder Wu, from Hong Kong, to teach a lady about the Plan of Salvation. Katrina was physically handicapped, but I don't know all her physical issues. From what I saw... She was in an electric wheelchair, one leg in a brace & the other only existing to the knee, weight issues, and has been confined to her house for years... Her house was unkept, but that's just cause she's not able to clean it up.
When we taught about the Plan of Salvation, she had so much hope and eagerness for the Resurrection. I read this:
"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame" - Alma 40:23
She said something like "I can't wait for the Resurrection". To have a perfect body without flaws or impediments. I became more appreciative for what I have. Working legs, hands, brain (for the most part), etc. I can read & scratch the millions of Mossie (mosquito) bites on me. As we taught Katrina, there would be moments where we'd make her laugh or smile. Those were the sweetest moments. Her countenance was miserable, but when we left she was smiling & it seemed we brought some hope or at least some happiness in her life. That was rewarding. We felt the Spirit, or that TRUE HOPE, PEACE & JOY that is felt as we TRY living the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Having FAITH in JESUS CHRIST & His Atonement, REPENTing, being BAPTIZEd/receiving the GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST or renewing those baptismal covenants/promises each Sunday at church, & then ENDURING TO THE END...
Later on doorknocking, we'd get cussed out, & threatened to be pushed down the stairs by this tatted, pierced up guy. Don't worry, we called his bluff as he came busting out of his house & we just stood there staring at him and he just stood there too...
Message from Zone Conference from Sister Runia (Mission President's Wife):
Our FAITH is NOT in BLESSINGS, but in in the GIVER of blessings. Our faith is trusting in Jesus Christ, that He knows best & that eventually we'll see the blessings, outcomes & results. So it's up to us to just keep "press[ing] forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men... feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure the end..." - 2 Nephi 31:20
Today we'll be heading off to Tamworth. Hopefully we won't hit a kangaroo again like last transfer... But hey, when in Australia! Have a great week! 수고하세요! 포기는 없다! 힘 내자!
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Elder Wu and I after a long day pf walking since neither of us can drive. Him cause he doesnt have a license from Hong Kong and me because the mission office hasnt approved me to drove yet.
One of the beaches in Stockton
We took a break and stopped at a nice lookout over the beach in Stockton. Stockton is one of the beach areas where it is MUCH cooler with the nice ocean breeze. Much better than other parts of our area.