How're things back in the States or wherever you are? We finally got our transfer call last night. So *drum roll* Elder Neas and I will BOTH be LEAVING PORT STEPHENS. Elder Neas will be heading to the city, he's pretty happy about that, and I will be going to Prairiewood (About 30min-1hr West of Sydney) and will be serving as a District Leader there! Pretty excited and nervous. A change of scenery, new companions (Elder Kaipuke - his last transfer, and Elder Kowallis - his 5th transfer in the area). It'll be a Polynesian ward so we'll get fed heaps. Hopefully I don't get too fat...
Unfortunately, Port Stephens will be getting shut down for at least a transfer (meaning no missionaries will be sent to replace us for 6 weeks, or more. Who knows).
I cannot help but feel as the Lord of the Vineyard in the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees found in the Book of Mormon: "But what could I have done more for my vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it?" (Jacob 5:47). This area wasn't the best for teaching or finding new people, but I will miss the Branch. Wonderful Saints devoted to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Willing to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. I found the most joy being able to serve them. In particular, one older widow: Noni. Who reminded me most of my grandma whenever we went by to mow her lawn, making me wish I could do all the same things for her (washing dishes, mow lawn, talk, listen, make her laugh, etc.). She's gone through some very difficult trials. Her husband has since passed. Her son has for much of his life struggled with drugs and alcohol, going in and out of jail. She has struggled to support his family and her grandkids as much as possible. No longer knows what to do. She was deaf (could only speak to her through a whiteboard) for a long time (has since undergone a procedure to get it back somewhat) and has several physical limitations and ailments that restrain her from being able to leave home by herself.
HOWEVER, she still holds on to the Gospel. Always trying to find ways to share it with others. (She's so awesome!) What helps her get through these very difficult trials in her life is relying on our Savior, Jesus Christ. Who knows everything we will ever feel and experience, because He took upon Him the pains, struggles, weaknesses, etc. of every single human being who has lived, is living and will yet live. One of the first scriptures where I truly understood this, is found in the Book of Mormon, Alma 7:11-13. The prophet at this time is Alma, who is speaking to a city (around 83B.C) regarding the coming of a Savior:
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."
Like Alma, this is the testimony which is in me. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and died on the Cross. For each of us. He lives. He overcame death and offers us peace from our past mistakes. Hope for a better and stronger future. Love from our Father in Heaven who loves us unconditionally. Who just wants us to come home. It was after reading this, while I was doing my seminary reading, my first year of Seminary after being baptized, that I received a profound witness from the Holy Ghost that these things were true. Testified to me that Jesus Christ knows me, Brandon Escamilla, and what I am struggling with. That He knows exactly how I feel, and how to comfort me and help me to keep moving forward. Emotions overcame me as I read this in my room before bed nearly 8 years ago. I'd invite you to do the same. Find a quiet place. Pray and then read this passage. I promise you that will feel the same things that I felt. It is with this knowledge that success is possible, progress is manageable, and life is meaningful.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
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Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
The Tongan couple in our Branch that we always mess with and get them to feed us. They're great. Always laughing and teasing.
Brother Nightingale, couldn't have started Navajo Mow without this handyman. Fixed all our mowers and gave us an edger for a little bit. There's never a moment where we're not laughing with him.
Noni. From Christmas... Forgot to get a picture with her. She's such a sweet lady.