Chapter 21: Present

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that is why they call it the present." -Master Oogway This week was absolutely wonderful! I am now in Sewell, New Jersey which is totally different than where I was in PA. I really love it here, we have already had some crazy adventures. I am in another trio, my companions are Elder Paniagua and Elder Augustus. Elder Paniagua is from Costa Rica and I really love the guy. My whole life I have occasionally met people with just a, a sort of discernable spiritual light or energy radiating from them, and I've found that when I feel that, it usually is a manifestation from the spirit that the person will be really important in my life. I feel that way with Elder Paniagua, and I am super excited to be with him, and together we are actually training Elder Augustus who is brand new! I am excited to train and help him learn for himself the joy of this work and lifestyle. The work here is interesting. People in general, from what I've seen so far, are not as open to hearing our message. I know, however, that God will provide a way for His work to move forward. My responsibility is to strive to be present and prepared to take advantage of every opportunity. I believe that is the same for all of us. In every given moment, we need not be so concerned with where we have been or even where we will/might be going. There is true joy to be found in the present. Striving to be in the present acknowledges God's divine purposes for you where you are right now. When we focus so much on where we used to be or where we think we should or could be, we diminish our potential for now. Even by being distracted with things of the world (technology technology technology) we can remove ourselves from the present. There is a reason for where you are now. Seek to find it, and remember: Every moment is an opportunity. I believe this is true, and I hope to continue to strive to use each opportunity I can to improve and become more like my Savior Jesus Christ. The bar is high, the road is difficult, but the supporting power is real. Through Jesus Christ, I know we can all move forward a single step at a time. Life is good. God is wise. Don't give up.

Elder Childers

Goodbyes: Wojcicki family: my best friend member family in my first area. Will definitely miss them!

Joy: my first investigator who I love a lot. I can't wait for the day she will be baptized.

Elder Tree and Elder Wilson: my two companions in Reading.

My new district on a video call

Me and Elder Paniagua chilling on our couch.

Me and Paniagua and Augustus in the snow.