Chapter 62: Become

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.” Dallin H. Oaks What an incredible week. Had many great experiences and was able to learn so much. Over the course of the week however, Elder Danielson and I both became pretty sick, so unfortunately we haven't been able to do much since Thursday afternoon. We tested negative for COVID which was fun, and have had plenty of time to do online proselyting and studying. This week we were visited via Zoom by President Massimo De Feo, the Area President over all of Europe. We had meetings with him on Wednesday, Thursday, and a special MLC session on Friday. I learned so much from him, and felt the Spirit teach me truths about myself and my own spiritual progression which have left me feeling both humbled but eager to take steps forward. He spoke mostly about what it means to become, with an especial emphasis on the importance of personal application of the doctrine of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end). As he spoke, it become very clear to me that I had become quite comfortable with my knowledge and understanding of how things were meant to be done in my mission, and that this was limiting my growth (2 Nephi 9:28). I could talk quite a bit more about this, but read the referenced scripture and you will understand. I realized that I need to be more willing to act in faith, to embrace the power of not-knowing yet acting, and trust that God would do his work better better I could by my own rationale. I was taught that I needed to earnestly and sincerely seek to repent, to actually seek for humble change in the aspects of my life which need fine tuning, not to mention the more egregious struggles I have. I felt prompted to learn more about and internalize the covenants I have made both at baptism and in the temple. In doing so, I could then experience their power more prevalently in my life. I understood more clearly the role the Holy Spirit plays in the day to day minutiae of life. Every moment is an opportunity to be led by the Spirit, especially as a missionary. I hope to better learn how to attune myself to his small, yet piercing voice. Lastly, I grasped more fully the concept of what it truly means to endure to the end. President De Feo spoke clearly about the role suffering plays in our mortal experience, that is not something to shun, but rather something to expect. "Suffering," he said, "is the price we pay to get to know the Saviour, he who suffered all to get to know us." A profound thought with many interested implications. The doctrine of Christ is important, and is is essential to our becoming more like he whose doctrine it is. The Saviour will empower us each step of the way as we sincerely strive to do what we can. I know this is this is because it is happening to me. Life is good. God is wise. Don't give up. Elder Childers

The Zone at our in-person Zone FHE. Truly love all these great people.

The rocks on President's Desk. Shows you what kind of man he is.

Cool license plate that reminded me of University.

My special potato soup for the Elders.

Pictures from our trip to Corrie Fee