Hey Everybody,

 

Another week. Another post. This will be one of the last posts that I send home seeing that my time as a consecrated servant of the Lord is coming to a close. Luckily I still have a few weeks left!

 

The week turned out nothing like we had hoped or planned for. All of our baptismal dates dropped us as well as most of our investigators. It resulted in us doing lots of finding and riding in the 110 + degree days. Nevertheless, I learned some very valuable lessons, a couple of which I would like to share with you this week.

 

I remember back in March when my companion, Elder Bingham, was preparing to go home. We passed through a similar situation. The work slowed, he got very sick, and we had a million things to do in the office before he left. He expressed to me that he was curious what the Lord was trying to teach him. He loved to be among the people teaching them the gospel and there he was bound down by other responsibilities that needed to be completed. I will never forget that he never once complained but did his "duty" diligently. I know for myself it was an incredible demonstration of love for the Lord. As I have gone through similar experiences I have often thought about the Savior and the amount of diligence he showed at the end of his mission. I have covenanted with Heavenly Father that I would give myself for two entire years. I promised that I would be diligent, charitable, and obedient for the entire time. I can say that last week started my trial of diligence and I did my best to work through the hard times.

 

I also learned an incredible lesson on the Atonement and the changing power of charity. I sometimes find myself running so fast and so far ahead of the pack that I leave others behind. But instead of going back to help them along the way I stand far ahead in the trail expecting them to make it on their own. I learned that charity is not allowing yourself to get too far ahead but to allow yourself to steadily and diligently work towards the prize. The real success isn't in reaching the destination fast but by reaching it in wisdom. I feel like I can say that the next few weeks will bring about great levels of growth in me and for those I serve. I know I have been sent here for many reasons and now it is my responsibility to complete them with the Lord instead of depending on my own abilities.

 

I really love my mission. It is the most incredible experience I have had in my life. I feel as Alma felt in Alma 29. I don't look forward for the end of this month but I know it will come. I use it to motivate to work harder, to talk to one more person, to extend one more baptismal invitation, to be obedient, charitable, and kind. I use it as a timeline, a motivator, to do the work of the Lord while I can. I know the transition will be difficult but one thing I have come to understand and will never deny is that the Savior will help me through whatever change is necessary. This gospel is true, Jesus Christ is our savior, and we all have a part in Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

Sincerely,

Elder Klemme