Olá todos!
This was a fantastic week! Elder Bassett did a mission tour and it was phenomenal. He provided some training and different things to focus on as we're going about the work in new/different ways. The pandemic is forcing us to work more with the members, which is exciting. Our investigators are feeling more welcome, the members are more involved, just a better deal all around. It's a high standard of missionary work and I'm all for it.
I also got some exciting news, I'm getting transferred to Wytheville, Virginia! It'll be a good change of scenery, but I'm going to miss this ward. I've been able to develop some really great relationships in the ward and it was pretty tough saying goodbye to some of them on Sunday. We had an amazing Bishop, I don't think I'll ever find a ward quite like it. But, my parents favorite quote comes to mind, "Change is joy." I'm excited for the change and I can't wait to see what things lay in store in Wytheville.
During the mission tour Elder Bassett shared a story about President Ballard. Back in 2018 President Ballard's wife passed away. They were married for many, many years and everyone was speculating that this loss would be especially tough for him. A little back story, President Ballard's grandfather is Joseph Fielding Smith, son of Hyrum Smith and Mary Fielding Smith. When Hyrum Smith was martyred alongside Joseph Smith, he left behind Mary to take care of 11 year old Joseph Fielding and some other younger children. They faced the prospect of crossing the plains, which Mary did. She crossed the plains with her very young children and faced all the dangers along the way. So, when President Ballard showed up and delivered a general conference talk days after his wife's death and showed up to his regular meetings, Elder Holland asked why didn't he just go home, why didn't he just take the week off? President Ballard's reply, "In this family, we mount up and head west."
What a powerful statement. No matter the odds that we face, may we all do it with such determination. We all have our trials, some very difficult to bear. But we're also expected to get through them, and we will, through reliance on the Savior and His atonement.
I love you all! Let me know how y'all are doing, I love getting your emails!
Elder Larkin
Pics:
Mission tour (Elder and Sister Bassett met with us from Church Headquarters), saying good bye to Bishop Polk and his family, and our last district meeting!
