6-17-15

This past week I got caught up thinking about school plans and the
stress of going home soon. Which led to, in an attempt to soothe my
anxiety, I tried thinking about the things which will be good about
going home. Soon I found myself drifting. Trying to clear my mind I
opened up the copy of the Book of Mormon that I have been reading. To
my surprise I saw a bookmark that I forgot that I had made a week or
so back. It's letters few but message lasting, in all capital letters,
read: "You Are Here."
 
Looking with my spiritual eyes I read a message from the Lord. You are
here. Not at home or school or anywhere else in the world, so nothing
else should matter, except here. I was embarrassed as I realized how
far I had drifted from what I should be worrying about. Yes there are
times when matters from home come up but my purpose is here. There is
a quote that I love that says we should "Be where [our] feet are." I
don't know where it came from but I think it is a lesson that could
apply to wherever our feet may be. The Lord has invested so much in
us, not only getting us to where we are but in the responsibilities
that we hold. My calling to be here in Los Angeles is just as
important as whatever purpose you may be working towards wherever you
are in the world.
 
About 5 months ago when I was serving in Korea town we weren't seeing
much success. We were diligent and doing everything in our power to
keep moving. We occasional saw glimpses of light as we met new people
or someone we had been visiting kept commitments. One of these
glimpses was through a man named Juan. I believe the Lord has a sense
of humor because Juan was led to one of the free English classes that
we taught. He was led there on the very night that My companion and I
made a prank call to some other missionaries. We called while they
were busy talking to someone, knowing they wouldn't be able to answer
the phone. We left a voicemail in a really rough voice with lots of
heavy breathing. Sure enough not too long after walked in a man with a
tube in his throat. The Elders who received the voicemail figured this
was the 'man' who left the voicemail. My companion and I couldn't
believe our eyes. After the class he expressed tons of interest in
coming to church that Sunday and learning more about the Book of
Mormon. We continued to visit him regularly throughout the weeks and
soon enough he was preparing to be baptized. But due to his medical
condition his doctors couldn't figure out a way that wouldn't put his
life at risk that he could be baptized. Time passed and no answers
were being found. It was so depressing seeing someone with such desire
to learn and grow being hindered. Truly the spirit was willing but the
flesh was weak.
 
Soon after I was transferred to Downey and I was expected to devote
all my might, mind, and strength to this area. About two weeks ago I
received word that President Weidman had been working closely with the
Elders that  had been assigned to Korea Town and, with the help of
church leadership in Salt Lake, Juan was able to be baptized. It has
been such a testimony to me that we all play a different part in the
work of the Lord. Where ever we may be serving, Our piece of the
puzzle is needed. I pray that we may do everything in our power to be
led by the Lord to know where and what we are to be doing. I love the
Lord and the opportunity he gives us to be a part of his plan.