This week was a rollercoaster! First off, the water in our house was cut off for a little over 2 days so we had to improvise, haha. To shower, we went down one floor to the church and used their showers. However, the water was ICE COLD!! They were probably the fastest showers I've ever taken in my life! But we were clean. Now for the bathroom. We used the church bathrooms when we could but when we couldn't, we had to go and fill up buckets of water from the church and bring them to our house (one floor up). Then to flush you just pour the water in the toilet and ya. But the worst part was when the water got cut off. I was washing my whites. Well, we have to pour buckets of water into the washer because the water outside doesn't work and that's where they put the washer when we rent it. I was filling up the bucket for the second rinse cycle and the water was cut off. So, I had to take my damp clothes out and put them in the bucket. The only thing that worried me was that I put bleach in the load. So, I'm hoping that sitting for 3 days doesn't ruin my clothes. Okay, it doesn't sound that bad, but trust me not having water for 2 days is the worst! When it came back on today, we were screaming and jumping because we were so happy, haha.
The other thing I want to talk about has to do with obedience and diligence. During my time here in Barbosa, I have become lazy and just did whatever my comp did. This resulted in not a lot of lessons and no new investigators. We were informed this week that the numbers in our mission in 2014 lowered drastically and we were told that during fast Sunday that we fast for the mission and for obedience for the missionaries. We were also instructed to read our mission call and patriarchal blessing before finishing the fast. WHAT AN EYE OPENER! I knew that I wasn't being the best missionary that I could be and it bugged me that I really wasn't doing anything about it and that temptation was winning. However, after reading my blessing and call I realized just how huge of an error this was. The Lord has blessed me So much in my life and has SO many more blessings in store for me. He has put his trust in me "to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life". He has also promised me that when I serve with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength he will bless me with joy, happiness, and success in the mission. After pondering on my actions of the past and then comparing them to my purpose as a missionary, I felt horrible. It was probably the lowest I have felt in my life. However, our Heavenly Father loves us and has given us the amazing gift of the Atonement. And boy, I didn't hesitate to use the incredible gift of repentance! From this point on I am going to serve my mission with ALL my heart might mind and strength, because really, there is no better way to show God my gratitude for all that he has given me.
I wanted to share this experience because first I want people to know that missionaries are not perfect and temptation is still present as ever during missions. This is something that I never thought about before my mission. The second reason is to remind people that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for EVERYONE and for EVERYTHING! We should take advantage of this amazing gift that we have been given and use it everyday. It is difficult to face your weaknesses and realize the things you should improve, but when we make the decision to look inside and ask, "Lord, is it I?" he will be able to help us change our hearts. There is nothing impossible for God., we just have to take the first step. I know that the gospel has been restored and is on the Earth once again. I know that this restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the only true church and through it we can receive all the blessings He has for us. Through this gospel families can be eternal and we can live with God for eternity. This gospel has blessed my life in so many ways and I know that it can bless the lives of everyone, regardless of their circumstances. And there is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ suffered and died for us and through his Atonement we can be saved and be cleansed from all of our sins and wrong doings. I love you all and wish all of you a happy 2015!!
Elder Richmond
HOLA!