Hola Familia! How is everything going! Hope all is well in the land of Provo, or wherever you are when you read this email. Let me tell i cannot believe how fast the weeks go by! It is sooo crazy! Like wow. I am emailing everyone again. So that is good!
Well today is the day that i will find out if i go or stay. But looking at it the chances seem really high that i am going to leave. Because i am in my first area still. If i go i will be sad and excited. Cause i have really grown with a lot of the people here in Coronel Oviedo. And will be sad to ahve to say good bye. But i will be excited to go to a new area, an area where i know the Lord has assigned me to serve and bring more people unto Christ. That is the incredible thing, and what ever mission, whatever area, the Lord has planned this out, so that we or I could be made an instrument in his hands to bring more peeople unto him. But don´t worry next monday i will give ya the update of where i am, and my new companion. what goes down with these changes.
It is so awesome too see people change, and see how peoples testimonies get strengthened when they enrich themselves in the gospel. And strive to learn. It is cool to see that. And to have a front row seat, not only to have a front row seat but take part in helping others strengthen their testimonies.
Another fun thing from this week. Our branch had a fiesta and baila. A party and dance! haha. It was awesome. There were probably 45 people at the party in our little garage house church.. haha. At first it was slow going but then once people started dancing, and I love it casue the people are soo full of life and fun! It doesn´t matter their circumstances, they had fun! And it was awesome! I wish that some of the stake and ward activities were like this! haha. But i have some awesome videos to show when i get home. They are just funny to me. It is so awesome, how much i have fallen in love with the people. It is great. I remember one of my seminary teachers shared this quote with me, and i love it, i think it is sooo true, and how we should pattern our lives after it. ¨There are two kinds of people in this world, the people you love. And the people you don´t know.¨ I love it, it reminds me of our Savior how his love was so great for everyone. It didn´t matter the person, rich poor smart, or unlearned.. He loved them. Can´t we not do the same. Every person we know we should love them like our Savior would. If we do this we will become more like him. Then when we do meet new people it is equal. Love them the same. It is like the scripture in Moroni 7:48 how we should ask the father with all of our heart to be filled with this love.. That reminds me of another thing. ¨Strive a little harder, to be a little better..¨ This gospel is incredible. Brookie shared a story with me. We have the truth, others don´t. I want to repeat that. We have the TRUTH. We just need to share it.
It is my testimony, the Gospel is true, it is perfect, and there is nothing more like it. It truely blesses and changes the lives of people. And i am soo privileged and lucky to be a part of sharing the TRUTH every day. To have this special call to share the gospel with the wonderful people in Paraguay!
Love you all! Thanks so much for the support! I will keep ya all updated. And thanks for the prayers. You are alwyas in mine.
Love ya and the Fam!
Con Amor
tu hijo, hermano, amigo
Elder Van Leeuwen
