Hello Family!
Well.... Kim was BAPTIZED! It was a wonderful service. Elder Cole came from Warrington to baptize her and it all went well. A member of the ward confirmed her yesterday. Bro. Higgins is his name and he is one of my favorite members here. Sis. Adam is a ward member and told me yesterday that you could see and feel a difference about her. I have seen it in both Anja and Kim, something changes once they have been baptized and confirmed. Their confidence levels shoot up and they smile more. What a great blessing it was.
Robert, unfortunately, did not make it to church. He had an excuse of his door being broken and not lockable, which was honestly the case because I saw it yesterday. Pretty sure this might be his make-it or break-it week. There is also a bit a social reason associated with it because he expressed after trying to figure out what else the problem was that he feels claustrophobic around others. Pray that he comes this Sunday.
I've just again started the Book of Mormon this past week and am learning some great things. It is amazing to me how much something that occured in 600 B.C. relates to much with today's day and age. In 1 Nephi 2, Lehi would try to teach Laman and Lemuel valuable lessons, but they rebelled and were stiffnecked. They have the same desires and excuses the world has today. Money and possessions are their desires and having a belief in God is a "foolish imagination of the heart (2:9-11)."
Also Nephi was the perfect example of someone who is seeking for truth. It never said in his account that he absolutely believed everything his father said, but he had a desire to know. He humbled himself before the Lord and because of his faith, diligence, and lowliness of heart, he received his witness (2:16-19).
Now, my last interview with President Bullock. It was definitely my favorite. He first asked about the family and how they are doing. He again expressed how different mine and Colton's missions are going to be since he had a few sons serve there. He also said there will be a lot to talk about when Colton and I sit down and discuss each other's missions when the day comes.
He then asked me the most significant event thus far of my mission. I then told him about the temple experience I had at Christmas and how it was an answer to prayer. I discussed with the situation and all the detail that were involved in and leading up to that event as well. He thanked me for sharing that experience with him and thanked me for how much him and Sis. Bullock have meant to me.
He also asked me to share one of my favorite quotes with him. I told him the one Elder Jolliffe shared with me, "Don't be surprised if all the miracles happen at the end." I told him how that quote became and how it has effected my mission.
He then asked what I want to achieve on my mission. I told him that I want to become a sacred missionary. Then he said, "Now I want you to think of the missionaries you looked up to early on in your mission. Can you name a few for me?" I told him some of the Zone Leaders, Assistants, and Elder Jolliffe. He then responded "Elder Starr, I see you as one of those missionaries. You have the ability, talent, and traits for younger missionaries to look up to you in the same way you looked up to those you just mentioned. I expect you to accomplish great things and to be a strength and leader in this mission." I was deeply touched that I was thought of that way. He then expressed his love. I forgot to mention that he also said "I would have loved to have you for your full two years." I will receive his personal info this week at his last Zone Conference. He said not to hesitate to stay in contact and to pop by if I'm around his home in Colorado. We then hugged as I left the room.
You all now how much I love President and how much he means to me. I have decided to dedicate next week's letter that I write to you on what he has taught me and how he has influenced me. I'll tell you some of the highlights of this coming week as well.
I have not had a driving lesson yet due to the insane schedule this past week. As I mentioned before, I have my theory test on the 28th. Pray that I will be able to do well on the test and that I will pass so I don't have to take it again.
I'll end on this funny story. There is a man in the ward named Les Wright who is older and has a thick Liverpool accent. He is something else and is absolutely hilarious. He jokes around all of the time. He gave a talk at Kim's baptism and mentioned how grateful he is for the ward. He then pointed out some members in the congregation and picked on Sis. Rojas who is from Spain. He went Johnny Lingo on her and said she was a 10 cow kind of lady. She took offence to it because she is a bigger woman. Bro. Wright told me that she came up to him after the baptism and asked him if he thought that she was big. He said "No of course not Sis. Rojas, let me shake your hoof." I was about to fall on the floor I was laughing so hard. She wasn't very happy and Bro. Wright apologized to her and said he was only kidding. Definitely one for the ages.
Thank you for the money as well and for getting the PIN settled. I like the number by the way haha. I love you and am so grateful for your guidance and support. I always look forward to what my family writes every Monday. It always gives me a boost! May we all keep striving to become like our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. I received the ensign, letters and candy. Thank you very much for that.
