Charity

Hey everyone! I hope you had a great week! Life out here in the DR is literally different everyday but I love it. This week was a good one full of many ups and many downs. 

First off I have already heard all the talks about rejection and how you can't let it get to you, but sometimes it is hard. I have been rejected in life before but never in this way ;) It almost feels like everyone we talk to says "No I'm not interested" or "I believe in God but I don't need your religion"  Just super annoying things we have to deal with I guess. But one thing that I talked about with my family last week and has helped me overcome this is Charity. 

If you know me personally you know that I am a straight up, say it how it is kind of guy. Which can be good OR it can be bad. If we're being honest it is probably more bad. Therefore I have a hard time having a lot of Charity for others because I always pick out the bad first. But this last week I was changing my perspective and it helped me a ton. Every time I would start to have a negative thought about someone I would say "What would Jesus think?" Sounds like a dumb simple answer but I promise you it works. Jesus Christ was the perfect example to us. He loved everyone. John 13 talks about Jesus Christ washing his disciples feet and how we should LOVE one another not just put up with one another. I promise as we try to be more like him we will find more joy and light in others. 

Here's a funny story from this week. We were sitting in the apartment one day during lunch and got a phone call from a random number. We answered and the guy says "I have a question" and we said what is the question he then goes "God is god and Jesus is Jesus right?" we then say yes and he goes "Is Jesus Christ Jehovah?" we say yes and then he hangs up. That was literally it. One of the funniest yet most pointless calls of my life haha. Good times. 

We listened to a talk this week by David A. Bednar. Man is a GOAT. In this talk he explains what it means to fear God. He says "Godly fear is loving and trusting in him" I love this. I think too many times we think that fearing God means to literally have fear of God and what he will do to us, but in reality it is a positive thing. When we fear God we put away out fears, and trust in him. I love this concept!

Overall I'm doing great! Don't get me wrong the mission is so hard but wow it's so worth it. I have already grown more than I ever thought I could. I say it every week and I probably will for the rest of my mission, read the Book of Mormon. I know it is true and I know for a fact when you are in times of trouble or need, the Book of Mormon WILL help you. It is true. I love you all so much and miss you tons! Stay safe and eat Taco Amigo for me ;) 

-Elder Wilde