I hope all is as well in the 781 and other
parts of the world as it is here in the DR. I would be surprised if there
are many other places in the world where it is sooo dang hot and
humid...this summer is gonna be killer (mom don't worry I use sunscreen religiously)! As I have said in previous emails I really am sweating ALL
the time. Most days, quite disgustingly, I wake up in a puddle of sweat.
However
this week has been amazing, and filled with little miracles. My
highlight of the week was Melvin's baptism. Wow, he was sooo prepared to receive the gospel in his life, and teaching all the lessons was a pure
joy. On Friday
after his interview he told me that the spirit told him very strongly
that Elder Rodriguez, my district leader, would baptize him...even
though he had only met him for the interview. I, my companion and Elder
Rodriguez were all surprised at his decision but very pleased. All in all
the baptism was a huge success. A lot of people attended and the
spirit was very strong. After the baptism, Melvin bore his testimony of
the power of the atonement and how he could feel the burden of his sins
being lifted as he was baptized. It was an awesome testimony and really
funny too because he finished by saying...in the name of the Holy Ghost Amen! On Sunday I had the chance to confirm him a member and it was a very spiritual experience as well.
This
morning I took a little trip down memory lane and thought about how
badly I miss playing football. I thought about captains practices, film
sessions, the locker room, linebackers practice, getting ready before a
game, singing the national anthem etc...I am sure Isaac can relate and
help me out with the symbolic relationship that missionary work has with football. It is truly outstanding, the importance of integrity,
diligence, brotherly love and so forth. This morning, however, I was
thinking, most specifically about the job of a linebacker and the utmost
importance to reading your guard. As a linebacker your main objective
is to tackle the person with the ball, quien sea, quarterback, running
back wide receiver, slot etc. The game is played so fast and there is so
much confusion at the line of scrimmage that the linebacker is told to
read the guards, because the guards will ALWAYs take you to the play.
You have to practice and learn the steps and techniques of the guards in
able to understand where the offense is going to play the ball, and so
that you can mimic the guard, to the point where it is muscle memory. As
a linebacker, even though there are distractions in all directions, it
is vital to keep your eyes on the guards and GET DOWN HILL (coach Griff
voice) which will lead you to the ball carrier. In many ways we
all have to act as spiritual linebackers. In the game of life there is soo
much confusion and distraction that lead us away, and hinders us from
from achieving our goals and purposes. Like a linebacker we need to read
our spiritual guards, or keys so that we can get down hill and
complete our duties to God. If we read our keys...service,
scripture study, daily prayers and church attendance, we will develop
muscle memory like habits to keep us away from harm and danger...but
more importantly help us build our personal testimonies.
17 And it came to pass that
As
nefi we need to go unto our brethren in the spirit or, to continue
doing our spiritual building habits. It is soo vital, as a linebacker
and missionary, to prepare prepare and prepare so that when the
situation comes the spirit can take over and guide us. I love this work
and can't believe that I almost have ten months in this amazing country. I
know that God loves and cares about each one of us. He loves us sooo
much that he gave us our own agency, to choose right from wrong. I am grateful for the atonement of Christ and the plan of salvation.
Love you all!
Until next week,
Elder Blake 52
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