One by One

Hello All

There were two major sources of direction for me this week:

1) Zone training (we gather as missionaries and receive some training from other missionaries in leadership positions, generally more senior missionaries)

2) General Conference (the semiannual conference with speeches by the leaders - prophet, apostles, and others - of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is broadcast worldwide via satellite, internet, etc.)

The start of this great week began with zone conference and the discussions Elder Wilson and I have had about it since. For me the underlying message from zone conference focused on the balance in our missionary work between expecting miracles, the church to blossoming here in Poland, while refraining putting our faith in outcomes rather in Christ. Just that morning Anne, the American mother who we had had trouble getting in touch with but then thanks to a few small miracles were finally set up with texted us saying that she was not interested in meeting with us anymore. In our mission we cannot put our faith in outcomes because, honestly, the outcomes hoped for after our hard work often aren't there. However, we must expect and work to see the work progress. I thought a lot about this and how it is possible. I want to have great faith that people will find and accept the truth, progressing to making covenants (promises that lead to us receiving blessings) with their Father in Heaven and, generally, I do have that faith. The thing is, it's hard to open up, to make myself that vulnerable and give so much love, thought, and effort into serving others just to see "nothing" happen. The incredible thing is that "nothing" doesn't happen, their are miracles in the work here in Poland we are still just "growing" so the work is slower here. I feel that General Conference  to all the world) answered many of my questions. The main message that I received was this: we must serve and love others one by one. That is how Christ ministered and that is how the work will progress here in Poland. One by one. For each person we must build relationships of love and trust, we must put our thoughts, actions, and strength into helping them according to their needs. I think that as missionaries here in Poland we want to completely turn things around and baptize everyone, leaving a temple standing before we leave. This motivation and vision is vital but I learned that is fulfilled truly by ministering one by one. 

At the latter end of this week I had a slight rough patch. I felt confused and overwhelmed. I was thinking all about myself. I was over thinking everything: my mission, my future, my goals, me/who I am and who I want to be. My answer was clear, follow the example of the Savior and turn outwards, another principle that was highlighted during zone training. This is how I will grow and receive blessings, this is how I will find blessings - to think about others rather than myself. When I look to the person I want to be at the end of my mission the main characteristic I want is confidence: in myself, in my faith, in all things really. A sense of peace and security so even when times are rough I can be confident to overcome them. This was another answer I received during conference. To gain that confidence I must remember to build my foundation in Christ and become converted unto him. This will come as I better understand Christ and my relationship with Him, which will come through the service I mentioned above. I am excited for this new found security in my future, the path that Heavenly Father wants for me and how I must do it. I am happy to have light and clarity rather than darkness and confusion. 

Things here with Elder Wilson are great. We met with Jacob and Zbyszek this week. 

Jacob is the 19 year old linguist who is super cool. He has a rough background, which has led him to be independent. He has a lot of good questions and a desire to know more. We are looking forward to meeting with him.

We are having personal English lessons with Zbyszek but, under his suggestion, we are spending the full hour both in English and teaching him about the gospel. It is a great arrangement for both of us and he seems intrigued by the gospel, especially about the peace that it brings.

It's a little weird that the two people we are meeting with right now want to speak English - kind of a blessing and a curse. Polish is coming as ever - it's tough and each day is a different story but I love it.
 Żoliborz is alive and the weather has been a blessing for missionary work. I look forward to applying these new goals that I have discussed. 

Whether you watched conference or not I encourage everybody to review it. God is our Father, he has a plan of happiness for us and wants to lead us to receive those blessings in our lives. He calls prophets on Earth to declare His word to give us guidance to this happiness. I promise, thanks to the personal direction and help I received from conference, that if you study the words of these inspired leaders you will find answers and peace. General Conference is full of truth!

I feel like this was a whirlwind of an email but despite that I have so much clarity and I am so grateful for that. I love you all!

Miłego tygodnia życzę!

z miłością, 
Starszy Kimball