Finding that Balance

Dzień Dobry

This past weekend was a wonderful one. Wolodymyr is a cool guy from Ukraine who Elder Caskey and Elder Blom worked with last transfer. This past Saturday he was baptized by Stanisław, who himself was baptized in January.The baptism involved a few last minute stresses/ emergencies but turned out to be full: of the Spirit, peace, and love. I was grateful to hear Wolodymyr's testimony at the end of the meeting, he always emphasizes his love for the family that this church provides. I am grateful that he found what he is looking for and that he has the faith to change and grow. It was hard to prepare and assistant during this whole process because I felt a little disconnected (only working with Wolodymyr for two weeks) but I hope to be able to help and provide support, his journey is not done, rather, as the second counselor in the branch presidency reminded, it is the beginning to a greater future. I am working to gain that vision of how I can help here, what my purpose and plan is. 

The excitment of this weekend was furthered because I had the opportunity to accompany Elder Peacock on a little trip to Białystok. It was branch conference so the two of us rode up with the local church leaders here. Since coming to Warsaw I haven't left so it was nice to get out and see some more of Poland - it was a short trip and we didn't have much time in Białystok but I was able to see a bit of the city and meet some new people. Elder Peacock is the branch president there but we were on exchange beause his companion was needed in Warsaw this Sunday. Białystok is one of the smallest branches, with about 2-4 active members, depending on the circumstances. I saw the branch a little different from it's usual group as there were 17 people in sacrament meeting. (A missionary, Elder Garfield, about to head home was there visiting the different cities he served in. The nine Garfields with the leaders from Warsaw added a lot) It was great to hear the testimonies of local church leaders. I am grateful for the chance we had to sustain church leaders. At the beginning we sustained Thomas S. Monson as a prohpet, seer, and revelator with the other members of the first presidency and quorum of the twelve apostles. Then from there it became more specified to local leaders until it reached Dorota, the relief society president in Białystok. It was very powerful to see the organization of the church work on such a grand as well as personal scale. It was also good to spend some time with Elder Peacock, to learn from him and his experiences. 

My family has been asking about what it is like beign zone leader so I probably ought to explain what the means a little more. To recap: I am in the Poland Warsaw mission (the whole country), there are four zones: Bydgoszcz, Warsaw I, Warsaw II, and Katowice, then within each zone there are districts of 4 to 6 missionaries, and each missionary works with a companion. I am one of the zone leaders in Warsaw I, which means we have the responsibility over missioanries serving in northern Warsaw, Lublin, and Kielce. Last week President Egren (the mission president for the whole mission) had a meeting with all of the zone leaders (missionaries). We talked about the vision for the mission. I learned a lot. So much of what I am learning is about the importance of relationships, of people, what really matters most. I have been so focused on working hard that I have forgotten to find that time to be still, calm, and peaceful. I have also struggled to think that my mission so far has been all about me. I feel like all I want to do is serve and help others but it's hard to see the impact I'm having when there are no obvious signs especially when I myself am receiving so many blessings. I didn't come on my mission for myself but as Kristin wrote in her last letter "my entire mission was made for me." I am learning the greater purpose God has for this work that I am a part of. I remember realizing that the Lord entrusts us with this work rather than doing it all Himself, perfectly. Instead, He allows us as missionaries to grow as well. I am working on finding that balance: focusing on serving others while recognizing my own growth. This week Elder Blom, Sister Pklinkowska, and I (the leaders of the our zone) get to hold two trainings one here in Warsaw and one in Lublin. Our focus is about our own personal conversion. The personal revelation we must seek to receive in order to fulfill the individual purpose God has for each of us in our own situation. 

As I myself focus on the relationships I am building, to slow and enjoy the small but most important parts of life I invite you all to watch this short message that has helped me so much. Here is the link (it comes from a talk given by President Uchtdorf, who visited Poland recently): 

 http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1101413031001 

Recently, I have been thinking about what I share in these emails. Often I am so rushed it is difficult to collect and organize my thoughts. I have tried to be candid and share what i am experiencing as best I can. I have been told by multiple people that my entries are "honest." I am glad to hear that, I want to be honest. I would, however, like to take the time and make myslef clear. I try to be honest with struggles, challenges, and lessons I am learning but I also hope that I am honest in the blessings, miracles, happy-filled moments of a mission. I am so happy. I love my mission. I love what I do, what I learn, what goes on. There are challenges to face but there is much more good than bad, help than struggle, peace than stress, and love than lonliness. I have changed a lot in my mission, so much. For one, this past week I realized I am now a morning person. I like to get up and get going, I am focused and alert early on and by night it's time to relfect and relax. More importantly I feel like I have started on the path to become who I want to be. 

The message that I try to share everyday is an invitation. I am hear to ask you to change. To think about your potential, who you want to become. Then, act don't wait to be happy or to be all you can be. None of us are perfect but I know that we can change. The message that we share about Christ is one of redemption and peace. I promise that once you come to know your Savior you will feel free, light, hopeful, empowered, peacful, and happy! I know that because that is how I feel. Pray, know for yourself if your creator exists and then follow his guidance because I know that our Father in Heaven loves us and wants what is best for us so we must trust in Him. I am grateful for the experiences in my life, big and small, meaningful and seemingly insignificant, which bring me closer to others. Confidence in ourselves comes as we rely on Christ. I have lived it. 

I love Poland. I love Polish. I love the people here. I am excited to better myself this week in the little ways: small, simple, daily things. I am grateful that I have been able to serve alongside my sister and follow in her, as well as many others', footsteps. The things Kristin wrote about in her final letter were true, I could relate to so much of it. God does have a great plan for us and it brings the greatest happiness.

I am excited to report on this next week, I know it is going to be a good one! 

z wyrazem miłości,

Starszy Kimball

"Put on thy strength"

A new area and new companion. I do feel like changes are becoming easier. They are still hard and I don't like it but I feel like I am starting to get over that quicker. I am starting to settle in, it's funny being in the same branch and district but in a different area, I am still getting used to this new area being "mine." Speaking of which it has been a struggle this week working with investigators. Things are happening here. Wolodimir, from Ukraine, is scheduled to be baptized this upcoming week and Tomek has a date for July 19. They are both humble and very accepting. They have both been coming to church, following commandments, and are excited to be baptized. It's hard to come into an area and try to connect with the investigators other missionaries have been working with. Żoliborz where I was for 4 months has some great stuff going on and people who are excited to meet and progress and it's super hard not to be a part of it. I am grateful that I get to be close and a part of things though. It is tough but I have tried to remember God's timing and purpose. I know that I can best help where I am so I want to learn what I can do and fulfill the Lord's purpose for me. 

My mission is flying by. Elder Godwin, my trainer, has finished. His family came to pick him up and see some of Poland before he left. Having lunch with him and his family was such a surreal experience. Kristin is about to go home and reading her email was surreal too. Something my sister wrote to me last week was about memories. I have recently been reading my journal from the start of my mission. It has been incredible. Memories, growth, lessons learned, trials, joys - so much is contained in what I have written. I love memories and I am grateful for them. I know that as we all review and remember that we will grow and learn so much. It is a blessing to realize how much I have grown. To see what I was struggling but now feel confident in. Similarly, there are weaknesses that I still have and am reminded of. It's been a great experience to read the records of my mission. 

Recently, while reading in 2 Nephi 8 I noticed a subtle lesson about the way Christ works. There was a line spoken by Christ inviting us to "put on strength." The verse caught my eye because I liked the imagery of wearing strength. Then at the end Christ repeats but says "put on THY strength." It is an incredible representation for me of how Christ works. At first we are to put on strength, from my experience I have learned that that means to ask and pray for strength. To rely and seek the strength of others to help. By the end of the chapter, after discussing the trials and struggles we may face our Savior then shows us that we can "put on" our own "strength." Lifes hardships don't crumble way magically we are strengthened to overcome them. At first we rely on the strength of others but the role of Christ is to help us grow so that in the end we can put on our own strength to battle against the difficulties we have in our personal situations. This links back to what I wrote about a few months ago - finding the balance between relying on Christ and using the gifts we have been given. The role of life isn't to make us dependant rather Christ is there to help on our journey of becoming like Him and our Father in Heaven. 

This past week during district meeting I felt the influence of the Holy Ghost strongly. The conference with President Uchtdorf just days before was a great time of learning and inspiration but the sweet Spirit I felt during a meeting with us humble missionaries touched me. It was a testimony to me that any of us, anywhere can feel the Spirit. Heavenly Father loves each of us and we do not need to be in the presence of a prophet to feel of His love. If you want to feel that love all you have to do is ask for it. Pray sincerely and God will answer, he has blessed me and softened my heart. I promise that the peace, clarity, and happiness that comes from growing closer to God is worth searching for. Try it out and you will see. 

Put on strength. Don't be afraid to ask for help, that is why we have each other. Be confident and courageous. 

kocham was wszystkich,

Starszy Kimball

President Uchtdorf

Well this week was definitely the craziest of my mission! 

Much of our time as missionaries was spent at the chapel preparing for President Uchtdorf's arrival. We did a whole ton of yard work on the church grounds (about 2-3 days work) it was the most service I had ever done on my mission and it was a lot of fun. This past week was also hectic because us missionaries in Warsaw were paired with brand new missionaries for the week. We have transfers (when we all change where and with whom we serve) every nine weeks but because of the conference with President Uchtdorf the new group came a little early but that meant that they would not have their trainer (first companion a missionary has - I was just a trainer this past transfer) at first. Elder Platter, who is a trainee himself, and I were both paired with new Elders and it was a lot of fun. I was able to work with Elder Burdick, he is awesome! I would love to serve with him for real some day. Because I had just trained I learned a lot about how to train so with Elder Burdick I wasn't as stressed and worried instead I could focus on loving and helping him. We had a lot of fun and success together. 

This weekend all of the missionaries from the whole country came into Warsaw for the conferences so there was a lot of baggage and travel logistics, a ton of missionaries were in each apartment (I slept on the floor for a few nights) it was so much fun. 

Well there is more to tell but let's get to it! The highlight this week was that we had two conferences with President Uchtdorf. The first was with all of the missionaries. We started that meeting by all shaking Prsident and Sister Uchtdorf's hands. It was surreal when they walked into our humble little chapel on Ul. Wolska! Then on Sunday there was a conference at the big marriott hotel in downtown Warsaw for all of the members here in Poland. It was incredible! President Uchtdorf is funny and personable as well as a great speaker. There were also other speakers: his wife, Elder and Sister Texiera and Elder and Sister Defeo (spelling) from Italy.

I learned a lot these past couple of days and here are some insights. I realized that I want better my relationship with Heavenly Father. President Uchtdorf mentioned how our missions are a time to lay a foundation for the rest of our lives and I whole heartedly agree. At the beginning of my mission I wanted to end it being the perfect person I always have wanted to be. Now my view has changed, instead I want to learn how to learn. Meaning, I know that I will not know, do and be everything that I want to by the end of my mission but I want to learn how to be on the path. I feel like there are such key principles that I have learned that have helped me understand this. I want to be the person that Heavenly Father wants to me to be and I want to trust in His perfect plan for me. I know that as simple as prayer and turning my thoughts more constantly towards my Father in Heaven I will be able to accomplish this. I look forward to strengthening my relationship with God to a more personal and intimate one. Seeing so many missionaries greet members from all over with love and hugs was touching. It was a treat to see members from Wrocław but most of my closest friends are here in Warsaw. Seeing all of these reunited friendships reminded me of my calling to build relationships with people. I am grateful that my heart and love is supposed to be the primary motivator. I learned so much about the personal nature of all we do. This weekend I feel like the word "personal" stuck out. It's all about the personal. Likening scripture to ourself, customizing principles to our circumstances, and really building relationships. All that we do is so much more meaningful when we make it personal and that is the greatest lesson I learned. Love is vital in life. We need to seek it and share it. Our time in whatever situation we are is so fleeting that we must make the most of it. I have learned a lot about the purpose of our time here on Earth. There is so much knowledge and skill that we must still attain after this life. Instead I want to focus on the relationships and experiences I have. Of course i still love learning and growing but in a different way. It's all about the "what matters most" question that we come back to whenever we are making big decisions. I am so grateful for the peace and happiness I get when I ask God for it. Even when I am stressed or just down I am grateful for the assurance that my prayers are answered. I invite all of you to ask Heavenly Father in personal prayer for more peace and happiness in your life and I promise that as you have faith you will receive it. I have learned that these things to work on are so simple but so hard. I know that as we rely on Christ all is possible.

So as I mentioned before transfers happened this past weekend. I am still here in Warsaw but am a zone leader with Elder Blom (who was in my district last transfer so I already know him). He is super cool and I am excited for this transfer. At the moment all of the Elders who started their missions when I did are either training or zone leaders. Time is flying and we are already becoming so old in the mission! It's exciting. I am grateful that I get to stay in Warsaw, with this incredible branch but also have a new area and a fresh start in a lot of ways. 

I love you all,

Starszy Kimball

Dzień Wolności

Witam! 

This week was good. Right now everything is a bit CRAZY!

This next week we have President Uchtdorf coming for the weekend! It is exciting but there is a lot of preparation needed. Therefore all of us missionaries in Warsaw will be hard at work. Cleaning and preparing the chapel and church grounds and a ton of other little things. All of the missionaries a ton of members from the whole country will be coming into Warsaw so it is going to be quite the event! A lot of coordinating. It will be hectic but fun.

There is also a lot to prepare for personally. Having President Uchtdorf come is such a blessing and I want to be prepared for it. President Edgren has encouraged us all to read our patriarchal blessings (blessings members of the church receive, which provide direction and council for life) and reflect upon our mission experiences to prepare for the conference. President Edgren also said that there will likely be a time to have questions/ be questioned. It is quite daunting but I am looking forward to it all. 

Also, new missionaries are coming in this week (early in order to be here for the conference) but since transfers (when all of the missionaries change where and with whom they work) are this Sunday they won't have their trainers for a few days. Therefore, us missionaries here in Warsaw will be paired with a trainee for a couple of days - even Elder Platter my current trainee! Our apartment will be a little cramped but it is going to be a lot of fun. 

Basically this week is going to be a lot of fun. There is a lot of energy everywhere and my goal is to harness that into positive, productive energy and to seek for peace this week. I am excited to share tell you all how it goes!

This past week wasn't without it's own excitement. We had heard that President Obama was coming to Poland but didn't think much of it. Then one day some missionaries saw a big to do on the big Plac in old town. The next day around noon they called us and said that President Obama was there so Elder Platter and I jumped on the metro and go over there. When we got there the Polish President was still speaking and then President Obama began. It was cool. It was all about how great Poland is so that was fun. It was the 25th anniversary of Poland's freedom "dzień wolności." It was an exciting high light. 

We continue to work and meet with people. Nothing crazy happening. However, last weekend there were two baptisms. I knew them both, Teresa and Andrzej, not well but the missionaries that worked with them are in my district so it was fun. The Spirit was so strong at the meetings yet the whole experience was so humble and simple. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of it. 

Lives do change. We really can reach our potential and become those people we want to be. I know that Through Jesus Christ everything is possible. As we learn to rely on Him and His strength we will be able to do so much more. 

I love you all, 

Starszy Kimball

Nie bój się, tylko wierz!

Drodzy ukochani, 

I hope that all of you had a great week. This week was jam packed of excitement and activity! 

I cannot believe that I have now been a high school graduate for over a year! Time keeps flying by, quicker and quicker. In some ways that sounds quite young, having just graduated from high school but it is jetting by. 

Here are the highlights of the week:

1. Elder Platter and I had an afternoon with Elder Caskey (zone leader and in our district) because Elder Blom (Elder Caskey's companion was on the train coming back from an exchange with other missionaries in Kielce). We went to the park right by our place and it lively! This past Saturday was Children's day, "Dzień Dziecka" and the park, which is usually quite calm was full of booths and activity. One of the highlights was a stage with these kids performing the Lion King in Polish - pretty cool.

2. We took our culture night (once a transfer) with the missionaries in our district and explored parts of Warsaw. I love this city so much! I have a lot of pictures this week and it made me realize how the pictures I send home represent so little of what my mission is. My pictures are usually of us missionaries on our free days or culture nights. I wish I could get pictures of all the people I meet and work with - where I spend almost all of my time but I guess my written record is good enough and the pictures help you see all of the fun we have as well.

3. We have worked with the Branch President (the leader of our local congregation) and his wife - President and Sister Jagard - a lot recently. Sister Jagard accompanied us on a lesson, then we went over to their place to teach family home evening (they have three little kids) and then on Dzień Dziecka there was a primary activity that we helped in all phases. They are American but both served missions in Poland (how they met) and it was really fun to get to work with them. It was a definite role reversal being the missionaries coming over the to the church members house. They are an awesome family.

4. We met with this really cool guy named Kamil and he agreed to be baptized June 28th once he receives the answer that our message is true. We also met Rafał who has had some bad health but prayed to God to live and find greater purpose/ direction in life and then met us and took it to be his answer. 

5. Life is good. The transfer is almost over .

I love you all! 

Starszy Kimball

On P-day we rented the city bikes and road around Park Saski where the country of Poland was dedicated for missionary work. It was beautiful and fun!