"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