There was a wedding this week. Monika and Tadeusz from the second branch here in Warsaw (I am in the first but I know them a little bit). Our members are few and it is hard to be a single member of the church here, especially when trying to find a husband or wife but it was so special to be a part of it.
We missionaries helped prepare for the reception (at the chapel) while the actual wedding took place and were able to be at the reception for a while. Missionaries from all of Warsaw were there and we had some time before we assumed the event would end and we would be needed to help clean up so we went out contacting. Because there were so many of us and a more various group than usual we decided to mix up and go out on mini-exchanges for a couple hours. I had the chance to go with Elder Retallick. It was so much fun. We had the opportunity to go out for half an hour during our first transfer when the zone met up in Katowice but now, nearly a year after we met it was fun to go out and see how much has changed. We had a good lesson with Marzena, a lady who was a little sassy at first but then warmed up to us throughout the conversation (I love it when that happens). We were able to catch up and exchange thoughts and experiences. Whenever I meet up with those I have worked with before I am reminded of the friendship we have. Elder Retallick is a great example and missionary.
I also had the chance to work with Elder Platter again on an exchange in Żoliborz. It was fun to go back and enjoy the memories as well as notice the progress. Elder Platter and I have different strengths and weaknesses and have different mission and life paths but despite that it is cool to see him experience so much of what I did as he progresses in his missionary service. It's great to serve near him still and continue to learn from him. We were able to meet with Jacob too - he is the young linguist that I met when I was serving with Elder Wilson. He is busy but is making time to meet again. He mentioned the change he has seen in himself and I am so grateful to have heard that. Jacob is an incredible guy, I feel so lucky to have been able to meet with him again.
During a white board this week I had the coolest conversation of my mission. Wojtek is a young guy working here in Warsaw. I just felt comfortable, fluid in communication, and engaged - as was he as he asked a bunch of questions and continued the conversations. In Polish the formal way to say "you" is to use Pan/Pani (Mr. or Mrs.) so it's put in the third person ex. Cyz pan ma wiarę w Chrystusa? = Does the sir have faith in Christ? As the conversation progressed he asked me if we could stop using the "pan" thing and just use "ty" (you). I think that was the first time I had been asked that, being young and all. I am not even sure what it was but it was such a cool conversation.
This week I was reminded of a key principle. True, we should do the right things but even more - if we want to really reach our potential - we ought to do the right thing for the right reason. Teresa (a recently baptized member) taught the Sunday school lesson about charity. She has us read from 1Corinthians 13 which says that all other virtues are meaningless without charity. Love gives the sincerity behind our acts of service. it gives our words and actions power and meaning. The work I am a part of is all about helping others grow closer to Christ. It often requires a lot of hard work: going out on the streets for hours at a time and trying to find people interested to talk. It can be easy to go out lacking a clear focus or vision, just to run through the motions of what I know I should. Of course sometimes the love comes as we act and that is a divine law. At the same time, I know that when I prepare myself and am empowered with love, peace, and clarity from my Heavenly Father that I am more effective. Also, my time is more fulfilling to me personally. In order for us to aspire to what we can become it is infinitely more efficient to do what we do with love and joy. If we don't have that then let's take a minute, reevaluate and seek that happiness so that we capitalize on the blessings in store for us.
Beata from our English class taught us that Poland has a motto highlighting its three priorities. God, honor, and homeland. I love Poland and learning more about the history here. I know that when we make Heavenly Father our first priority He will guide us so that all others will lead to our happiness and eternal progression.
Modlę sie dla was wszystkich,
Starszy Kimball
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