This week each day was filled with small, simple, special moments. One day it was while we were knocking door to door in a nieghboorhood, the next just on the streets, and again while on a free table. There were a handfull of individuals I met where I was able to connect with them. I tried to understand them and from my experience and journey out on the mission I have things to say. Missionary work is so much more meaningful when it is personal and being bold is so much more effective when there is love and authenticity. I don't know what these people went away with but I left each conversation spiritually edified and renewed.
We had some exciting events as well such as, going to Gdynia - the third town in this tri-city coast region. We went there to visit less-active members of the branch (none of them live there anymore) but we were able to see part of the city during our lunch hour. It was fun. For culture night we had a grill with Monika and Krzysztof and some of their friends. Monika comes to English class and when she doesn't have school she comes to church. She is incredible - a friend to the missionaries and a wonderful example. We had the BBQ by some woods that surround Gdańsk so were able to explore a little.
I have noticed the Gdańsk crest during my six months in this beautiful city and I have often wondered what the Latin motto written beneath the crown and crosses meant. So I looked it up and it describes very well the lessons I have learned during my time up north.
I have been reviewing journals this past transfer - not all of them but certain time periods - and I have remembered the different feelings I had. Sometimes excited, sometimes stressed, sometimes down trodden. In the trials I have faced the answer to the questions I have don't always seem to be the main theme but I learn how to handle people, situations, life. I have found that we cannot be afraid of life but we also need to be meek as we go forward. The emblem "Nec Temere Nec Timide" fits perfectly as it translates into "Neither Rashly Nor Timidly."
I have contemplated the service I have received during my mission and I am most touched by those who show genuine Christlike character. I am grateful for those who are understanding, those who are patient, those who appreciate me and make me feel of worth. I am grateful for those who love me. Christ envelopes everything that is good and that is why we are so powerful in serving others because when we represent him we reflect His light to others. Remember to be that comforter, the uplifter, that loving and caring support to others. I promise it is in this humilty where we find peace. I thank so many for their examples who invite the Spirit who invite love for that is what changes me and makes me better.
It is odd to be starting my last week but I will strive to adhere to the council preached by my city's motto to go forward "neither rashly nor timidly."
Starszy Kimball
The hand of the Lord (August 10, 2015)
I'm not sure if there is any real theme this week but a ton of faith building experiences:
Last Monday we met Stanisław while we were tracting. He was hesitant to let us in - one of those kind of playing hard to get but we all knew that we were going to sit down and talk so when his wife told him to invite us in for tea he gave in. The lesson went well and we were invited back. As we were walking out I realized the hand of the Lord in us meeting Stanisław. A couple of week ago we had felt prompted to visit some less active members. We chose two but one of the address didn't exist. We looked at the street name and then looked at those that exist in Gdańsk - there were some clues that made it look like it might have been an error in recording the address so we found the street that we thought it might be and traveled out. Although, it was less than a 20 minute bus ride from the center of town we were out in the country in an area we never would have gone to had we not researched the needed buses. While we were there we missed a turn, got a little lost and found a beautiful street with Polish fields as the surrounding scenery. We went back found the address and realized the member didn't live there. I really liked the area though so last Monday we decided to go back. While we were visiting these home we met Stanisław who recognized us because he had met sister missionaries a couple of years prior. I thought of the guidance Heavenly Father had given to have His servants reach out to this specific man. I look forward to seeing how his reading and praying went.
Before district meetings on Tuesday we have a group language study. Sister Grgich bought some language learning books so we have been basing our study off of them. We were doing a listening comprehension exercise. I asked what level the book was for and was surprised that she said A2 (on the international scale from A1 up to C2). I voiced my concern that wouldn't these exercises be too hard for an A2? Sister Grgich then responded with some great wisdom. She replied that if the student using the book could already master the exercises then they wouldn't be learning, those at A2 are supposed to struggle and be stretched by doing this work. It was sort of a "duh" moment but it hit me. This lesson is a theme of my mission. I often feel that the tasks set for us are meant to be mastered but that isn't how it really should be if we are planning on growing. Growth requires a lot more patience and hope but the fruits are of eternally greater worth.
We visited Magda, a member in Sopot. As we talked about gospel truths, as she shared experience about her missionary service (she is the only RM in the branch) I was able to re-learn about the empowering force of gospel truths. When I understand the true plan that God has for us - the role of the Atonement - I feel so good, life just feels right and worries are calmed. Yesterday in church she gave a talk. Not only was her address doctrinely sound (unique in this branch of new members with various backgrounds) but it was full of the Spirit. I felt the Holy Ghost as I heard her sincerely testifying from her heart. Her topic was the blessings of the temple. In priesthood we also talked about the temple and Patryk led the discussion. He and Irek are currently on the train to Wrocław to meet up with other members to bus it to Frankfurt to visit the temple for the first time!
In different lessons as well as meetings on the street or in the park I felt the Spirit. We ran across people who are searching for truth or guidance. We met some who had tricky questions but the Spirit was able to bring peace to the situations and provide answers using personal experiences and lesson drawing from our memory. I saw many miracles this week.
I have been blessed with more clarity, and my vision for the future for accomplishing as been restored.
Love,
Starszy Kimball
Trusting God (August 3, 2015)
Last Friday I had my last zone conference. It is a pretty major milestone that I have seen groups go through my whole mission. It was fun to travel into Warsaw and have a spiritually uplifting day. I have been in denial about going home so I have been pretty emotionally dead about things. Seeing so many faces and having to say good bye led to the first tears of the end.
This week was full of experience and learning:
Tyler Finch came and visited Gdańsk with his family on a tour of Poland. I know him as Elder Finch who was in my district second transfer back in Wrocław. It was an incredible night to spend with him, first meeting his family and then having him join us for some missionary work. We didn't serve around each other too much but I looked up to him and after seeing him I still do. He has a peaceful, grateful, positive heir and presence. He has continued to move forward and has kept his love for Poland and her people. It inspired me to enjoy these last few weeks.
The sisters have recently been visiting a former investigator who lives in a senior home. They organized to play the guitar and sing some songs for the patients. We went with them and I experienced a miracle. Sister Grgich played and sang the song "Żeby Polska Była Polską" and the Spirit filled the room. Looking out at the faces, some lifeless, of the people who endured the history that the lyrics taught. When the chorus came, some of the more able listeners joined in. I looked over at the young girl with whom the sisters had coordinated with and tears were in her eyes too. My love for Poland, for these people and my appreciation for my mission came back. It felt so right.
We met with Patryk this past week who is preparing for his mission, he is 21. I remember when I was here last Elder Jackson and I met with him and I asked if he was planning on serving a mission. He said that he wasn't planning on it. A week later we find out that he had started his mission papers. I asked him how he decided to serve. He said that he had been non-committedly thinking about it for a while but he got his answer directly one evening and ever since is set on going. We started going through Preach My Gospel to prepare him and he goes to the temple in a week. I am excited for him to recieve his call.
We are also meeting with Stan, a friend to the missionaries but not a member. He has met different missionaries and has expressed different concerns. Last time I was here I felt that because of some circumstances I couldn't offer what he needed so we didn't meet with him much. For the past couple of weeks we have started again. He doesn't want to be pressured but he is choosing to search and open up. I can't wait for him to feel God's love again and receive some answers.
We had a sports Saturday with some kids in the branch: Kasia, Tomek, and Anja. We played soccer and got to know them a little bit. I have worried about them growing up without a lot of support in the church but seeing Heavenly Father guiding them and helping them to grow is incredible to see.
At zone conference I based my testimony off of the principle of trust. I have found that trusting God is essential to finding peace. For me to be confident in moving forward, in dealing with problems, in having hope I must have trust in God's plan and in His love. These truths have been rocky for me but I know that the love Christ has for us is the answer to all of our questions and concerns. It is hard and we are tested but when we can trust God then we are stable. I know that Christ's perfect love and understanding is possible only through His atoning sacrifice. His love is a constant and will get us out of all darkness.
Starszy Kimball
