Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
It's been such a fun day for us over here in Reading! It's been dinner appointments and a fun Turkey Bowl with the Reading Zone. Without a doubt, this is a Thanksgiving I will not forget I had on the mission.
A few other things have happened and are happing, it's never a dull moment in the fantastic land of Reading. Probably the biggest thing that happened was that we had three baptisms this past weekend. Anthony, Dakota, and Chanel. It was a special baptism because we had so many special appearances from the Assistants, (we had an exchange the day before) and Elder Martinez. It was so great being able to see all three of them get baptized and then all three of them be confirmed the next day. To have the privilege to baptize Anthony was so great. The Spirit was just so strong being able to see all three baptisms happen.
Elder Baker and I have just been having a blast here in the late fall. The winter is coming quick with 40 degree weather with wind chill that makes it feel like 20 degrees. We have just been having great laughs about it and finding great joy in the work. Another thing that is happening is we will be getting a third companion tomorrow who is Elder Crane. His companion is going home and he will be going home in two weeks so this will be the 4th missionary I have sent home which is kind of crazy but fun at the same time.
To close this entry of the mission, I just want to say how grateful I am for so much that has been given to me by my Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for my family first and foremost. My parents are incredible and my siblings mean the world to me. It brings so much peace that I will spend all time and eternity with them. I'm thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that I know to be true which brings me a lot of happiness. I'm thankful for prophets and apostles (both ancient and modern) who have priesthood authority to guide the people of Zion to the strait and narrow path and to help us stay on it.
There are two unique things I have learned and have appreciated more since I have been on my mission. I'm thankful for my mission as a whole. I'm thankful for the people I have met, especially all my companions. Learning from all 12 of them has meant the world to me and to keep learning is such a blessing. I'm thankful for the good times and the bad on the mission. It isn't always easy to be out here on a mission. But the hard times that have made me uncomfortable, I know are making me grow. I'm thankful I have two years to represent the Lord Jesus Christ as an authorized representative to preach His Gospel. I have teared up one time or another to really think this will all be over. But I'm grateful for the time the Lord has and is giving me now. I have been blessed so much with my mission. I love my mission with all my heart, no matter what.
The second thing I am eternally thankful for is my Savior Jesus Christ. I have always known His sacrifice and that He is the Messiah. But I just grow my personal relationship with Him more and more as I continue on in my mission. I love the Lord, probably the biggest blessing is seeing my relationship with Him grow while I am out here. I become more committed, dedicated, bold, and consecrated in doing His will.
I'm thankful for all of you who read these weeklys. You all mean a ton to me and I hope all of us may continually remember what we are thankful for everyday, not just Thanksgiving. As we do, all our doubts will flying and we will be singing as the day goes by.
Have a great Turkey Day!
Elder Cortes
Reading, PA
No comments:
Post a Comment