May 10, 2010

Dear Family,

It was such a blessing to hear all of your voices. I felt truly refreshed after it. I Love You so much.

Well this past week was one of the toughest in regards to mental opposition. Elder Henderson and I are much a like. We tend to run faster than we can go. However the Lord has been teaching each of us ever since the beginning of our missions that it is much better to work smarter not necessarily harder. Let me share an example (told at the MTC), if a farmer was to buy 50 watermelon seeds for 50 cents each. Then after time when the watermelons were ripe went to the market to sell them. At the market he sells them for 50 cents each. After everything is sold he does this process again. Eventually he wonders why he is not making a profit. Well we can see that in this situation the farmer does not necessarily need to work harder but smarter. If he worked any harder he would not get anywhere just more exhausted. However if the farmer would do it smarter he would notice that he could increase the price so he obtain the necessary tools(planning wisely, following PMG) to speed up the process and receive the greater end result (success). However if he doesnt use the tools correctly then he is just playing in the dirt. Elder Henderson and I have made it the top priority to slow down and make the Spirit top priority. In so doing we give the Spirit more room to breath and dont miss unplanned opportunities in our paths due to rushing or trying to do too much.

In conclusion that is why it has been pretty tough. And as I do it the Lord has blessed me with the greatest sense of peace I have ever felt. Therein lies the confirmation that the goal we have set is His will.

Also our top investigator is facing some opposition to be baptized. M. is too young to be baptized by her yourself but will turn that age this year. Please pray that her mom's heart will softened towards this message. She has been prepared by the Lord for some time and she is so ready for baptism.

So currently in Oulu (almost to the artic circle) the sun shines almost all day or in other words that when I wake up and go to bed the sun is still shining. The branch is amazing. The Branch president has the most contagious smile that I have ever seen. He is just genuinely happy.

Thank you so much for your prayers. They are felt. Also in those prayers if you could please focus on M. and gift of tongues.

I love you! Suomesta (from Finland)
V. Hamner