Week 86 Hanging on the moment

Dear family,

What a week. Every week of this transfer has been exhausting but so rewarding in every way. We dropped a lot of investigators this past week and were dropped by many. It is sad to see many influenced by the oppions of family and friends. It is even harder when so many deprive others of their free agency. Over all about 35 investigators are on progression hold. It was needed. As we united in fasting and prayer, Elder Porcelli and I learned much together. It was test of faith. We were losing investigators faster than we could find them. As we trusted the Lord and put those first that were putting us first we were able to focus on finding less actives, working with recent converts and members, meanwhile finding the elect every where we went. A great quote my Mom sent me that well repersents this last week. "Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actualy be falling into place". As long as we are doing our all we know that the Lord has a bigger plan in store.

We are teaching a few great families. One of which, after fasting called us and asked if we could meet. We found 8 less active members as we prayed on the street before trying to find their addreses, one family had not been visisted in more than 10 years. So sad, people just want to be loved and cared about. Another family was found as we prayed on the street and found the builiding they were in but had no appartment number. We knocked on the appartment door and they instantly opened up, we asked "are you Gevork"? "Sure am, come in". Less actives came to church and members are catching the vision of missionary work. The work is hastening. The Lord is softening these people's hearts. It is incredible how only a few missionaries in one city can change the whole atmosphere and spirit of thousands.

We were blessed to have 5 investigators come to church, we were hoping for more, we will work to get the families present. The work is just on the tipping point of taking off. We are doing well but "good is great's biggest enemy". There is always better, I find that as I am grateful for all that the Lord has done through us, I can simultaneously feel the need to do more and improve. I learned a lot about a lot this past week specifically in the realm of Christlike attributes and composure, patience, love, always having the spirit and faith in Christ. I feel that I am on a steeper learning curve each week as the Lord blesses us with opportunities to learn and develop.

We did some service this past week and built a pig pen. We were right by the border of Turkey and we could see the mosques and the majistic snow covered Ararat (seis and masis) The big and the little is what it translates to. It was a quiet little village and gave me time to think and unwind a bit while carrying bricks I realized more and more that missionary work and anything in life doesn't really matter until we always know why it is that we do it. It is all about the realtionships that we make with one another. It is about love as the Savior continually stated in his mortal ministry. As I thought of this eternal truth more clearly it helped me appreciate this service, my companion and these people much more, It allowed me to see the bigger picture and expanded my vision.

As a senior couple lost a son this last week I was thinking what I needed to say to someone that just lost someone that close. I had a neat experience as I pondered what I should say to them. As I thought these words resonsonated in my mind from the Holy Ghost, the perspective of eternity heals alll wounds. It is something small but significant that has perhaps brought me more comfort than them. Great blessings are given, prayers are answered and the deepest of wounds healed as we turn outward and focus on others. I love this service, I am hanging on to every moment. I love Elder Porcelli, he is all around amazing and I have learned much from him. My capacity to love has grown. I love you, these people and this time of my life.

Love Elder Lunt