Week 7

So good to hear from Brian and his continual progress. Here is his letter from today.

Hello everyone! I ammmmm backkkk!!!! Its nice to have my energy and personality back for the most part, that you lose when you are sick. Mono took me to my knees that is for sure. I am doing well now, which makes me so grateful to back into the swing of things. There is always something to learn from everything. And as I was sick I thought about so many things. I really like what my friend Elder Obiama said to me before he left and I was in bed, he said in times of adversity just remember "this too shall pass". My faith and strength were wavering and I thought how do I stay positive in this? But I was reminded by Elder Obiama that it is not always about staying positive but rather than staying focused. The savior probably was not to happy about suffering the sins for all who have ever lived and will live. However, he was focused with faith and knew of the greatness that it would bring. I heard a quote by Elder Holland, it hit me hard. It talks about how "we must all sit for a very FEW moments in Gethsemane and sometimes as disciples of Christ we must take a few steps towards the summit of Calvary". 

Even though it is nothing close to what the savior went through, in our times of adversity we must think of this. We must endure it well, stay focused and keep our eye on the savior who is not the light at the end of the tunnel but rather the light in the tunnel; with us every step of the way, even though at times it may not feel like it and we may be sitting in our own Gethsemane, he will give us the power to over come whatever trials he has given us. As much as it flat out SUCKS sometimes and its so much easier said then done. It is important to "endure these things well; for all things shall give the experience". We are only guaranteed two things in this life, adversity and death. Everything else is based upon our actions, reactions and what you make of yourself and others. So when its your turn to sit in Gethsemane, keep this is mind and remember the "Son of God hath descended below all"

Its pretty crazy to think that I am here just as long as a stateside missionary now, I leave in 12 days now..Whats weird is that I have already been here for about 2 months, I fell like time is slipping away from me. Life is such a weird thing. I heard a talk today that mentioned we all receive 86,400 seconds in a day...how will we spend it. Our time is more valuable than money or anything else given to us because it is given to us by the lord. Each breath and heartbeat, every second is a gift; treat it like one. I enjoyed this. I think of my time in the MTC and think how I made use of my time and how I have done well but there is always better, always room for change and improvement. I was kind of taken back last night as new Zone Leaders my companion and I and some of the sister training leaders (sis Kieffer and her comp.) were giving a orientation/tour to 16 new missionaries going to Madagascar that are  in our zone. I though of how fast time goes by and I remembered when I was sitting where they were at and I felt many of the same thoughts and emotions of that night it was interesting to think how fast it goes by and life is no exception. It made me think that life will pass you by before you know it. Its so important to soak up the moment, and to be happy with what it is your are doing now and who you are.

Well I love you all and hope everyone is doing good. Thank you for all the letters, packages, etc. I am good on everything and have all I need. Love you all. 

Love Elder Lunt