Week 3

Hi everyone!

This week has been pretty all right. Had its ups and downs. 

Last Thursday we had a service project helping make the school packets that the church hands out to the needy. It was OK, but, my companion and I were assigned to be one of the driving companionships, so we ended up spending like 3 hours total in the van shuttling elders. It was pretty awful. But that doesn't matter because we were able to help out our fellow missionaries, and that was good.

Elder Bartholomew and Sister Boswell at the Family History Library

On Friday (I think) I ran into Sister Boswell at the FHL, and was able to help her do some work. For everyone who doesn't know who she is, she is the person who taught me basically everything I know about FamilySearch, when I was a Family History Consultant for my stake. It was super fun to run into her and to catch up.

Elders Clark and Devine at the Beez game

Speaking of seeing people, I haven't had a single day since being on the mission where I haven't seen someone I know. On Saturday we as a mission went to the Beez baseball game. It was horrid, and awful, but I was really glad to get a break from the norm. I saw a guy from the conference center that I worked with, whose name is Ed, who was operating a camera at the game, and I saw a guy from the scout camp I worked at, whose name is Sean Neal. I don't have a pic with him because I saw him and we just talked really fast.

Ed and Elder Bartholomew at the Beez game

Alma 29:8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.

I'll add some emphasis that applies to me. 8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.

I have been called to my own nation, to my own people, to teach people in my own tongue. Just like a Brazilian Elder being called to Brazil, I am a Utah Elder, that has been called to Utah. And even though I don't get to teach the gospel in the traditional sense, I still get to help people learn the importance, and the blessing that knowing our Family History is for us. And that is enough. Early in Alma 29, Alma the younger wishes that he was an angel and could teach everyone in the whole world. But he recognizes that that is not a right desire. It might be righteous, but is not in line with what Heavenly Father had planned for him. I'm not sure if Alma knew that in fact his words would touch many people all over the world, but they have. I had a desire to teach the Gospel, and only wanted to serve away from home. My desire to serve was right, but going away from Utah just wasn't the plan for me. And that is OK. I am happy to be here serving, and happy to be seen by those of my community who know me.

Elders Devine, Clark, Bartholomew, and Allison

So there are two elders that my companion and I have gravitated towards: Elders Clark, and Devine. Elder Clark has bipolar as well, and is like the coolest dude. He is from South Jordan, Utah. Elder Devine is in a wheelchair, and is the most normal person ever, and he has been such a rock for me these last few weeks. The two of them, and me and my comp, are doing a musical number in a couple weeks. We are doing Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy. If we get a good recording of it at some point I might send it. Maybe not.

I love all of you and I am really glad that I know each of you. 

Love,

Elder Bartholomew

FHL - Family History Library