* Elder Pickering * Minneapolis Minnesota Missionary *: Week 4

Ryan seems to be settling in and figuring this mission stuff out. I would like to share a part of a letter that he wrote his Grandpa Felix this week. AS a parent, it is so good to hear that your child understands his purpose and why he need to be on a mission. It will definitely help in the difficult times.

"A mission sure is hard, and lots of people struggle. The hard thing is when they try to find the source or just feel like its not right for them. Thankfully I have had the chance to pray and receive my answers and know that this is exactly where I need to be, no matter how hard it could get, or whatever I go through. This gospel is something that needs to be shared, the peace that comes from knowing God and being able to receive answers from Him is something specific to our church, and that is cool. God is all knowing and all powerful and would take the time to answer every single one of his children that reach out to him with real intent and desire. I love this gospel, and I love all the love and support I have received from you all!"

Group Email:

Things here are really starting to get in a groove, and just feel a lot more comfortable. This week has been yet another of language learning, gospel study, and cannons going off from 5 until 6 every morning that shake your dorm. Pday we got to go to the Mexico city temple, and it was very beautiful. As well as the visitor center next to it, had a whole section that they had made to look like you were in the times of the savior and it was the coolest experience. Also in the temple my headset with English didn't work, so I had just took it off and went for it all in Spanish, and since I didn't have a headset, every worker just thought I was already fluent and talked to me and assumed I was, so that was for sure quite the adventure. Also cool story of God answering prayers. I went into the temple with some questions I had and wanted to receive answers on. When I was in the celestial room I felt prompted to open this book of Mormon in front of me, and in the marked chapter was every single thing I needed to hear and feel at that moment. If you put in your part and search and ponder, then you will hear and find what you need. Trust in the Lord, and don't underestimate a thing He would do for you. And no question or concern that you have is too small to receive help or an answer for. Also our MTC had the opportunity to watch a live broadcast of President Ballard, and that was such a cool thing to be part of. It is so apparent that the apostles that have been called are in tune with the spirit and know exactly what to say and their words are from God, so head to them, and know that very well what the are saying could be directly from God to you and whoever else God knows needs to hear that message.

Also it wouldn't be a normal email from me without something crazy or interesting that happened. So I will tell you how I saved the commodore from being burned down. So there is this fancy toaster thing here that you can put your bread in, and it goes through this whole conveyor system and flips it and everything. So someone had the idea to try a sandwich in it, and it got stuck. So I was looking over and I see flames coming directly out of the toaster, and I pretty much was the hero and got that flaming sandwich out of the toaster and on to a plate so it would burn out, so look for me in the news or something soon, the hero of the CCM.

Also the earthquake alarm has been going off very frequently here, so who knows what that means for the future, but I'm sure all will be well in the CCM. Well everyone, keep on keeping on wherever you are in the world, talk to you all next week!