11/7/16

This week, oh this week! This week was really cool.  We taught a bunch of lessons and worked super hard and guess what I didn’t feel as bad as last week! There’s a real blessing from the Lord. Someone this week called me Elder Ellssmith.  So, I mean, that was fun.  I didn’t laugh too loud.  I was respectable, don’t worry, Mom! 

I gave my testimony on Sunday.  It was the first time I’ve been called to give my testimony and the first time I cried all the way through.  I know the plan of salvation is true. It has to be!.

We had a very productive week.  We taught a total of 20 lessons and have an investigator preparing for baptism for Sunday.  The people here are ready to follow God. 

There are still struggles-- like people not understanding there is one true church or that the Book of Mormon is The Book of Mormon, not The Book of Mammon lol.

On Sunday before sacrament meeting I was having a hard time. The thought came to my mind that I felt alone.  Yes I know the atonement means I’m never alone, but my mind led to why I was here and the question I asked myself that we should all ask ourselves is '' do I love the Gospel or, do I love the people of the Gospel?'' Basically am I here because the gospel or am I here because of my ward, friends, and family? I answered both-- don’t worry I love you all but more so, the first part.  That’s where our testimony needs to be.  That’s the rock and not the sand.

Money literally goes so far here. You can get like a full glass bottle of soda for like 25 cents (1 cedi). The only expensive things are American things and they are only like 25 cedi-- which is like 6 dollars.

Dad, thank you for your stories. I talk so much about you and mom and everyone.   I miss everyone and everything so much but I know I’m doing the right thing.

I tried taking money out today but the ATM was broken lol.  Not that I need any but I just need to buy clothes and stuff with my money not mission money.  It’s so different here and my greatest desire is to go home.  But then I think about it and my greatest desire is when I get home: I want to go to the temple with everyone as soon as I get off the plane. That’s more important to me. 

Also, Oreos are a lot better in Africa than America!  Yes, even without milk. :)  

Please read the Book of Mormon. Even for the story. It has the best story ever (yes even better than Harry Potter) 

I love you all and am absolutely grateful for the support. 

Love

Elder Ellsworth (the one better at riding a bike)

P.s I’ve decided I’m better at riding a bike than Spencer because I haven’t crashed yet (knock on wood) but the traffic here is absolutely crazy!! Also it’s not me it’s the protection of all the prayers and obedience by actually wearing my helmet :) (yes I’m the nerd missionary that wears his helmet)