Hi Family!
Well things are going good. Definitely a highlight of the week was going back to San Francisco for Zoe and Maddie's baptisms! It was a great night. Elder Kesler baptized both of them, and when Zoe was being baptized, the thought came to my mind that our Father in Heaven is truly a God of miracles! The first time that we ever taught Zoe was Oct. 13th, and the day she was baptized was Nov. 13th - exactly one month later! The Lord works in mysterious ways, and led Zoe to the fullness of his gospel, through an add for Mormon.org on the internet. Maddie was also a miracle baptism. When me and Elder Anderson were both new to the ward in July, we sat down with Bishop Hoyt (Bishop of the Sunset ward), and went over the ward list with him, asking who we should drop by. To make a long story short, Maddie was baptized on Saturday, because of the love of an inspired Bishop, that sent us to the Miles house to "check up on them". Maddies mom, (Cheryl Miles), and her sister (Ashton) who were less active are making their way back, and it is a miracle to see the effects of the spirit in the home of this family that has been through a lot.
So the baptism in our area didnt go through this weekend. Bill Scott was supposed to be baptized yesterday, but he didn't pass his baptism interview, because of word of wisdom issues. He used to drink coffee a lot, and he hasn't had a full cup in over 2 weeks, but he says that he "sips" coffee on a daily basis. He is an older man (like in his 60's), and found it very hard to understand why sipping coffee would be bad for him, and why it would keep him from being baptized. We had a good lesson and explained to him the importance of keeping the commandments 100%, and the importance of obeying - even when we don't fully understand why the Lord asks us to keep certain commandments. So he committed to stop drinking coffee 100%, then after the lesson, he pulled out a bottle of green tea and started drinking it! We had to explain to him again that tea is also against Gods commandments. He accepted, and is working towards his new baptism date on November 28th. Hes a great guy.
We also started teaching a girl in the singles ward named Cassandra Bybee. She had a really rough childhood, and recently recovered from a marijuana addiction. She is super sensitive to the spirit, and loves when we have lessons, because she can notice the spirit, and it makes her day better. She is very shy, and doesn't say much, but she really wants to make changes in her life. We invited her to be baptized and she didn't hesitate to say yes. She is preparing herself to be baptized on Dec. 11th. She is homeless and living with a less active member in the ward, so we are working with both of them, but yesterday they both came to church!
I'm not homesick, or thinking about home to much, so don't let what I'm about to say scare you... today marks my 19th month mark. It is nothing to be afraid of or hide from - the truth is I only have 5 months left. Lately a lot of things have been on my mind, and this morning for my personal study, I set goals for my self to finish my mission out strong. I just need to be grateful! I think that gratitude is a great antidote for sorrow in life. I was sad to leave the city, and I am sad that I only have 5 months left, but I'm trying to be grateful. Grateful for the amazing experiences that the Lord has blessed me with. Grateful for the miracles that I have seen, that have shown me that this is the Lords work - without a doubt! Even in times of regret, when I feel like I could have been better or handled a situation better, I have learned (and I'm still learning!) to be grateful for the opportunity to grow from that certain experience. The hope and joy that comes from the Atonement, is unexplainable! We always have hope in our lives no matter what. We can overcome any trail in life and be restored to joy, because of our Savior. Any pain in life is only temporary, and if we are obedient in the hard times, and the times when life is good, we will be taken care of and one day be free from all of it. Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting, because the first Sunday of the month was our Stake Conference. A man in our ward bore his testimony and said, "We are not defined by our problems, we are defined by how we respond to them". I know that everyone has problems in life and all of them can be overcome through Christ, and by living His gospel. I am so grateful to know all these truths!
I love you family and hope that you have another great week!
-Elder Cook
ps - It does not feel like November here! Last night the Ward had a break the fast, and we were sitting outside at 6 pm under palm trees, in short sleeved shirts eating our dinner. I felt like a cool summer night.
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