Familia!
First off, thank you for calling the MTC to let me know
Grandma passed away. I was called down to the District President's office
and he very kindly shared with me what had happened. He shared with me a
thought from D & C 42: 44-46. Read it right now if
you don't remember it (literally, stop reading my e-mail, go read the
scripture, and then come back). It seemed to parallel exactly what happened
with Grandma and I. I knew that I wasn't going to see her again and that
her passing would be quickly after I entered the MTC. I'm glad that she
passed away peacefully and I loved the sentiment Mom expressed that
"Grandpa was there to take her home". I know she really wanted
that and I prayed one night that he would be able to pick her up. It's very
hard to think that I won't see her again in this life, but I know she's in a
much better place and is much happier there. What a blessing it is to
know that we can be with her for eternity and that our family ties are not
severed. As the scripture above says (and I paraphrase) "we will
mourn when they die because we loved them" but the will be taken into
peace and happiness. My companion was really helpful as well because
after I got out of our meeting I think it was fairly obvious that I was
emotionaly shaken. He asked if I was okay and I just told him that my
grandma had passed away. He wrapped me in the biggest bear hug and
didn't let go until I got everything out. Since then I've had a few sad
thoughts but ultimately I'm so grateful to our Father in Heaven for
granting my requests. I asked that she could return home in peace, that
she wouldn't suffer, and especially that grandpa would pick her up. What
a blessing that is. What a long, full life she lived. I'm sad she
has left us, but supremely grateful that she has "returned home
to the God who gave her life." He loves us so much, and He loves
her. He will not leave us comfortless, especially in this difficult
time. Christ suffered so He could understand our pains (Alma 7:11-12)
I don't remember much about Grandpa's funeral, obviously
because I was five at the time, but if I get to share any thoughts, these are
the thoughts I want shared:
Grandma was a fantastic individual. I consider her to
be one of my greatest mentors, and truly one who was blessed with the Spirit of
Discernment. She always had a way of being able to make me feel better
about things that were going on in my life and helping me to remember to always
trust in the Lord. I loved going to plays with her and talking for
endless hours about all sorts of things. She will be dearly missed,
especially for playing 12th Street
Rag on Christmas Eve. She is truly one who was blessed with the gift of
Charity and sought to serve everyone around her. I love her so much and
I'm very sad to see her go. However, I look forward to being able to
serve with her as a missionary for the next two years. I know she'll be on
the other side of the veil, but I know that we will serve together and the
family wil be blessed for our service. D&C 42:44 explains that.
However, I love in 45 and 46 how it explains that she will not even taste of
death "for it shall be sweet unto them".
Anyway, things have been good here. I was super glad
to be able to go to the Marriott
Center Marriot
Center Arnold talked about a lot
of thing relating to missionary work. I don't remember a ton about his
talk, but it was powerful. In district devotional review, very tender
feelings and powerful testimony was shared. It was amazing to me that the
Spirit of Discernment is real. Things I've been praying for for the
members of my district are truly what they need. I look at one
member in our district in particular who seems so confident about themselves
and seems like someone who would never be afraid of anything. I felt I
should relate the story about when Brother Sackett came to visit to tell me
that I needed to stop worrying about the mission because the Lord would guide
me. Sure enough, that story was something that I'm sure that individual
needed to hear. I was so blessed to be the instrument through which the
Lord manifestied His love to them. Anyway, we're really growing in unity
as a district. My companion is pretty awesome and though we don't agree
on everything, we're still great friends who would back each other up any time.
I hear the blog is fantastic Michelle! Thank you so much for
setting that up. I can't actually see it because of the internet blocks
on this place, but in a few weeks I'll for sure check it out. My talk is
on the computer, though I'm not 100% sure where. I'm pretty sure I
entitled it "Peace Through His Plan for Us" but I coudl be
wrong. Have Trev or Dad do a full computer search (spyglass in the
corner) and you should be able to find it. If not, I'll figure out
another way to remember where it is. Regardless, thank you for keeping
the world updated on my life and how things are going! If someone could put a
link on my facebook, that would help my friends to know what's going on.
I forgot to mention, my Branch President here offered us a
challenge the very first day we were here. He challenged us to read the
whole Book of Mormon before we leave the CTM (it's Portuguese for MTC).
He said it would be difficult but completely worth it. We've had to read
13-14 pages a day, but it's been such an amazing experience. Knowing me,
of course I would try to go even better, so I'm trying to read 17-20 a day so I
can finish in 4-5 weeks. What a blessing the Book of Mormon is! I know
that it's pages contain such beautiful truths! I especially love the phrase
"and if ye keep my commandments ye shall prosper" which I've found
over 30 times so far in my study. I'm also so impressed with how ofter
the Book of Mormon testifies of itself. So often I'll read "and I
know not the reason I put this in here save the Lord has commanded me"
or "only a hundreth part could be included", or some iteration
thereof. Everything, every word, every number, every name, every
everything, is in there for a reason! What a blessing! That our Heavenly Father
loves us so much to give us another witness of His Son, our Savior and Redeemer
Jesus Christ! It's beautiful, it's glorious, and most important, it is
true! I also love how often there are prophecies of the comming forth of the
Book of Mormon even within itself. "That these records may be
preserved", "they will come forth for the teaching of the
Lamanites", and other such prophecies. What a blessing the Book of
Mormon is! I'm currently in Alma 7, and I look
forward to Alma 's
testimony of Christ. The words of Alma 7:11-13
have always been very important and personal to me. I've learned so much
from this reading and I can't wait to finish. This is true! Joseph Smith
was the prophet of the Restoration! I know that this church is true and I'm so
grateful for the opportunity to be an ordained and set apart representative of
it! This message is true!
To close, I invite each of you, especially at this time, to
read and ponder on Job 19:25-26. I read it a few nights ago when I
first found out Grandma was going on hospice. What a beautiful promise!
"I know that my Reedeemer liveth.... Yet in my flesh shall I see God"
Eu tenho muito amor por voces and por tudo a familia!
Elder Trent Leon Evans
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