Happy Belated Birthday!

Happy Easter! I hope you all have had an enjoyable weekend and have been able to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and what it means for each of us. 

This week has been a bit of a challenge with my companion. He comes from a very difficult past and the mission has been a great challenge to him. Suffice it to say that every day he spends here is a miracle and we would love to keep that streak of miracles alive. That said, this last Thursday he had a very difficult day in which he was thinking of going home and returning to the habits found there. That was really challenging to me, as I felt he had made so much progress. To make things worse with the timing, we had prepared a birthday party for him the next day on Friday. His birthday actually happened back in February, but it happened right with all of the changes and travels that had resulted from a very bad experience with a different companion. Friday morning came, and it was hard. We talked for almost an hour and I did my best to animate him. We then had the surprise party at 2:00 with much help from friends in the ward. It ended up being a very special experience. With some food, gifts, and good company it was something I hope he doesn't forget soon. Often we forget that little acts of kindness may change the course of someone's life. It may change the very way that they see the world around them. Surely he will still have many trials and troubles in his mission but I hope that moment may serve as an event encouraging him to stay and not go. 

This Sunday we had the baptism of Elizabet! She also brought her brother, who is an inactive member of the church in our ward. They both had a great experience! 

This weekend was also General Conference! I loved the talk by Elder Caussé and loving like the Savior: every and all. I don't have the talk in front of me, but it said something like: there is a depth in every soul to love. May we love all, not limiting the reach to those we know. May we love each, learning and treating specific necessities.

Elder Dougall