Hello Friends & Family,
Well Transfer news came in! My assignment has been changed from District Leader to Trainer! I have the wonderful opportunity to welcome Elder Erickson (Eriksen?) into the CRM. He should be here tomorrow (tuesday the 11th).
I've realized that my acting skills have improved drastically (but not really). I have adopted several personas in our ASL lessons/home-visits.
One of my favorites is Sherlock Holmes! During a visit with Sister Caramel, we found that she really enjoyed mystery books. Because I could not dress up like Nancy drew, I decided to throw on two opposite facing baseball hats and a suit! And thus I became Elder Holmes. Now it is a tradition that we read the scriptures, gather clues, and interpret the meaning of the stories we read to "See the big picture". Once every piece of evidence has been gathered, we Solve the mystery! It is quite enjoyable for all of us.
I've started learning some of the Children's hymns of the Ukulele. I'm very glad for the music standard changing, playing/singing music has helped my isolation mood significantly. Stay tuned for a video...?
One amazing insight from this week (and more is to follow!)When I was reading Jesus the Christ I came across a rather neat find. When the Young ruler/rich man approaches the Christ and earnestly asks how he might Inherit eternal life, Christ responds with The 10 commandmentsThe ruler explains that he had already been following those standards but further inquires with "What lack I yet?"
Luke 18:22"Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."The rich man is saddened and leaves. Hopefully to later realize the mistake he made and to return to the true path. Regardless the next line is where my excitement lies...
Luke 18:25"For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."I always assumed the needle is a sewing needle, and it being an impossible task for a rich man to enter The kingdom of Heaven. I was slightly worried because of this, as I do plan to take up a position that is known to gain wealth rapidly.However my understanding was skewed.
Most larger cities in Jesus's time had walls. Along these walls, there were large gates that could open to let caravans in (imagine the Jurrasic park doors). Because they were somewhat a hassle to open and close for any new visitor. To make visitations easier (and probably for guards to get out for patrol) these cities had small doors called "needle's eye" or something similar.Obviously for a camel to fit though any door would be hard, but the metaphor thickens!Most of the time a Camel is carrying a load as it travels, these worldly "possessions" the camel has make it more difficult to fit though the eye of the needle. In order for it to have any chance of making it through this smaller gate it has to relinquish its load, just like the Rich man.This makes me happy, for several reasons. Firstly, WHAT A COOL CONNECTION!!Secondly, God wants as many of his children to return, he would never block out anyone if he could. Realistically, he knows it is difficult to give up one's possessions and trust God, but is is never truly Impossible.
I've started learning some of the Children's hymns of the Ukulele. I'm very glad for the music standard changing, playing/singing music has helped my isolation mood significantly. Stay tuned for a video...?
That is just about it for this week. I'm sure this first week of training will bring many stories!
-Elder Vance
