Hola Again

Date: March 12, 2012
Area: Santiago, Chile
Companion: Elder Lopez

Thank you to the Whitaker Family! You are really too kind to me, I got your package this week and was so excited! Thanks, i´m on a sugar high now haha!

As for the week, I´m not really sure where it went. Times really wierd because the week kind of passed slowly but at the same time flew by because I feel like it was yesterday that I was sitting here at the computer writing. This week was another tough one. It was a little better than the last, and I don´t like to complain, but it was tough again. So Mom, I really do appreciate what you said about making every moment count. Its funny how we can so easily fall into a routine and not even realize it. Routines that can be good and bad but still, a routine. I think I have fallen into a routine these last few weeks that isn´t a good one, one that I haven´t been enjoying the time like I should. But the funny thing about the routines is that every once in a while it just takes a few simple words from someone to knock you out of it, so thank you Mom, I´ll try to be better this week. I´ll try to live in the moment and make every moment count. I liked the thoughts that you and Kathy had about loving everyone and making them feel that love and i´m going to work on that this week so thank you, Mom.

A couple of days ago I really realized the importance of really living the commandments. We have all seen examples of the blessings that we receive to live the commandments and the consequenses that follow disobedience and it hurts when the disobedience is really close to home. But a few days ago we were talking with a member that has recently reactivated himself. He is on probation as a member and was talking and kind of out of the blue told us that he is on probation for breaking the law of Chastity and how much it has really messed up his life. He has a wife and child and has problems with his wife now and he can´t use the priesthood and do many things that he was blessed to be able to do before. It just set me thinking about how blessed we are to be able to first know the truth in having the commandments to follow and how blessed we are when we actualy follow them. I know that we have seen a similar case with Brett, but I´ve seen many more since being here in the mission and its so true that we are really blessed when we keep the commandments, we are protected. I´m glad to be able to have the gospel in my life and to be able to receive the blessings that come with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I want to thank you all for the support that you give me. I think about you often and pray for you everyday. Hasta la proxima semana,

les amo,

Elder Holland