I just have to say that I love being a missionary! There was an Elder that extended a couple weeks and so he went home this past weekend and it just makes me so grateful for the precious time that I have to serve as a missionary. Time goes fast, so we better make the most of it!
I feel really bad that I forgot to mention about my companion last week... I am now serving with Elder Paskett and he's just a stud. He's from Utah, he played rugby at Utah State, and he is studying Mechanical Engineering. He goes home after this transfer, but he's such a good example of just focusing on the work and giving his all up to the end. He works hard, he's patient, and he just has a good attitude all of the time. I really look up to him and feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve with him. He's also helping me stay in shape/get in better shape. He's worried he won't be in shape when he goes back to play rugby, so we wake up a little early and run for about 40 minutes most mornings. He's pretty fast, so it's tough, but I love it! I've been so blessed with amazing companions.
I don't have a ton of specific stories this week, but as we visited a few of the zone conferences this week, there were a couple cool things I noticed/ was reminded of. The first is that the Book of Mormon is absolutely amazing and can truly become such an abundant source of revelation! President Shin held some scripture study time at each of the conferences and every time he studied 2 Nephi 33. It's a pretty short chapter, but it's full of amazing things. The thing that amazed me the most, however, was that every time we went over the same chapter, I learned something new! I know that book is truly the word of God.
The second thing that was interesting to me was the influence that people can have on those with whom they associate. As we visited the zones, you could literally sense the "feel" or the "atmosphere" that the leaders there had sought to create and it made such a difference in the way the missionaries acted and responded as a group. I think few of us really recognize how much we influence and affect others. I also think that few of us realize how many opportunities are awaiting us every single day to reach out, to make that influence, and to change lives! I know that as we follow the gospel of Jesus Christ and invite others (members and non-members) to come unto Him through our words, actions, and example, we truly can "change the world" even if it's just one precious soul at a time.
I am so grateful for each one of you and the influence every single one of you have had in my life. Thanks for making all the difference to me!! Keep doing the same for others!! Have a wonderful day!
Love, Elder Tolman
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