Week 26


(Service for some people we just met.)

November 9, 2022

Soooo, this was a long week. Long because we've been really busy and hard at work. Now that we've talked to a massive number of people in the area, people are a bit more open to us. We've played soccer with the kids occasionally and we've helped around service-wise as well, so people know that we're normal people, but with a special purpose ðŸ˜‰. It's been really fun honestly.

Spiritual thought:

A mission is hard. It's supposed to be. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Grapes are crushed to make wine, diamonds are formed under pressure, olives are pressed to make oil, seeds grow in darkness. When you feel crushed, pressed, under pressure, or in darkness, you're in a place of powerful transformation. It's up to you whether you change for the better or not. I've changed a lot in how I interact with others. Anyone who knew me before, I didn't talk with strangers. Ever. I didn't try to make conversation. I had my people, they've got theirs. I was very introverted. Something I've learned in the mission though is that every single person is a beloved child of our shared loving Heavenly Father, and they had a personal relationship with Him before coming here. He loves each and every single one of them, He grieves when we do, he rejoices when we do. He wants all of us to come back and live with Him. I love my Heavenly Father, I'm taking these two years to grow closer to Him, to learn of Him, to help bring others to a knowledge of Him, so they can choose whether or not they want to live with Him again. I've learned it's not about teaching all the lessons all the time. Yes, that's important too, but the most important is to show love. Happiness comes when we feel and show love. This is why families are so important to God's plan. This is why the first and greatest two commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. I feel the greatest joy in being here when I feel like I'm friends with the people we visit. They're more willing to listen to the message of peace, joy, and love that we have for everyone. Love sparks change, change helps us draw closer to our Heavenly Father, drawing closer to God brings us happiness, happiness brings more love. It's a beautiful cycle. One that I desire more of in my life, and one I want to offer to others. Now, I actively reach out to people. I care, and I want to help others. I want to see more love in the world; it would be such a nicer place. There's so much I'm learning and I just want to share with everyone, but sometimes something small says everything.

"Be the change you want to see in the world"

I'm learning to love instead of just being a robot driven by whims, and this has made all the difference.

I invite everyone, to just love a little more. Let go of an old grudge, wash the dishes for someone, visit an old friend, give a small gift, talk to a stranger. There's so many ways to show love.

I hope everyone has a good week. If you have questions or comments please email me. I also like to hear from all of you, so, please ðŸ˜‚.

~Elder Owens~


Fire with member kids
Churros from day of the dead festival
Bridge along a long walk to an area we cover
Pday gang
Car ride home from the capital
Freaking good nachos




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