HELLO FAMILY!!
this week has gone by so fast!! it feels like i was just talking to you the other day haha!! but today has been awesome!! i got to DEDICATE a grave!! the son of a lady in our ward died, and she asked that i dedicate it! by far it was the most humbling, spirtiual, heavenly guided message i have ever had/given. As i began to offer the blessing in front of all these people who i didnt know, the spirit over came my entire body, and i offered the most heart felt, spiritual blessing i had ever given. The mom of the son came up to me after (she is less active) and told me that she is going to be to church on sunday, and that my blessing made her have so much peace that she knew she had to come back! i got impressed in the blessing to say these exact words, "i know jamie is looking down on all of us smiling. He is at peace and couldnt be happier" as i said that i swear i felt Christs arms wrap around my shoulders, it was the most touching thing of my life! This Church is so true!! and unless we continue to humble ourselves like i had too, and still have too, we cannot come to know of its truths, unless we are desirous and willing to search for his truth in his gospel!! Well theres my cool experience for the week!! :) We also Elder Clarke from the quorum of the 70 come and talk to our mission!! He built my confidence and faith as a missionary so much!! he is an AMAZING person!! He taught me so much!! I have lost 21.3 pounds exactly haha who would have figured... and i thought i was going to get FAT!! We had my first baptism on Saturday, it was a 10 year old girl name Jaiya (Sulu), and it was an awesome experience!! Elder Fatiau was the one to baptise her and elder kelley confirmed her, it was so cool!! I have already talked in sacrament meeting twice!! Our ward only has about 30-50 active members, and thats on a good day, but i love them!! i am taking pictures, but its hard to take a lot when i am so focused on the work!! but i wish i could take a picture of everything i see!! i call them the two G's, GREEN and GUETTO haha this truely is the HOOD, there is about 3 deaths a day here in Selma in just gang fights alone!! but they dont mess us, they are really the most humble and respectful people to each other and everyone, as long as you show them respect. Everything here is yes ma'am or yes sir. its a huge difference from utah. Mom and Dad i am SSSOOOO sorry for how i acted back home, if i acted like that here i'd be dead!! Thanks for never giving up on me!! Its truely shown me the true meaning of responsibility and respect here!! The mission itself is awesome!! President Holzapfel is the most intelligent person i have every met, he knows so much about the gospel, he knows the bible in both greek and hebrew translations also!! he's awesome!! and his wife is like our mission mother, she is so loving and i couldnt have asked for two greater people for these next two years, i am truely in good hands!!
i have been just a little dicourage some days, the physical strain here is harder than anything ive ever had, on friday we rode 65 miles in 97 degree heat and 103 % humidity!! but after the day is gone and done, its nice to look back and see how much i accomplished!! its just hard not to get discouraged when your riding sometimes!! but ill get better!! My goals this last week have been pray for the love of the people and my love to them, to let go of myself and not be selfish and serve only others, to always smile!! Pray for me and my investigators. I pray for you guys, my friends, president and bishop and our ward and stake. we need the hearts of these people softened, so please pray often for us. You are all truely a blessing to me, i have seen blessing out here that i know have come from your obediance and righteousness in the gospel!! I cant wait for this next week to tell you more stories!!
But Mom, Dad, i love you guys so much, thanks for all you support!! Mom dont worry about me, ill be fine no matter what. FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!! Continue to do those things that are right, i promise you'll be blessed!! TEll Jared if he doesnt write me that im going to hire a hit man here in bama to go out there and get him if he doesnt ;) so have him write me!!
THE CHURCH IS TRUE!! i can bear a personal witness of that from the things i have seen!! Every member a missionary!! "let the lower lights be burning, send a gleam across the wave, some poor fainting, stuggling seaman, YOU may RESCUE, YOU may SAVE" I love you guys!!
Peace love and blessings, Elder Tolman
