Greetings from Utah!
I hope that you all had the
chance to read my first update. If ever you have any questions about my mission
that aren't answered by these emails, please reply! I'll try to respond to them
in a timely manner.
Is it already Saturday? I was
told last Sunday by an Elder in my zone (a group of districts, refer to
previous email for definition) that it would feel like two days before it was
Sunday again. Too true. The week has flown by. In a sense, it reminded me of
college. The days felt like weeks and the weeks, days.
Last Sunday consisted of church meetings and devotionals. At
home, I'm accustomed to attending three church meetings one right after the
other, which typically lasts three hours. Here, the meetings are held
throughout the day. Sacrament Meeting is the most important one as it is the
meeting where we remember the Savior and His Atonement through partaking of
bread and water that has been blessed. Through the Sacrament, I believe I can
be cleansed of my sins. As I have tried to make changes in my life that
eliminates the bad and increases the good, I have been strengthened further
through Christ's Sacrifice.
It was during this meeting that
I was able to play piano for a special music piece (Sister in Zion and Army of
Helaman medley) and I also played the hymns for the meeting. It was awesome! I
love playing and singing hymns!
Other meetings occurred
throughout the day. In the afternoon, the Elders in our district took a walk to
the Provo Temple and stayed on the grounds for a little while. With a blue sky
overhead and majestic mountain peaks surrounding us, it was truly a beautiful
sight. America, the Beautiful has ran through my head a few times while I've
been here. Sunday evening, all the missionaries attended a devotional where the
managing director of the Missionary Department, Stephen B. Allen spoke to us.
He talked about being true and faithful and we sang "True to the
Faith" which is a hymn that always warrants the organ to be opened up. We
sat with a group of Sisters who will be heading to Nampa, ID as well: Sis.
Gibbs, Sis. Mackelprang, Sis. Leavitt, and Sis. Hurst. Sis. Hurst actually has
a brother in the MTC right now! The Hurst family is making big sacrifices, but
then again, all the family and friends of currently serving missionaries are
making huge sacrifices.
After the devotional, we stayed
and watched a pre-recorded talk given by Elder David A. Bednar, who is one of
our church leaders. By the way, whenever I say "Elder" it is just a
title given to those who are in full-time service to Jesus Christ. Us young guys
are called Elders as well as our church leaders because we are both serving
full-time. Anyway, Elder Bednar's talk was about the character of Christ. We
learned about how we should always be striving to not turn inward and harbor
selfish thoughts and desires, but to turn outward and serve others with no
thought for ourselves. That, my friends, is going to take my entire life (and
longer) to learn and apply in every situation.
On Tuesday evening, we had another devotional where Elder
Stanley G. Ellis gave a message about being obedient to God and striving to do
our best as missionaries. He is another of our church leaders. Afterward, we
met together as a district and were led in a discussion by our district leader,
Brother Ellis, who is actually Elder Ellis's cousin.
Throughout the week, our district woke up early to go and
help clean the classroom and dormitory facilities. These are welcome
opportunities because we get to dress in regular clothes instead of our suits
and ties. Gym time is the only other time we get during the day to wear
something other than missionary attire. I've been ballin' things up here for
sure, though I've yet to win a game of H-O-R-S-E.
This Friday, we had an in-field orientation, which was a
series of lessons and breakout session, which taught us practical things for
when we start our mission work. It was an exhausting day, but pretty much every
day is here. Increased amounts of stress is normal here, but I've seen that as
I've turned things over to God and sought His help, He has blessed me with the
Holy Ghost to feel more calm and comforted.
The most poignant question I was asked this week: How do I
get into heaven? For the answer, I wish to share a scripture from the Book of
Mormon. "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children,
and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for
we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." - 2
Nephi 25:23
I believe that this life isn't it. There is life after life.
Jesus Christ made that possible for us.
Remember my challenge to you? Stepping outside your comfort
zone and serving someone? I would love to hear about your experiences. I had
several opportunities to serve others, in word and deed. My companion and I spoke
with a man who has had a rough life growing up and we listened to and
encouraged him. After talking with him, we felt better than we would have felt
had we not stopped and talked to him.
My challenge for you this week is to compliment someone you don't
know every day. I will be trying to do this as well. It may mean you find more
friends. If not, you'll at least feel better and be able to see others in a
more positive way.
Thank you to those who sent me a couple bags/boxes of
goodies! The Elders in my room and floor as well as I enjoyed them very much!
It really makes the day even sweeter when I get notice that I have a letter or
package waiting for me!
I hope and pray you are all doing well!
With charity,
Elder Adamek
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