Make it about the people

On tuesday we had interviews with President Szabadkai which was fantastic. He closed with a wonderful prayer in which he earnestly prayed for you and Dad's preperations for July. His prayers always seem like blessings to me and he prayed for many areas of your preparation so I hope you can feel all the Hungarian prayers in your behalf. (He also tried to explain the Filipino government news but I understood very little of it, which I'm completely fine with hah. He says he always reads things about the Phillippines now because of you two.) I also had a great conversation with Sister Szabadkai in which she offered that I could live with them for a semester when they return home woohoo! We'll see.

Later in the week we went to Békéscsaba and I was on exchanges with Elder Shepherd (same mtc group). It was so good to talk about the past year we've had in Hungary and also to teach their investigator who has been off coffee for 2 weeks which is a miracle and getting closer and closer to baptism! I also saw a red fox tail in the window of a "ultra néni fur coat store" for an incredible price with the unrealistic purpose of serving as a key chain... I'll send it home and we will now have the full costume attire for Fantastic Mr Fox.

This week was relatively hard but still of course full of rewarding moments when I felt peace, God's love, and renewed with energy to continue this great work. We taught a whooping total of 1 lesson since most everyone canceled. It seems easy for me to get frustrated during these slower weeks until I think about all the little things we do that make the week all worth it. I've found that even the smalleset interactions have been some of the most meaningful. Actually I take that back-- not the smallest since those usually consist of us introducing ourselves then a power statement of rejection followed with a doorslam before we have time to open our mouths. Those, in case your interested, usually include one of the following. (ds=door slam)

I dont have time. ds

I'm not interested. ds

I'm athiest. ds

I'll believe in God when I see him. ds

I'm catholic(or protestant) and I go to church go help people that don't even believe. ds

Go to France! ds (their version of saying "Go to Hell!") (sidenote: this is always interesting because on many days France actually sounds quite nice.)

I'm too old for this. ds

I won't buy anything. ds

JAJ not you again. ds

Yes, so not these interactions but just a little bit longer ones.

The interactions where we can talk about God quickly and testify that he really loves this person we're talking to  and knows them even though it is contrary to everything they've learned in schools or at home growing up. And then even invite them to pray and feel God's lifechanging love.

Or the conversations on the street when I'm able to bear testimony to a young mother whose child or mother has passed away that we can live our families forever. That this is not the end. And once again that God loves her and knows how she feels. 

When we testify of truth we will feel the love of God and our own testimonies will grow. Love your family, your friends, and even the random incredible strangers you meet enough to share your testimony. It is the best way to bring peace, comfort, and joy to another persons life. If you dont have the courage follow Mormons counsel in Moroni 7​​​​​​​​:48 and pray for charity that will supply you with enough love to overcome the fear then repent and start practicing charity by sharing what you have been blessed with. If you feel like your testimony isnt strong enough PUT IN the EFFORT to stregthen in. Start studying the Book of Mormon and pray all the time to know of its truthfulness as you apply its teachings and doctrine in your life.

My testimony is simple but strong that when we bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and doctrine taught in it we can feel the love of God and help others feel the same. There is no greater feeling and no greater peace or comfort.

61 For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you.

Be better.

Szeretlek Benneteket

Hughes Elder

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