The Gospel Brings Peace and Joy

I'm about 3 weeks behind on posting his emails because of spring break! The week before we left was crazy getting ready, the week we were on break I just didn't have time and now I'm just getting around to it because I finally feel caught up on everything. Spring break was a blast though and just what I needed to push through to the end of the semester. Only 4 more weeks of soccer and 5 more weeks of school, including finals week! Yay!!!

March 6th

"We had several great lessons this week but the one that still really stands out to me was an experience that we had with a young women named Mulondo. She is Vender and from Limpopo. (Limpopo (UK: /lɪmˈpəʊpəʊ/) is the northernmost province of South Africa.) We have been meeting with her for awhile but it's been a process to really teach, there have  been questions, or she has been sick or just rescheduling so we finally were able to string together a few good visits and we invited her to be baptized. We were not sure how she was going to take the invitation because she attends church with her friend who constantly invites her and we know she dosn't want to leave her friend but she accepted! She replied with "That is why I was asking about baptism". We then invited her to come to church and she actually came! Wow it was grand. (Hey he sounds like Amber saying Grand!) We still have a lot of ground to cover but she has the desire and that is what makes all the difference. We are going to swing by her place today to wish a happy birthday to her and her friend we also teach. She turned 21 last week and her friend Thsaman turns 20 today. They are super cool girls though and we enjoy teaching them.

Another great event of the week happened while we were street contacting near the university. We met a lady named Rethabile, when we stopped her she told us she was from Kimberley. (I started my mission there) So off the bat we began talking about Kimberley and then she asked if I knew this guy. I said yes I do! How do you know him? She told us that she has visited church in Kimberley before and is good friends with this guy. She also knew a few other people that I knew there so that was cool. She even used to visit with the missionaries, but this was two years ago. She told us that she started a church search way back then but got side tracked with school and life, but that she is still looking for a church to call hers. We saw her this week and taught about prayer and then invited her to church the following day. She came as well!!!! That never happens, two new investigators coming to church in the same week! So needless to say it was a great week. It was actually really funny how we met with her this week. We had written down on Saturday that we were seeing Rethabile. We met another Rethabile this week and we were supposed to see the other one. We didn't realize it because we called the first one on our list and asked if she was home. She said sure come over and everything just worked out perfect. The Lord is in control haha I think it was just right for us to come on that day to help answer her questions.

We have made some plans to get referrals and we are going to start giving Book of Mormon's to people at church asking them to hand them out to friends or family. We are hoping this way we will get to start teaching part member families as well. Unfortunately, we were unable to get three member referrals this week but we did get half of one. A members cousin who came to church said that she would not mind meeting with us, but they say that this girl is a bit unpredictable so we are still trying to set up a time to visit at the members home if possible."

"Lets see what else........ Well Elder Mbangi is great, its like he has been on mission for a long time. I really don't have to train him, He knows his stuff so that makes it a lot less stressful on my side. He loves laughing as well.

One of the most important things I think in missionary work is love. Of course you need to have a love for the savior and want to serve Him but also you need a love for the people you are teaching. I really love the people we sit with. I love South Africa. The cultures and the diversity are just amazing. In this area I meet, Sothos, seTswannas, Afrikans, Zulus, Xhosa, Shonas, Indabeles, Vender, Tsongan, Swati's, Spede's and its awesome even if I don't understand any of the languages they speak haha.

If the people I meet with gain all but one thing I hope its that they feel the love I have for them. I hope they feel it and that sparks something. I want them to know that I am not here for myself or for my Church but for my Savior and for them. I wake up every day and talk to people all day because I love them, because I love them I have to share what makes me happy. And because I love them I pray for them, because I love them I stress way too much haha but really its just because of love. They call a mission the labor of Love and its so true, its hard but you are always willing to sacrifice for those you love. It is out of love that I leave the ones I love at home spend all my time with people in a foreign land over 16 thousand kilometers away from home.

Its really hitting me now that I have less then 100 days out here. Less then 100 days to give everything I got. To serve, To love.  These 100 days are going to be the best 100 days of my life!!!!"

Less than 100 days!!!!!!!! ahhh!

March 13th

"So we taught a new Investigator named Auspicious this week. It was such a cool lesson. So we were busy talking about prophets and how God had called prophets through out time such as Noah and Moses. How God used these prophet to tell the people what God wanted. I made the example by having her reach out her hand in a fist. I told her that her fist is us, people on the world. Then I held out a pen. I said that it was the prophet. Then I put my other hand in a fist saying it would represent God. God speaks to the the prophet, so I grab the pen, and the prophet speaks to us. So she grabs the other end. I then asked her if she had ever seen God. She said no, so I told her to close her eyes. I then said that we could follow God if we hold on to the prophet. As I moved my hand (resembling God) hers followed because we were connected by the pen (prophet) then I took away the pen (prophet) and asked her to close her eyes and follow God (my Hand) obviously she could not do so. She then started clapping! Exclaiming that it just makes so much sense. She became so excited as she learned about the importance and calling of prophets. it was cool! It doesn't all end there though. As we ended the lessons we opened the Book of Mormon to its introduction page and started talking about the book. She then asked where she could get one. Our response was that the one in her hand was hers to keep. She didn't believe us at first but after a short confirmation that it indeed is hers she then asked how much it coast. We let her know it was free and she just couldn't believe it! She told us that Christmas had come early! We then talked about how important the Book of Mormon is and that if the book is true then God does have prophets today, even a church! That the message that we share is indeed true!"

I don't know that I've ever heard of that example with the pen, I love that! Such a good way to help someone visually understand. 

"We also met with Rethabile this week who was at church last week. We had some great lessons with her. I have never met someone with such a clear understanding of the restoration from reading the pamphlet we give. She knew everything! There literally was nothing more we could teach her on the subject, It was so cool! she is awesome. Both Auspicious and Rethabile are scheduled for baptism next month. We will see how things go.

It was a great week over all. Finding new people who are prepared makes staying motivated a lot easier. Mission is a blast and there is so much to do and experience. I really do get to meet some of the best people in the entire world!!! South Africa is too cool!!!!"

It was his 20th birthday that week, which is so crazy! We started dating when we were 16 so it's crazy to think that we're not going to be teenagers anymore this year. 

March 20th

"The gospel really does help us to just feel at peace with everything we go through in this life. Life is not easy.  At times you feel the world falling down on you. A story that I share often with people here as to how I gained a testimony is this:

One day while I was 16 I was just sad, lonely and a bit depressed. I felt like everything was on top of me and the weight of it all was to much, I felt as if I was beginning to lose my breath as the world crushed down upon me. I remember clearly as I began to cry. I didn't want any of my siblings or my parents to see me cry so I went outside. I sat against the wall of my house and just bawled. I couldn't stop. Life was just too much.... I decided to call my best friend. I just needed someone to talk to. Someone to listen, someone to be there. As we began talking on the phone, my friend asked me a question. She said, when was the last time you read your scriptures. I replied that I did not even know the last time I had opened them. She calmly and sweetly told me to read them, then call her back afterwards. I was not happy with that answer, I wanted immediate comfort. I wanted everything to just go away. I didn't want to read a book! I did it anyways. I sat for a few more minutes to wipe the tears away, then I went to my room, grabbed my scriptures and went back outside to sit against the wall. I opened randomly and began to read. As I read, line after line, page after page. My tears vanished and I began to smile. I felt the pressing, weight that had been so forceful upon my shoulders, lift and vanish. I felt happy, I felt assurance. I felt peace. I now know that I felt the spirit. Somehow that ol'book did it, and it keeps doing it.  Not just for me but for all who sincerely seek council comfort and love from God.  (Note from mom, it is here I could insert a picture I snapped of him sleeping during family scripture study, but I won't because of love this story and I do believe we really listen when we are ready)"

First of all, his mom's note made me laugh haha and second of all I love that story because I was the one that he called. It was a really important point in our relationship and I think it's so cool that he shares that with investigators. 

"I was talking to Emilee Skolmoski, and shared this story with her and thought it would be nice to share with all of you :)

I gave a talk in church this week about sharing the gospel. For me there are many reason why I share the gospel. No not just because I am a missionary.  Seriously why did I give up the past 20 months of my life to share the teachings and love of Jesus. 

Well really it's simple. Love. That's it, that's all there is and all there ever was to it. We all need love, we all need validation. For me it comes from the gospel, the knowledge that I have self worth because of a divine birth right. I am a son of God. You are also a son or daughter of the most high God! He will validate you, He will love you. 

We turn every which way in this life looking for comfort and guidance. We search high and low, far and wide and seem to come up with all sorts of directions. They take us many diverse ways and sadly we never end up making it very far. Our directions always seem to end right when we meet another fork in the road of this path we call life. We have though, in our hands directions that will lead us safely to warmth, love, joy, and peace. Directions that will keep you on the path of comfort, and hope. It's called the scriptures, the love of God, or the gospel. 

I am a people person, I just like being around lots of people. I tend to try to make them smile and laugh, at times to my own embarrassment and humiliation. I have been known at times as the stupid, crazy and silly one. I do this on purpose though. I want to see people laugh and smile. Sometime the only way I know how to do that is by making a fool out of myself. At the end of the day it is still worth it for me because someone smiled. It is for this same reason that I share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is what makes me smile, it is what makes me happy and it is my only source of hope in this ever darkening world. I love the people around me I am compelled to share this with them. 

I have the antidote to cure hatred, sadness, racism, envy, anger, and guilt! its Jesus! So simple, it's beautiful! What kind of person would I be to just keep that to myself! Anyways I feel like I am beginning to ramble so I'll just stop with this, I know that God love you. At the end of the day, with all the people I come in contact with I just hope that they can feel that I love them. That I genuinely care about their feelings and hopes. I think I care because I know we are all Gods children, brothers and sisters, all of us! I want my big heavenly family to reunite on the other side I hope that people can catch a glimpse of Gods love and light through me. I pray to the kind of person capable of such.

I am so thankful for the examples in my life of pure love and Christ-like desire such as my mom who would be there for me at the end of a long day of school with a smoothie in hand, just wanting to hear how my day was. Or Hailey with her never ending patience and encouragement, her incredible example of faith, dedication, devotion and love. Tina Skolmoski for her time in the living room, talking for at times hours, about the extraordinary events to the mundane. My Father with his work ethic and wisdom of seemingly everything. My big sis Amber with her constant invitation to be better and love the life we have, and so many more wonderful people that God has place in my life.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!!!

Here is a poem that I heard a long time ago and was shared with me recently

HOLES

I had been in that hole for a very long time

In the dark and the damp, in the cold and the slime.

The shaft was above me; I could see it quite clear

But there's no way I ever could reach it from here.

Nor could I remember the world way up there

So I lost all my hope and gave in to despair.

I knew nothing but darkness, the floor, and the walls

Then off in the distance I heard someone call:

"Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter.

Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder."

This had never occurred to me-- had not crossed my mind.

But I started to stack all the stones I could find.

When I ran out of stones, then old sticks were my goal,

For one way or another I'd get out of that hole.

So I soon had a ladder that was sturdy and tall

And I thought, "I'll soon leave this place once and for all."

I climbed up my ladder. It was no easy chore,

For from lifting those boulders, my shoulders were sore.

I climbed on up the ladder, but soon had to stop

For my ladder stopped short-- some ten feet from the top.

I climbed back down my ladder and started to cry

I'd done all I could do. I gave my best try.

And in spite of my work, in this hole I must die.

And all I could do was to sit and think, "Why?"

Was my ladder too short? Or my hole much too deep

Then from way upon high came a voice, "Do not weep."

And then faith, hope, and love entered into my chest

As the voice said to me that I'd done my best.

He said, "You've worked very hard, and your labor's been rough,

But the ladder you've built is at last tall enough.

Do not despair. You have reason to hope.

Just climb up your ladder; I'll throw down my rope."

I climbed up the ladder, then climbed up the cord.

When I got to the top, there stood the Lord.

I couldn't be happier; my struggle was done.

I blinked in the brightness that came from the Son.

I fell to the ground, His feet did I kiss

I cried, "What can I do to repay thee for this?"

Then He looked all about Him. There were holes in the ground

They had people inside, and were seen all around

There were thousands of holes that were damp, dark, and deep

The the Lord turned to me and He said, "Feed my sheep."

Then He went on His way to help other lost souls,

And I got right to work, calling down to the holes:

"Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter.

Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder."

It now was my turn to spread the good word.

The most glorious message that man ever heard.

That there's one who is willing to save one and all

And we've got to be ready when He gives the call.

He'll pull us all out of the hole that we're in

And save all our souls from death and from sin.

So do not lose faith; there is reason to hope

Just build up your ladder; He'll throw down His rope."

I love that poem, it was exactly what I needed this week! And he sent me a sweet email, which was also much needed :) A little less than 3 months to go!

"I am missing you so much and I feel like coming home really is just a dream. I feel like I long to see you but its a wish that wont be granted. I feel like you are a fairy tale princess, and I am not the prince. putting aside all that I do know that one day I will come home. I will see you. I will get to hold you and show you I love you more than ever before. Ill get to embarrass you, spoil you, laugh with you and just most important be with you. I cant wait for that day. 

simply I love you Hailey Kaye and there is absolutely nothing you, or anyone, else, thing, or power that can change that.  I love you."

Happy Birthday Elder North!

Today is his 19th birthday! On his 17th birthday, we had only been dating for a month or so and he had a game that day, so we just went to dinner and had pie at his house with his family. Last year for his 18th birthday we ate razzles at a park and swung on the swings before we went to dinner and saw a movie. It's weird not to be with him on his birthday this year but he's spending it in the best way - serving the Lord! He said he had a dream about me last night though: "Haha funny story, I had a dream about you last night. I came home for something I cant remember but we got to spend the whole day together but I was having to leave again to come back here and I was sad and gave you another last kiss goodbye which I never want to do. I hate good byes!!!! but It was nice to see you and we were being our goofy silly selves running around an apartment building haha it kinda made me happy. it was like a secret birthday present from you."
I'm kinda bummed because I sent him his birthday package over a month ago and he still hasn't gotten it, and since he got transferred he won't be getting it for a month or so. Oh well.

It's crazy to think back on how much time has passed since we started dating. We were only 16 when we met and that feels so young and so long ago but honestly I still don't feel much older than that. Time is a strange thing. We're coming up on 9 months since he left and that just blows my mind. It's been amazing to see the changes in both of us as we have grown and matured over the time of knowing each other, especially in this time of being apart. From just little 16 year old kids to 18 year old saying goodbye to 19 year old "adults" haha. I'm thankful that I've had him by my side through all of it.

"So yes I have left the country of South Africa and entered into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The language spoken hear is Sotho and you find a lot of people who don't speak English so that tough. I learned a lot of Zulu in my last area where I could greet and ask some questions and some simple demands. I know no Sotho so I feel so lost in the language and communicating with people. It's a beautiful and mountainous place. It does in fact snow here so I am hoping to get the chance to go snow boarding. That's right snow boarding in Africa! Who else can say that?

My new companion is Elder Woodland from Davis Utah. He is a fun guy and we have been getting along really well. but his teaching needs some improvement. I am not really sure if he knows why he is here, he needs to learn the order of the lessons a little better but overall we have been having fun but I am worried that we will ahve to much fun. I really want to work and do good here but I am not sure if he feels the same haha but we have worked pretty well adn since I am his leader I get to really decide what we do and if I want he has no say. so I know we will end up working had which will be good. haha I have been likeing him though. being a district leader dosnt mean much, leadership positions are just a part of mission if you get it or not it dosnt matter. and so its nothing really special. I just have to call in and safe every night and host our district meetings each week and interview the missionaries in my district and just a few other things. but its been good.

We are excited to pick up the work here in Lesotho. I work in an area called Maseru. It's starting to cool down. It is no where near as hot as Toti is right now and it's really dry here and my lips are chapped... eish.......

Missing my families in Toti but already off to a great start here in Lesotho. We started off Friday morning with a cultural day to celebrate Moshoeshoe Day, who is the king of Lesotho I believe. We slaughtered 2 sheep early in the morning so I got some lekker pictures of that. We ate the heart and the men ate the intestine. haha....... ew........ Just about as good as you could imagine which for me wasn't that good haha, we got to be apart of some of the dances and things like that so it was really cool.

The Sotho people are famous for their blankets that they wear all year round, their hats, gum boots, and Shepard sticks. Hopefully I can get some of these traditional items.

The currency is different here so thats cool, it's the same as the rand in terms of economical strength."


"I have to pay to email now which is a bummer but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Yay for extra allotment. so in Lesotho things are more expenisve and you maybe get fed once a week.... if you are lucky. So you are on your own breakfast lunch and dinner every day which gets expensive. now we get the same amount of money as the rest of the mission and it just dosn't work, missionaries have been talking to president and it sounds like we should be getting a little extra money from now on... I sure hope so haha.

Well I have been loving this beautiful place and people already!!! oh ya and domelang mean hello!"


"Well my birthday is um... just another day haha. I actually didnt realize it was my birthday till I was looking in my planner around 8 oclock this morning and saw it said birthday at the top haha. nothing special planned. I did eat french toast though which was pretty lekker.

Love you always babe

Elder North"

Happy 19th Birthday Mookie!