March 19, 2010

Dearest Family :)
I haven't even had the chance to read you're e-mails yet, but I look forward to reading them in the car on the way home tonight. It's more and more refreshing to write you these letters. My life seems crazier then ever with this new schedule. P-days are always somewhat insane- they're half p-day, and half running around trying to finish random things for the office, but it's good. We just got back to the office after the Saturday session of District Conference. Elder Lopez, an area seventy, came to participate and he gave a wonderful talk.
I did skim the e-mails and saw that Spencer got his wisdom teeth out and that Sarah has braces- both events very dental, and very crazy ha. I'm glad to hear that all is well though. Sarah, I'm sure you look wonderful with the braces, and you'll look so good when their off. One of the women in the Branch, Karolina, just got braces, and she's 33 years old. We're lucky ducks to have them when we're so young ha.
Goodness! I am tired these days, but happy. It's a sad thing to have two dying companions. I will miss them so much and the thought of having to take over this area isn't the most comforting in the entire world. I know it'll be an amazing experience, but I know my learning will just start as soon as E. McRae and Packer leave. I'll have to really figure it all out in the school of hard knocks ha. It'll be wonderful though.
I can't remember the last thing I wrote to you all about, but this week has been so full! Elder McRae was on interview trips, so I spent a 3 days of the week with Elder Packer, and it was a really good experience. I've come to know E.Packer a bit more and we taught quite a few lessons this last week- I really loved it. He is a kind and loving man, who loves his family like I love mine, and we really had a good few days together.
One of the neatest experiences of the week was when we dropped in on a less-active woman, knowing that she had been sick for a little while and would probably be home. We rang her door, and she came and opened it, and invited us in. As we walked deeper in, we saw that her visiting teachers were there and were just at the end of their lesson. It may seem like such a normal thing for members of the church in the States, or England or other areas where the church is well founded, but for me this was a small miracle, and it touched me so deep. The way these women bore testimony and were so obviously trying to fulfill their calling and help their sister gave me hope, which is what everyone really needs down here in Poland. Ironically enough, one of the visiting sisters was having us over for dinner the next day, and we had the chance to visit with her, and the sister that was teaching with her and to understand their story a little better. Again, I was given hope. These women understand the gospel so much, and it just made me happy inside. Elder Beaty, in one of the little miracle stories we include in the Dobra Strona, said that conversion is the greatest miracle, and I've come to wholeheartedly agree with him. When a person is touched by the Spirit of God, and feels the truthfulness of the Gospel, they cannot deny it. They know it is true. They feel it in their hearts when they are in Church and when they read the scriptures and pray. It's like Sister Klaudia Górniak said (the sister who had us over) "I don't see how people can go inactive, how they can forget about the Gospel. It is so sad." I feel the same way. But women and men like Sister Górniak give me hope for the Kingdom of God here in Poland. It will grow. It must grow.
I'm still coming to grips with my new area and the people around me. My hearts still torn in two places, however I know I belong here and I am glad to be doing what I am. I'm learning to love my new area and responsibilities. The greater responsibility can lead to greater stress, but I enjoy it nonetheless.
These investigators of ours are stuck in spiritual mud I feel like. I don't know what's holding them back, but it's something that we're having a hard time solving. In the end it is their decision. I just wish they would choose righteousness, and choose the road that we know will undoubtedly lead to happiness. Keep praying for them please. They are so close.
This morning we did have a good first part of p-day and did some shopping for Elder McRae and Packer on the Rynek, and that was a beautiful experience. Not the shopping so much ha, but the Rynek itself was a sight not to be forgotten. The weather was so clear, the temperature ideal as could be, and everyone on the Rynek seemed to be enjoying themselves. I was loving life :) We all were, just strolling along. I flashed back to my first day in Poland, walking on that Rynek, practically blown out of my boots at the sheer beauty of the Rynek and the buildings and everything. I couldn't comprehend how beautiful it was. Today I felt the same way. Most Ryneks are beautiful in Poland, but this Warsaw one holds a special place in my heart. It was the first place I did missionary work. Maybe it'll be the last :)
It's hard having companions go home. I tell people how long I've been here and the first thing they say is, "it's not long til you leave too!" It's so hard hearing that ha, but I am excited for my next companion. I don't know for sure who it will be, but I have an idea. President really involves us in terms of transfers, and talks to us a lot about it, so I have a good idea, but can't really say much. It'll be nice to get into a good groove though. After these missionaries go home, Elder Tanner, Beaty, Hobbs and I are next, and that's in a few months so I won't really have to deal with missionaries going home again after this group ha. It sounds so stressful. We'll see how coherent I sound in the next e-mail :P
I'm doing ok on sleep. It's less, but I'm doing ok for sure. I wish this letter sounded more exciting and full of life, but I am tired and can't collect my thoughts as well as i'd like to. I'll do my best to remember more for the next week.
Juggling these responsibilities is a new game for me, and I don't have it down yet, so it does cause a bit more stress. Elder McRae has been here for 8 months in the office. He knows how it all works, and I'm just learning. I know President is really going to miss him and Elder Packer, and i've got to fill some big shoes. I'll learn though ha. I've got to right? :)
O! The suit. It is gorgeous as can be. I'll send you a picture on monday probably ha. That is so nice of Grandma to pay for it. I used all the money in my account...buy I can't explain to you how good this suit looks. In terms of current suits that I have, other then the one I just bought, I have one suit coat, from the blue suit we bought in LA, and that's it. The pants on that suit were destroyed, and my other suit as well is trashed as can be. I really don't like asking for new things, and I appreciate the suit so much, it will last me for a long time- far after the mission. It's from the company Digel. You can look on the internet father and check it out.
We've got to run, but all is well. I had a nice experience driving with President Engbjerg, and he is simply as kind and sincere as can be. He is excited for me to be here, as am I. He is a man of God and I respect him so much and will try to do my best here.
I love this Gospel. I love preaching truth to these people, and seeing people change. I'm praying to see people change a little bit more, and do what they need to to grow and come to Christ. I love you so much family. I'm so tired- please excuse the tone of the -mail if it's not the normal. I love you all so much, I'll write you a letter on monday spence and sarah and annie. Again, I love you family so much :) Have a beautiful sunday tomorrow.
Elder Michael Joseph Rushton Jr.