Sanctify us. . .

Rather than simply passing through trials, we must allow trials to pass through us in ways that sanctify us.

These past few months we have been dealing with different health issue's.  

Now we don't want any parents to worry. All the missionaries are healthy and getting stronger.  Our Mission President and his wife make sure of that.  Our area nurse Sister Obenauer always takes good care of them too. What a blessing it is to have a nurse called on a mission with us.  

As part of Heavenly Father's plan of redemption, all people experience adversity during their lifetime. Trials, disappointments, sadness, sickness, and heartache are a difficult part of life, but with the help of the Lord they can lead to spiritual growth, refinement, and progress. 

Elder Maxwell said: Trying to comprehend the trials and meaning of this life without understanding Heavenly Father’s marvelously encompassing plan of salvation is like trying to understand a three-act play while seeing only the second act. 

Fortunately, our knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement helps us to endure our trials and to see purpose in suffering and to trust God for what we cannot comprehend.

This is almost healed up and going away.

We have been dealing with different kinds of skin problems which we still don't know what they are and how you catch them.  It's not just our island it is on other islands as well. Thanks to the wonderful parents back home and good natural products from both here and the states, they are beginning to go away without lasting repercussions.

Taking Jesus’ yoke upon us really does help us learn of Him as we personally experience His special love for us
(Matt. 11:29). We also come to appreciate His meekness and lowliness.

Using the instrument of our physical bodies and our capacity to reflect and reason, we can gather and analyze facts, organize and interpret information, gain and learn from experience, and identify patterns and relationships.

This is what it looks like in the beginning stages

Obtaining, creating, communicating and applying knowledge are the overarching objectives.  Of the many types of knowledge that can be acquired, spiritual knowledge is the most important both in mortality and eternity. The Prophet Joseph Smith repeatedly emphasized the importance of knowledge concerning the things of God.  The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation.

Beginning stages

Knowledge is revelation.  Hear, all ye brethren, this grand key:  knowledge is the power of God unto salvation.  Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is. . .
In knowledge there is power.  As missionaries we understand these principles and teach them daily.

A different kind of rash

We have had sprains, stomach flu, skin problems and the occasional headaches but nothing too serious or life threatening.  Our missionaries are full of the Lord's spirit and continue to teach and preach his words.  We are proud of our boys and the outstanding work they continue to do even with the afflictions they get.

Our last thought we want to leave with you is a quote by Elder Neal A. Maxwell.  “Those who have suffered much are like those who know many languages; they have learned to understand and be understood by all”