Some very insightful answers to questions I asked Ashley…..Immeasurable joy sharing the gospel & a mountain and a shovel.

You brought up many good points in your email, that i have time to talk with you about. 

1.One of the biggest and hardest things we deal with as missionaries is always as you said being charitable, serving constantly, and never judging. For example, we worked with one of our amis "Mary" for months, always asking ward members to help, worrying about how to get her to church, if she will follow up on our commitments, and so on. But in the end the question of baptism came, and she was just not ready. It was super hard, when they cant change thier lives, and you look back on the time and effort you put into making sure this person would feel so ready, and then in the end nothing happened. Its very disheartening, but we must push forward with the work. In Preach my Gospel it says it best, "

When people choose not to investigate the restored gospel, your work is not wasted. Your consistent efforts in serving and teaching as many people as you can is one way God prepares His children to eventually receive His servants. He often reaches  out to His children through you. Even when people do not accept the opportunity to learn the gospel, your service and words are evidence of God’s love for them and may plant seeds that future missionaries and members of the Church will harvest.   When people do not accept the gospel, do not be discouraged. You have raised a warning voice. You have given them a clear choice. Disciples of Christ feel sorrow when people choose not to repent, but they maintain a vision of who they are and what they are doing. They continue to diligently move forward.|

We must strive to help everyone we can, and yes many and most will reject the message, we just have to understand that, but if we didnt try all that we could with ever person, we might not ever have anyone. We did the same with our other ami Clara, and she did choose to change her life, shes being baptised this Saturday! And the joy we have is just immeasurable. Just to see that one person come unto Christ, it can really change your perspective. 

2. About the foreign missions, honestly just about every missionary here wishes that they could be in a state side mission at one point or another, its really hard, the language, the people, and especially adjusting to not only thier culture but life as a missionary too. I feel like god really has given me a mountain with this mission, and handed me a shovel. But I try my best at it, and the work is going well. We struggling to find amis that can progress towards baptism. Its really hard here in France, and as a missionary we dont get sent to the cute touristy towns in France, we get the ghetto, where peoples hearts are open and willing to hear to gospel. Its really hard, but in the end everything is worth it. 

I love you mom, and this week flew by i cant believe how fast! On saturday we will have our next transfer already!