It has been pretty hot lately. Yesterday was cooler, and I think next week it is supposed to rain sometime, which will be nice. Transfers are next week, so we will see what happens. Part of me wants to leave and see other parts of Perth, while part of me wants to stay because of Nikki's baptism. We started her on the Stop Smoking Program, but she relapsed, but gave her a blessing, and even with the relapse it was two in four days, instead of her normal 10 a day. She is also going to a baptism on Saturday, which will be great for her to see what goes on. Besides that not much has happened. It has been really nice to be teaching Nikki so we have someone to focus on, since it was a really slow week besides that. We also got a new investigator yesterday. She was a referral from other missionaries. She said she will read the Book of Mormon, and she has a lot of free time so hopefully she will read.
Thank you to the Youth for the letters and the gifts, I really appreciate it. Having been in your shoes not that long ago, I will try to tell you what could have helped me.The mutual theme for this year is "Stand in Holy Places" as you know. One of the holiest places you can be is in your home with your family. I know you may not believe me because of your nagging parents or your annoying younger siblings. There is a special power of a family, something I never understood until I got on my mission. One day you will be away from your family, and you will realize you will miss them, and fully realize how much you love them. When I enter a home of a family that is living the Gospel, there is a strong Spirit there, and as a missionary I get to be a part of it, and then make it even stronger. strive to recognize that spirit that is in your homes, and do your best to make it stronger. There is so much bad stuff in the world today, and your home should be a place where you can seek refuge from that evil. I also know that you are faced with evil everywhere. I was in high school not that long ago, and I know the choices you are faced with. No matter the circumstance remember you are a Child of God. At baptism you made a promise to "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9). This is not an easy thing to do, I know it is hard, and at times you may feel that you are alone, and the world is against you. When you feel like this I want you to remember this one promise: "If God before us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). You will never stand alone when you stand with God. When you stand with him, he will bless you. In this New Year choose to be that witness. Young Men Choose now to prepare for missions and start preparing now. Everyone should read Preach My Gospel, and know it before you come out. That is something I wish I had done better. Do not be afraid to have religious discussions with your friends. You do not have to invite them to take the lessons, but just let them know you are members, and what you believe, and then show what you believe through your actions. I love all of you and cannot wait to see how much you have grown since I left.
love
elder cook
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