Zoom meetings are even more fun with Elder Bednar!

Hey everyone. This was a good week. We’ve had about 2-3 lessons everyday! It’s no longer snowing but it’s been pretty rainy. I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned it in the past but every friday night we have a “date night” with our mission President over Zoom, where he tells us a bed time book of Mormon story and also gives us some updates of what’s going on in the world. This week however, was extra special because Elder Bednar and his wife were there. It would have been so cool to see him in person but I guess Zoom is the next best thing. He told us about what’s been going on from his side of things, and shared an awesome message with us. Earlier that day he had a meeting with President Nelson and told him that he would be video chatting the Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh mission that night and wondered if he wanted to tell us anything. And as a matter of fact President Nelson did have something he wanted to tell us. This is what he said,
“They need to learn all that they can through the experiences that they have from their mission president and his wonderful companion and from their other companions. They need to learn all that they can learn because they’re putting in place now a substantial part of their spiritual foundation for the rest of their lives. The remainder of their lives, spiritually, in large measure, will be determined by the foundation they establish as they serve as full-time missionaries. Tell them to learn. Tell them to strengthen that foundation and they’ll be blessed and prospered.”
That was a pretty cool experience for sure. I’ve heard Elder Bednar say in past talks as well as that night directly to us that we are on our mission at this specific time for a specific reason. I think a lot about all that I was able to do and experience the last few years at home and at school and have felt now more than ever that this is where I should be at this time. I miss Oregon just about everyday but I know I am here now and it’s where I should be. Hopefully you are all safe and healthy still. Love, Elder Souza
Sorry no pictures I will try better next week