Thick of Thin Things

Hi everybody! The weather has been really nice this week and will be again next week! We still have our outside times so we have really enjoyed that. We toss a frisbee and a football usually at a park on campus. It’s pretty cool to be here during this time of year. COVID is still keeping things restricted but there is just a lot of people here and it stays busy. Not gonna lie, this weather also makes me miss being home a little extra, lol. We had an in person lesson this week which was I think my first or second my whole time being in Oakland. We met at Frick Park which is apparently a pretty famous park here. It’s really big and has a lot to do there. I’m excited for General Conference coming up! Hopefully you can all watch it and learn something from it. Also this week, March 17, marks the 1 year anniversary of being in COVID as a missionary! It’s pretty crazy we’ve been in these conditions for a year now. It’s been a year since I’ve knocked on a door. I’ve probably had less than 15 in person lessons in the last year. Only been going to church for about 6 months. Looking at those number it seems I’m the worst missionary out there, lol. But we are still busy as ever. The mission is at pre COVID numbers and we’re hanging in there working hard to find and teach people the good news of the Gospel. I’ve learned so much and I know now more than ever who I am and why I am here. The gospel of Jesus Christ found in the Church of Jesus Christ changes lives, I’ve seen it and I’ve lived it. Don’t worry about things you don’t know or don’t understand. Focus on the things you do know and the testimony you do have. You will be much happier. Elder Holland says don’t get stuck in the thick of thin things. That’s what all those other concerns are. Just believe in Christ, believe he lives, believe he is the way to happiness now and forever. Believe he can help you because of the Atonement he performed. Repent daily and find freedom through obedience. Follow the Prophet, he will never ever lead you astray. Be kind and do your best always and I think we will see that we will be much happier because of it. This is what has worked for me. I hope it might help you in some way too! Have a good week. Read the Book of Mormon. Have fun. Love, Elder Souza