This week overall was pretty slow not gonna lie. With New Years and such, things were empty. But we still made the best out of it and made it a good time.
New Years is a very big deal here. Much bigger than back at home. People all over the city are in the streets setting off fireworks throughout the whole night. Pretty cool, very sketchy too.
We did some member visits this week. I think that's funny that its worthy of a mention. The truth of the matter is, we could do all our member visits in 2 weeks no issue. So we gotta space them out a little bit.
We visited the branch president's family and then the family of one brother who was recently called to be an Area 70 member which is a pretty cool thing. Both live outside of Tallinn so we had to take the train. Both absolutely delightful. Such kind people here in Estonia. Once you make it in their homes, they love you so deeply.
We also had a few first lessons which was fun too. I love teaching the Restoration of the gospel. I mean that's the reason we are here on a mission in the first place-- to teach people about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. We taught a man who is Hindu. It is amazing that religions all seem to run with a very similar frame and core. It leads us to believe there is one, ultimate, higher truth and the rest are like covers of a song. There is just something special about the original, though. The way God intended it.
Together as a missionary district we discussed what we were thankful for from 2019 before setting new goals for 2020. I mentioned how thankful I am for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is real. And we can find real power. I heard for years and years in church about the Atonement and about how we can draw strength from it. And I'm gonna be real, I never really experienced it. But it was because I never really tried. My mom did a great job teaching the Atonement to me and my seminary class, bless her, but I was selfish and didn't do what was asked of me. Or what God asked of me. I was like Jonah. My will was more important than God's. And I just didn't get it. Christ's suffering does more than just forgive us of sins. Any challenge, difficulty, pain, sorrow, trial and joy and peace can be found and made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Please, ask me how this can be done. Message me and let's talk.
There is power in the priesthood. Power flows from our covenants with God. And that priesthood is on the earth today because it was restored to Joseph Smith.