This past week we were able to do an exchange, and I worked with Elder Rogers' companion, Elder Kasongo. It was pretty fun. The guy talks way too much though haha, and we had a pretty long lesson. But it was a good exchange, people were taught and lessons were learned.
Nothing too crazy happened this week. A lady told me I couldn't work her field because I'm white, so that was pretty funny. A bunch of guys drinking and smoking were asking for us to preach them "The Word of God" and so we gave them all word of wisdom brochures, and they promised to read them. Also, two different churches this week gave us their brochures, so we've had enough studying material this week. Also, the biggest miracle came last Pday. I went to my barber, for one final cut before I come home. Fortunately, thanks to some prayers and some divine inspiration, he gave me a FRESH cut, so I'm good for when I come home. Sorry Elder Rogers
The days are flying by, which means the days are winding down for when I come home. We are already in August, which means I have about 2 weeks left. Insane. I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my mission, and thinking about where the time has gone. 2020 was a long time ago. I think the discussion we had yesterday in the second hour of church was the perfect topic.
We talked a lot about Love, Share, and Invite, taking a lot from this last General Conference session. So many general authorities talked about missions, and how important they are. We had a discussion on how serving a mission can bless our lives. For a little background, there's a ton of young single adults in Kpalime, and so this discussion was kind of geared toward them. It was a really good discussion, and I could feel the spirit testify. Towards the end of the discussion, the instructor asked all those that have a desire to serve a mission to stand up. A ton of people stood up, and it was awesome to see their desire to serve the Lord.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm really even making a difference here in Kpalime. We've had hardly any baptisms, and really hardly any success. But, when all those young single adults stood up, showing they have a desire to serve a full-time mission, I had a realization. I don't need to find a ton of people, and baptize a ton to make a difference. I know each of these young adults, and I have a great relationship with each of them. Serving doesn't mean what we think it means sometimes. Serving means to make a difference in someone's life for their benefit, and for the benefit of our Heavenly Father. If by helping push these young adults to serve a mission, helping them serve God and their fellow man, is the best service I can offer, than I'm extremely happy with that. This is the work of God. We are his children, he loves us, and he cares for us. I love the mission, I love Togo, and I love the people of Kpalime.
Honestly, before the mission I did a pretty crappy job at serving others, and serving the Lord. I was pretty selfish. I'm so grateful for the mission, and the lessons that I've been taught. I'm gonna miss this place, and miss this people.
Thank you all for everything that you've done for me, and the support that's been given to me. I love all of you, but more importantly your Father in Heaven loves you.
Until next week, one last time,
Elder Orchard
- here are some good pics of my new cut, with Elder Rogers cut as well. Sorry Elder Rogers
