8-22-10

Hey Mom and Dad,

Thanks for sending of the letter, Mom. I figured you were probably working on it. Thanks for telling me about Logan, that's great. You should tell him hi for me if you ever get a chance. He's a good kid. There are so many good people in this world. It seems like it is so easy to miss some of the great opportunities in this life, or even the whole purpose. I feel so bad for people who don't know why they are here, or feel like God doesn't care about them. Like the sons of Mosiah said in Mosiah 28:3 I can't think of anyone not making it to the Celestial Kingdom. It seems like it is so easy for man to not find the truth in this life because they are blinded by the slights of men. How wonderful it is to have the fullness of our Savior's teachings today. All that we need to receive the greatest of God's gifts we have, we just have to live up to that responsibility.

That's interesting about the different addictions that you were reading about. I've been thinking about that too. I agree, that eating can become an addiction. In my Health class, they talked about how eating food actually causes a drug to be released to signify pleasure. Laughing can do the same thing, as well as like you said, pornography, actual drugs, and other things. I think simple habits like biting nails, etc. can also become addictions. What I was thinking about, was that as we try to gain self-control or overcome those addictions that we have, that it can help us to gain self-discipline and spiritual strength. All laws, including temperal laws like the Word of Wisdom, not only benefit our physical well being, but our spiritual as well. I also know that I can gain more spiritual strength from diligent obedience, like with reading scriptures, being punctual, studying well, and many other things. Diligence is so important, and I realized it is something that is hard for me. I do great at trying new things, but keeping it up is the hard part. I've been trying to work on that, and I feel like it has helped me with my language, teaching, and happiness. Thanks for the insight.

We met with Alek again, and I think he really would like to be baptized. He's a nice guy, and pretty smart too. He's an engineer for Yerevan TV. They have a good family. We've also been meeting with two interesting homeless guys and we have some other potentials as well. I'll let you know if anything happens with them.

Guess what... Adam left! I don't know if it's permanent, but he has a three month visa for Denmark. I'll miss him. He should stayed pretty involved in the church, though, so hopefully it will be an opportunity for him to see the church how it's supposed to be run. We're still learning here.

I like President Carter and his wife a lot. I think he wants to do things exactly as it says in Preach My Gospel. I think why Elder Christensen said it is good is so that we can re-focus in a way and have a new start. So that we can focus more on exact obedience. President Carter is strict, but in a very loving way that takes away any pressure. He is a wonderful servant of the Lord. I wish I could talk more, but I have to go. I love you all so much. Have a great week. Tell Janet thanks for the letter. She's a great woman.

Love,
Elder Bruce Wainwright