This week was a pretty slow one in the office. I got all of my work done on Tuesday so I was pretty bored on Wednesday and Thursday, but I found some ways to keep myself busy. I have been busy with Doulingo (dutch language practice) which is fun but also pretty basic so far, but when you got nothing better to do... I think it will get better once I'm farther along in it. I've been doing tons of family history work, well just reading stories because I don't really have much to search for as far as people go. I did find one super interesting thing that you can read about later in the email! I've read tons of BYU and BYU-I addresses, and learned some good stuff from those. And lastly learned that the St Louis Rams (NFL) are now in LA. Why did no one tell me this?! "THAT is brand new information!" -that is for you Bakers ;) finally a football team in LA Colosseum worth cheering for! @brettbaker :)
I feel like I've really been battling myself recently. One way is physically. I've been pretty sick all week and kinda miserable because of it. I even started sneezing blood for a bit, which I'm pretty sure isn't good, haha. It will pass eventually though right?? It is amazing that as much as I've been outside in the cold rain on my mission that I've never had to stay at home for more than a few hours due to illness. Blessings! Anyway... I've just been battling myself mentally. Trying to have the will to get up and work out, which was going alright until I got sick, and also trying to push myself to strengthen my testimony. That means not only do I have to read and pray (in a good habit of it now) but also I need to change the man in the mirror. Right now I'm trying to take it step by step and working on being more positive and to be more loving/kind to those around me. I have found out how true it is when Moroni says:
" 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
Often I get frustrated when I recognize my imperfections, because I feel like I haven't learned much since Ive been out, but according to Moroni we are shown our weaknesses as we progress. While I still get frustrated with myself every now and then, I know how much I've grown and changed on my mission and I'm grateful for the experiences that have taught me these things!
Lastly a story about my Great (how ever many greats) grandfather Asahel Perry. Before I include the text I found keep in mind this is the first of any of my ancestors to become a member of the church:
The first missionaries to bring the Gospel to the Perry family were Aaron C. Lyon and John P. Green. This was in the fall of 1832. Brigham Young, his father and his brother Joseph Young and other elders held meetings at the home of Asahel Perry. Asahel was baptized 4 August 1833 and was then set apart to preside over the branch of the Church in Genesee County.
I thought this was particularly interesting because I found that my birthday is the anniversary of my family joining the church. I've already printed off like 15 pages worth of journal notes and letters from various ancestors. Grandma Anderson would be proud. Side note Anderson side was introduced into the Church when Jans "Pederson" came to the US from Denmark. Amazing what you learn :)
Love you guys!
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Elder Talyon Anderson Perry
Belgium/Netherlands Mission