#60 耐性 nàixìng (Patience)

Well everyone, I think one thing I have learned this week is that the Lord has a sense of humor. I am pretty sure he looked at my email from last week and said "Oh that's great Elder Larson, buckle up" because on Tuesday afternoon I received news that Taiwan has closed their borders again, meaning that all progress on receiving my Visa has been temporarily halted for "a few months''. So I am buckling down for another few months here in Ventura. 

Between that and some struggles I have had with my companion this week it has made it easy to feel like the victim, it has also been easy to feel impatient, part of me is truly just very sick of playing the "waiting game" with Taiwan. But there is not much I can do about it, and complaining only makes things worse. So I have learned a lot this week about the importance of having patience and about my purpose as a missionary. 

I am called to serve where the lord needs me to be, not where I want to be. And sometimes there is a big difference.  I am with the companions I am with so I can learn more about myself and be the man God needs me to be. My purpose is to bring souls to Christ,  not explore foreign lands and speak cool languages. While those may someday be a part of my mission it will never be a part of my purpose. We are called to labor where we are. And the Lord has given me this time to bless his children here in Ventura. I bear my testimony that God knows each of his children individually and loves them all individually.  No one person or place are more important to the lord than others. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ amen. 

Funny story for the week: This Saturday we played some Speed as a district and afterwards we went and got donuts, I had a very rich donut that was filled with Cookie dough.  Feeling very bloated and full we went to help a local Preschool with some projects they were working on, and what did they offer us? Donuts. So hesitantly I ate two and I think I have diabetes now, haha, just kidding. 

Love you all!

Larson 长老

1. Exchanges with Elder Truman

2. Paso Squad!

3. Helping at the Preschool