Week 80

Miles to go (Before I Sleep) -Celine Dion

Us with brother Vanderhooft

This week has been a busy one. On many occasions I have heard the stony words of Robert Frost resonating through my mind: I have promises to keep... and Miles to go before I sleep. The piercing realization that though the hour is growing late, the days tasks are far from accomplished. It's easy to want to quit... to give up and say enough has been done, but when we rely on the strength of the Lord to pull us through we are capable of much more than we may imagine possible. 

I have felt God's strength lift me many times in my life: School, Work, etc... But, my testimony has been strengthened here on my mission that God truly does support us as we keep our promises with him. This has become so much more evident carrying out His work in the capacity of a missionary, and I am grateful each day for the strength and energy God grants me to do so. Without going into gratuitous detail, let's just say that such strength has been much needed this week!

We had a wonderful exchange with some Elders in K3 on Wednesday. I learned a lot from them. Thursday morning my companion and I, along with Sister Mukundu (the Rwanda Sister Training Leader) had to fly to Uganda for a leadership council meeting on Friday. It was a wonderful few days learning together. On Saturday we traveled back. Along the way we say some fun tender mercies including a member who we met a long the way. We were able to chat with him quite a bit and it made the long wait for our flight more fun! Saturday Evening we were able to get a little work done in our area which was nice! On Sunday, church was cancelled and the city shut down as the kickoff for the memorial week (marking 25 years since the Rwanda Genocide). We gathered as a zone to view general conference, which was such a wonderful experience given the amazing things going on in the work here in Kigali.

Hearing our church leaders teach and bear testimony strengthened me immensely. The time really is drawing near when the Lord will come again, and He wants the saints to be prepared. We were counseled to make and keep covenants with God, and were promised that by faithfully keeping them we will be prepared. I am grateful for the peace the gospel brings. I am grateful for the sweet whisperings of the holy spirit that bear witness to my very soul that this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is lead by our savior and has the power necessary unto Salvation and Eternal Life. I am grateful for the Atonement that he provided which makes all of these blessings possible. It is my wish that all around me had this same assurance. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Winn

This is Elder Winn with Celestin.  He translates for the Elders.