Hard Times

Dear Family,

This letter is a bit depressing and not very hopeful. This last week I seriously considered coming home. It was very, very hard for me as a leader. I am struggling to get my district on the path. Now it is not just my companion that is disobedient, it is the whole district. I didn't just have leaders call but also President came today to help me out. Thankfully, we had interviews with President and that helped this district a ton. I have never prayed harder in my life during this last week. I have learned so much this last week about what it means to become like a child. I have been thinking about Anna's example: how she always tells things how they are whether she likes something or she doesn't like it. I remember so much of her in her niñohood--how she did not put up with junk. I also love the talk that she gave this week. I will use it in my district meeting. 

I had a lot of fights with my companion this week until the point where he told me that I was basura (garbage) and I did not know how to lead. I had to talk to President and my companion now has the choice. If he does not work the next three days, he will go home. Or, he works hard and helps me. I also have been doing all the work and it has stressed me out. By all the work, I mean all the work--not just my area, the area of the hermanas also. 

I had such bad stress I hardly slept at all throughout the week. Finally, one night I had to just pray. Dad, thank you for the advice: prayer is always the right answer. I poured out my heart. During my prayer I had a very beautiful experience. I was kneeling next to my bed when it felt like I was being hugged by somebody. I felt something real, but I  didn't know who or why. It was not my companion either. I could hear him downstairs cooking food. This feeling then overcame me giving me such a hope that I knew in this moment that I could do the things the Lord has commanded of me. I know that this was the most special experience of my mission and probably my life. 

I know that this is the True Church of God. I know that without a doubt in my mind. I wanted to share this experience with you to let you know I will not go home until I have finished my work here for the Lord. Thank you for your prayers in my behalf. I hope that we will always turn to the Lord when we have troubles in our lives.

I love you all,

Elder Thompson