Hello Son,
I am just going to jump right into the epiphany I had during Sunday School yesterday while reading in Luke because it involves you. We were talking about Christ announcing his Messiahship, calling his apostles, then proceeding to teach them their purpose from then on out. I cannot recall the exact words that made me think of you but found myself thinking the following:
Kyle has been called from our Heavenly Father to "straightway leave" his life for two years (granted, Cafe Rio wasn't exactly the most lucrative career as fishing was for Peter, but stay with me...). As we discussed the faith, the diligence, and obedience the apostles showed, I couldn't help but think of you even more. I will admit that I have been worried about the frame of mind in your particular mission. Worried that your mission is putting numbers before people (the investigator and your fellow missionaries and church members). Worried that maybe you aren't building strong relationships because you are focusing so much on the rules that maybe you don't show Christ-like compassion for those missionaries who struggle keeping them. In short, I have been worried about your like-ability instead of the work you have been called to do (this is a weakness of mine, I know). Needless to say, those worries were all laid to rest during Sunday School as the Lord showed me what is important--and he let me know that all that matters is what you have been called to do (he also let me know that you are an awesome missionary). You are an excellent fisherman. You are called to bring souls unto Christ, and you are doing that very well by bringing so many to the waters of baptism. I suppose what I am saying is that I am proud of you and your hard work, and I will never doubt your focus again. In fact, I will try and emulate it more in my own life. I will never assume that you are not loving the people and seeing them as just "prospects" or "numbers" in your weekly report. I love you, and because you are my son, I trust that you are finding a balance between meeting your goals and loving the people.
I will continue to pray for you and Elder Kennington as you seem to be going to town on the challenge you have been given. I hope you will find joy in your successes together and keep that humble attitude you talked about in your last letter. And, if things slow down and you both start to get discouraged, I hope you will band together and find a way to push through it.
Speaking of Elder Kennington, tell us more about what you love about him and the people you are teaching. I hear you haven't converted him to oatmeal yet, but has he got you eating Ramen? Anna (your sister, not Elder K's mom) would be so proud...
Be on the lookout for my Valentine's Day package. It has a lot of junk in it for both you and Elder Kennington. I hope it brings some smiles to you and the people around you because that is what showing love is all about--spreading the joy.
Not much has happened here at home. Dad was sick enough to leave church early yesterday, but he got up and went to work today. I love that man. Lane is doing well and is loving life since quitting his job (good advice on your part, bro). We all went to the Mr. Maple Mountain Pageant last Tuesday and Lane and his friends sat with our family. I love his friends. Dad wasn't thrilled about paying to get into the pageant and thought is was pretty stupid, but he endured it for me. He also went to our junior high girls championship basketball game with me and Anna on Friday night. We seem to be doing more as a family since Lane is around more, and we know he will be gone before we know it. Sad mommy.
Again, I love you and the man you are becoming. But remember, I've loved you forever, I've liked you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.
Love,
Mom
Dear Family,
Well, another week has gone by and well, let's just say it was a toughy. I can't believe what was said to me this week (ie: "You're white and American, and I have nothing to say to you!")... ummm ouch. There were many, many more, but let's keep this G rated. Well, Elder Kennington and I were working with this man named Alejandro who read the triple and the gospel principles book in a week...all of it... yeah epic!! He actually called us asking to get baptized. It was a powerful experience. President has put a great goal of 100 percent retention of every baptism. I still can't believe how blessed my mission has been.
We also had a very upsetting thing happen with one of our recent converts, Jairo. He went looking for things that would prove the church to be false. However, he is trying to get over it as we settled almost all of his questions and problems. The mission is trying to change from pure baptism and numbers over people, to pure converts. I am not used to it because I was born and raised [in the mission] to do anything to get baptisms, which is not good. I learned from Elder Kennington that I need to follow the spirit more than my head. Elder Kennington is super wise, I am not going to lie. I can easily see him as a great leader. He is so sensitive to the spirit and I hope to follow that pattern. I know that I am becoming something different. Sorry, mom, but I am not the same kid that went in to the MTC. I have changed so much. I know that might be hard to see, but I know what has happened here has changed my life forever. I have, however, retained my oatmeal stride!! hahaha...and no, I
have not converted myself to Ramen, but I got Elder Kennington off it hahahaha.
He and I are working like crazy, and I was so tired last night I had black under my eyes. Whew! Tired. Elder Kennington has a request for you, mom, HANG OUT WITH HIS MOM! [Sounds like it's time for a lunch date, Anna!]
I am super grateful for the Valentine package, and I look forward to getting it. I love you all so
very much!
Elder Thompson
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| Proof that he has "wrinkles." He is very proud of this... |
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