Being Transferred!

-Happy Mother's Day again!

-Thanks so much for the Tagalongs!!!! I put them in the freezer and they're so so so good

-I should be buying a new umbrella today, and a tie or two. There are two little boys I'm going to buy ties for I can get the ties for like two bucks

Transferred na ako? Ano ga yan? Well, I'm pretty darn surprised I'm transferred! I was not expecting that at all. I was sure I was going to go six months here in Cuenca and two transfers with Elder J. Our Zone Leader called us last night and when I answered the phone he said, "Bro, you're transferred!" (I miss being called bro!) I was speechless.  Elder J was in shock.  He just laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling for a while. I think he's pretty nervous if he is called to become the senior in the area. I think he knows the area just fine, but nevertheless he's a little scared. As for me, I'm scared too! The next few days leading up to transfer day (Elder Yost will transfer on Thursday) are just long and seem like forever. When you get transferred, you just kinda want to go and get on with it. We'll see on Thursday where I'm headed!

Here's a funny story that pretty much describes the Philippines. As you know, this is one of the most Catholic countries in the world. One of our Zone Leaders was on a Jeepney (a small bus that is colorfully decorated), and on the windshield there was a huge banner that read "Jesus Save Us". Directly below that was a giant Playboy bunny!! Yikes!

We had a good week and for the first time had no interruptions to our work. It was so nice to be able to work straight through. A lot of this coming week will be helping Elder J. get up to speed on the area. I think we'll have a really good week  and I'm a little sad! Elder J. has been such a great companion and I feel like our time went by so fast. We were talking about it last night, and we have not gotten in one disagreement in 6 weeks together. Not bad!

I was preparing for my presentation/workshop for our upcoming  District Meeting and was really trying to brainstorm and find out what exactly I needed to teach the other missionaries in my District. As I was preparing, I just started feeling these feelings of inadequacy. I'm not really sure why, but I started to really realize my personal weaknesses whether it's Tagalog, teaching skills, or being a District Leader. I found myself asking myself, why am I so weak? How are people ever going to be brought to the truth with my awkward sounding lessons and my jumbled speech. One of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon is Ether 12. We know the famous scripture masteries, but we rarely read the whole story. In chapter 12, Moroni is pleading with the Lord and asking how people will believe on his words because of his weakness. It sounds absurd to us, but Moroni felt inadequate! The prophet of God felt weak. I love the Lord's response to Moroni. He said:

26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

 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.

We all have weaknesses and inadequacies. That's how the Lord helps us grow. All we need to do is recognize those and go to the Lord because his grace is sufficient. Through his divine Atonement, we can receive the strength to overcome those weaknesses. President Eyring told a story of when he became an Apostle. He said he was so overwhelmed and felt so inadequate. One day President Faust called him to his office:

"After some pleasantries, he looked at me and said, “Has it happened yet?” When I looked puzzled he went on to say, “I’ve been watching you in meetings. It seems to me that you have been feeling that your calling is beyond you and that you are not qualified.”

I said that doubt had come to me, as if I had hit a wall. I expected that he was going to reassure me. I told him that I appreciated his being aware of my doubts and asked for his help. But I was surprised by his kind, firm reply. He said, “Don’t ask me. Go to Him.” Then he pointed up to heaven. Now years later I sit in that same office. When I walk into it I look up and remember him and how he taught me by example how to help those who are feeling overwhelmed in the Lord’s service. Find a way to send them with confidence to Him. "

 If we'll go to Him, He will give us the strength we need. As to our own strength, we're weak, but with divine help, all things are possible. Let us rely on Him, and we will move mountains!

Love,

Elder Yost