Summertime Sadness!

Familia!

It's always tough trying to get used to the thought of going back to school, but it sounds like you all have had a great summer. Crazy to think Parker will be a big freshman! Parks--I felt the same way you do right now. My advice would be to not worry about going to Toppenish, you'll have a good time. Your buddies will all be there and you'll make some good memories with them. All your older bros have walked those halls! Your name is already known there and people will be looking up to you and expecting a lot from you just because of that. Be a good influence to your buddies! Remember the saying that "the grass is always greener.." In almost everything we have or experience, we can always think of how it could be better if we had something else. The key is to be thankful for what we've got right now and to make the most of it! You'll eventually look back and be glad you went there, even if that sounds crazy haha.

It was a pretty slow, tough week this week. Not much success with our investigators and it just kind of seemed like no one wanted to give us much time. But that is okay, I have learned more about agency in this past month than ever before in my whole life haha. It is super frustrating! But is also such a gift that we can use to prove our obedience and readiness to receive blessings.

I am sad to hear that Faye isn't doing too good, I hope she can get better quick. You're good for taking such good care of her, Mom. Tell Aunt Lisa happy birthday for me as well! Glad to hear you got some good cabin time in with the Farias fam. I really miss the fresh air haha.

I didn't think I was going to have anything to write about this week, but just before we came to the internet cafe, my companion and I had an interesting experience haha. We were just about to get into the car when a lady walked up to us and asked us who we were, so we explained to her who we are and what we are doing here. She was a little bit drunk, but she still knew what was going on and had no problem understanding what we were talking about. She started to tell us all these problems she has and was complaining and mad because she wanted to know why God "makes" all the temptations that there are in the world. She said she had asked every religious person she had met and none of them were able to answer. I answered her question simply, but she continued saying that we weren't able to answer the question and kept blaming God for all the bad in the world. This went on (for longer than it should have) until I finally felt that I needed to powerfully answer her question and explain some things to her. As I began to speak, she stopped talking and listened intently as I explained with as much patience and power as I could. I explained that it is not God that creates the wickedness in the world and that it is not Him who makes us choose to do evil (she kept saying He makes us do bad things). But that we have the agency to choose between right or wrong and that as we learn to choose the right, we are blessed and are better able to do so again and again. When I was done talking, all she said was, "Well I guess you have a point." It wasn't quite the response I was hoping for haha, but I was glad that she was finally able to listen to what was being said and I hope that she felt her question was answered.

Mom--I didn't get the package on Friday, so no pictures. It sounded like you sent it last Monday, so I figured it'd be here, but I'm sure I'll get it this Friday. So maybe I'll be able to send some pictures next week haha.

CJ growing again?! That's crazy! He's going to be a giant when he returns, or maybe he'll just stay there in Russia haha. I haven't really had anything weird or too different to eat. The area I'm in right now is pretty much the same as Toppenish, just a little more developed as a city. There isn't the nice open space or fields or anything. But other than that, it feels pretty much the same as good ol' Toppenish, it isn't very foreign from what I grew up in haha.

You should finish 2 Nephi 9 by next Sunday for the reading. I'll send a picture of the reading log I have next week. Oh and mom--an investigator we taught this week has a kumquat tree! I had some fresh kumquats right off the tree! They were super soft and tasted a lot better than the ones I've had before haha.

I love you all! I hope you have a great week!

Elder Reynolds