Brothers and Sisters, I wanted to start my email with this weird phrase: 

     "Rainbows and Sunshine and Dark Clouds." 

     Now you are probably wondering what the heck is Elder Lawrence even talking about? That doesn't even make sense. Let's continue and it will all make since. 

     The last few weeks have been a struggle. Not being home sick. Or me not wanting to do the work. It's not even me wanting to not be obedient to the rules. It's simply my companion. It's crazy how much your companion can change your mood or even how you behave. Lately, things have been different and a little difficult. Everyone has their own way of doing things which is good to a certain point. Our personalities just don't line up, and I am going to be completely honest, it is killing me on mission. I love to work, be obedient, and help others come unto Christ. But recently I've felt limited, restricted, and not heard.  But I'll be fine. It's interesting because I haven't been one to just take the backseat on tons of things. But that's what I've been doing recently and I know that’s not good. 

     I normally wouldn't share this, but I felt that I needed to share things about mission that are a little more real. I feel like missionaries and others sometimes talk up missions like they are always completely fun! Which isn't wrong, they are a bunch of fun. But, there is also a lot of hardship. I would love to share more about the mission: 

Missions are 

     Amazing, Fun, Exciting, Huge testimony builder, Joyful (See and help others come unto Christ and his Restored Gospel), Builds independence, Teaches life lessons, Teaches how to talk to people, How to build friendships, And so much more.. 

Missions are also 

     Difficult, Full of trials, Physically and Mentally Exhausting, Sad at times, in short THEY AREN'T EASY. 

Why aren't Missions easy, isn't it the Lord’s work? 

Shouldn’t we be paired with companions who always love us and the work. Shouldn't everything just go well?

     A huge part of missions is building yourself into the person that Heavenly Father needs you to be. There was a talk that I was listening to the other day and it was talking about marriage. And how it is a commandment, Money however is not. So that being said, they were talking about how even if we are not financially ready to be married, God will make a way, because marriage is a commandment. They then continued to say as you struggle with your eternal companion (Or in this case a temporary companion that has been assigned to you) you grow the most. I believe and know that there is a lesson in everything that happens. Heavenly Father knows what he is doing. He is shaping you into the son or daughter of God that he needs YOU TO BE. 

     My father said something to me while I was out here struggling in my first area. Ever since he said this, it has stuck with me with much force. He said to me, Remember, Christ said, "I never said it was going to be easy, I only said it was going to be worth it." 

     Everyone talks about how missions are so amazing and perfect. Well, I am here to tell you that it's not all rainbows and Sunshine. Missions are HARD. They have Dark Clouds that come. But it's also a cloud, of course. These clouds CAN and WILL move. And that's what we want. Even if you are the most obedient missionary that has ever served. THEY WILL COME. 

     I don't want to say that missions aren't worth it because of this. No, missions are so worth it. This has been the best 7 months of spiritual progression that I have had. They are so worth it, even though they are hard. So be ready if you want to serve! (I so hope you do!!) You won't regret it. 

     Okay, now since it has been a while since my last email I sent, I guess I should catch you up.

      The last few weeks have been extremely repetitive and have also gone by extremely fast. Like really fast... It's scary.  There isn't a lot to share, it's just been missionary work. But I will share an experience I had while teaching a friend who is ready for Baptism and ready for that commitment, but is waiting for a spiritual prompting to say "Now is the time". 

     His name is Johan, and he has been taught by the missionaries since June 26th. He believes everything to be true, has a testimony of Joesph Smith as well as the Church's teachings. Which is amazing! I am so excited for Johan and his journey. But while we visited him, I could feel that he was ready to be baptized and was holding back for some reason. Long story short, I shared a spiritual experience that I had. And as I shared this experience the spirit was so strong. Probably the strongest I have felt the Holy Ghost in a long time! It was amazing. I am so excited for his progress; I'll keep you updated. 😄

And just like that, the transfer is over on Friday. (January 26) As well as we have received news about transfers! I will be staying in Brackenfell! 😂😂 I've only been here for one transfer.. So I'll be here for a little while. My companion, however, will not be staying, he is flying over to George PAC's.  So, who is going to be my new companion? The answer to that is... A greenie straight from the Johannesburg MTC! His name is Elder Lekgwa..

     I am super excited to help this amazing Elder come into the mission field. I know that he is going to help my testimony grow. 

I want to end with this last statement. 

      Comparison is the death of happiness. 

Be careful to whom, how, and how often you compare yourself to others. It can be very degrading. Just remember that Heavenly Father made each of us personally as well as differently. We are all different and all are on different spots on the ladder of life and the gospel. Some of us are "Higher" on the ladder than others. But as long as we are showing effort, no matter where we are, Heavenly Father is pleased. 

Do your best and leave the rest to Heavenly Father. 

Sorry for the long email! 

I love and miss you all! Hope you have a good rest of your week. 

With Love,
      Elder Lawrence