Wow, I can't believe it's only been two weeks and some change. I feel like i've known the people in my district for months! Two of the Elders (Anderson and Solano) just got their visas, so they leave for the Brazil MTC on Tuesday. It's a bittersweet thing--we're so excited that they get the chance to go down there already, but we're going to miss them a ton! District H (or, as we like to refer to it: Distract H) has definitely met the goal of being the best (and most humble) district. :) We're all going to do such great things down in Brazil and whereever we may be reassigned!

 

The theme of this past week has been on the Savior's Atonement. It's one of those subjects I don't think I'll ever fully comprehend in mortality, but it's always so cool to get a deeper understanding of it! We heard a neat story during Sacrament meeting but since I don't have much time to share it, I'm going to instead quote Elder Holland from a video we watched during Tuesday devotional about the difficulty of missionary work. The message couldn't have come sooner--even though this work is exciting and awesome, it's definitely tiring and difficult. I think a few of these quotes could apply to anyone going through trials, too:

 

"Salvation is not a cheap experience. It was never easy. It is supposed to require something of your soul."

"When you ask, 'isn't there an easier way?', know that someone asked that a long time ago."

"When you're feeling downtrodden, rejected, or shut down--you are standing with the best life that has ever lived. You have reason to stand tall."

 

I am so, so grateful for my Savior, that he suffered and died for me and that he was resurrected so that I could return to live with my Heavenly Father once more. It is such a comfort to know that he is always there for me, that he knows how I feel and is able to comfort me in time of need. This gospel is honestly such a happy message. It's such a blessing to have and a blessing to be able to share. Sometimes I wish I could just declare it to all the world, but as Elder Holland has said... it's never going to be easy.

 

I was going to tell a super awkward story but it's too painful to tell hahaha. Consider this an incentive to email me by next week. ;) But forreals I'd love to hear from y'all! alexis.kaegi@myldsmail.net.

 

I'm running out of time so I'll have to end it here. I love you all muito! Have a wonderful August. Until next week.

 

Sister Kaegi