4-9-17 Let the Holy Spirit Guide YOU

Namaste hamaar pyaari pariwaar!

Sorry, not much time today because we're trying a new internet cafe and it's leqa (problematic) as so I don't reckon we'll be back here haha. Anyways, there were a couple of nice things that happened over the last week, otherwise it was pretty average.

On Friday, we were able to go see Shryna again. What a blessing it was to hear that she had decided to be baptized at her current age! 

It was pretty funny, the lesson we planned to teach her was focused on the Holy Ghost and his role in the godhead. As we taught, I discovered that she had no prior knowledge of the Holy Ghost. Now Shryna is a smart girl. She has a great memory and that huge book full of things the missionaries used to teach her. FROM THIS I deduct that she was taught improperly, and someone being baptized in order to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost should have an understanding of the importance of that gift. I actually think it's excellent that Shryna has been given this second chance at baptism. She has the knowledge and a testimony, and the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to help her to solidify her knowledge and testimony.

Anyways, we very simply taught her that the Holy Ghost one of three members of the Godhead. He's our best friend, our protector, our comforter, and we've been able to feel him our whole lives. He's always been there influencing us, pushing us in the right direction when we need it and whispering words of comfort and guidance when we're low. He's a soft and gentle spirit, and though we may not (always) be able top hear his voice, we'll be able to feel him if we're attentive to his promptings.
Anyways, when she attended to her commitment to pray about baptism, she expressed that the decision just felt right. She felt comfort in her decision, like it was just the thing she had to do. 

When we told her that THAT was the Holy Ghost, she said

"... Ooooooooh. Huh, okay."

We committed her to be baptized on May 20th, but I think I may cut it closer to the 13th. She committed to coming to church and daily scripture study and prayer as she prepares for her baptism. Shryna is such a contrite Spirit, and honestly an inspiration to me. I may have some set plans for myself upon my return home, but I've committed to let the Spirit guide me in all big decisions both in and after the mission. It was, after all, the Spirit that told me in my heart that BYUH was where I needed to go rather than UH. I was blessed with that inspiration before the mission. What I love about Shryna is that she had a set plan for herself (to be baptized at 12) but asked the Lord for guidance anyway. She received guidance that went against her plan, and followed the guidance without hesitation. We need ALWAYS pray that we may be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I testify that as we pray and ask sincerely and LISTEN, that we will receive an answer. I testify that that answer is of the spirit, and it is the answer we need to follow. One piece of advice I've been following lately that has been blessing me in immense little ways is this: If you have a question for which you feel the need to inquire of the Lord, ASK. After you say Amen, don't immediately open your eyes and get up or go to sleep or whatever. Say Amen, sit there, and listen. Feel. Give yourself a minute to receive any personal revelations that the Lord may see fit that you should receive. It may not come after a minute or five or ten, as I've rudely learned, but I promise that as you continue to pray and live faithful to your calling that the answer will come.

Another reason I reckon you should all be praying hard for the Spirit is because you're all doing these awesome, adventurous aaaand poteeentially dangerous things. BE SAFE! The Spirit will guide you and protect you from all things and in all places as you pray and feel for His guidance.

HOUU THAT'S ONE MONSTER LEHIA. You gonna have to double ya game when I come home though because imma be eating all ya fish. You and dad looking healthy and in your zone out there on the water! I miss water...

LET'S GO KALA'I! You keep up that ridiculous training and self-discipline, it'll take you places your siblings have never been. The focus in the mission right now is for missionaries to discover what they want their legacy to be when they leave. For myself, personally, I don't care how many people I baptize. I don't care to have my converts remember me and praise me for bringing them the gospel, or to have a kid named after me. If I could help someone to truly and sincerely convert to the gospel that they might have the opportunity to bless their entire posterity by their decision, I believe I'll have served a successful mission. Kala'i, you're leaving a great legacy in school it looks like. You have a good impact on the people around you, and I'm so glad you're making the effort to be nicer to the kaivulagi kids. I promise you that if you love and respect them, their response doesn't matter. You did your part, you did what the Lord would want you to do. No matter how they respond to your love, whether positive or negative, you're doing the right thing. Keep being that beacon of light and example to your peers, Kala'i and Lehia! Again, pursue your interests, but prioritize the gospel above all. 

I'm glad mom is safe and unchanging in her methods of cooperation. I honestly used to tell myself that I won't hit my kids because of the way I felt when I was hit, BUUUUT some of the kids here man... 

Mom, I can't tell you how grateful I am for every smack and squeeze and pana you've graciously bestowed upon me throughout my life, because all those things have shaped me into the amazing and humble young man I am today. 

In all honesty, I've definitely gained a testimony that appropriate consequences is required when we break a rule, so we may learn WHY these rules have been set and the importance of following them.

OH I don't have time now and I left my notebook at home, but I was graced with a great insight yesterday at stake conference that I'll share next week. It's related to keeping the family strong and united.

Best of luck at the concert, Penina! Not that you need it, I reckon you have the natural gift of confidence. I like to reflect on the video mom took of you as you played the troll in that little Billy Goats Gruff skit at school. I think about the way you stood up there and just claimed that bridge in front of the whole audience. That was YOUR bridge, and you didn't just want the goats to know it, you wanted mom and your teacher and your friends' moms to know whose bridge that was. The confidence with which you stood up there and sang your part at your young age is inspiring to me, and I know that that gift will carry you very far in life! 

I don't reckon I need to wish mom good luck with the bass either, mom can/will literally do anything she puts her heart and mind to. But good luck anyways!

Please give my aloha to the ward, the family, and especially the Wheeler ohana. I honestly don't remember the baptism, but I remember the family. They're in my prayers!

Elder Mokie and I are in great health and spirits! We're still working hard and toward bringing the strayed sheep back to the fold.

I love you all so much, have an incredible and blessed week! 

Ham aaplogke bahut pyaar karta hai hamaar pyaari pariwaar!

Khyaal rakna,

Elder Ishibashi-Fiji

 

-Daily inspiration

 

-Met this guy at stake conference yesterday, he came down from Tuvalu! 

I saw him up on the stand in the choir and thought he looked oddly familiar. After everything he approached me, introduced himself and said "Elder Ishibashi sends his love!"

 

-Just stolen from his blog

... that height contrast though...

 

It's hard trying to be lowkey in such an open space