9th Letter: The Ohio Eldear

Hello My Fabulous Family and Friends!

 

Once again, we are trying to find new investigators. that's the hardest thing to do. We have 2 potential investigators but we'll see how that goes. We did meet this guy Tony at church!! A member of the Spanish branch who lives in our area (like almost all of the white members of the Spanish branch) brought him to church. Tony has met with missionaries before and had 2 lessons with them. I don't know if I have mentioned this before but the majority of the members of the ward here are students, and Tony is a student as well from Southern Ohio. He seemed really cool. He asked us if he had to stop being a catholic if he joined our church. I was hesitant which was stupid of me. I need to just be bold with it, but his member friend answered the question after I fumbled for words to say it "nicely". He said, "the answer to your question is yes." and then talked about how we do have different beliefs. JUST BOLD WITH IT.

 

I don't know why but I have had trouble doing that. And it really bugs me! I am working on that. Among many other things :) I am learning so much about myself every day. My brother TJ described the mission like this, "Your mission is a time when God takes all of your flaws, puts them in a pillow case, and smacks you over the head with it until you get it." I am definitely seeing that right now and hope I will continue to feel it. I need some refining, so I need the refiner's fire. Bring it On!!!

 

That was pretty scatter-brained. but whatever :)

 

I had another opportunity to play the piano!! The missionaries in our ward for the Cleveland north area had a baptism and had nobody for a "half time show" (have no idea what else to call it) so I played the same song that I did before. The Come Come Ye Saints with Come Thou Fount. when I was almost finished with the song I realized they weren't done yet! So I had no idea what to do, so I did the only thing I could... just kept playing, I don't know what i played, but it worked nicely! They came in with a smile and we continued with the meeting. I don't have very many opportunities to play the piano, or any instrument for that matter, but I was so glad I got to just play. Many said Thank You, but I don't know if anyone else felt the spirit as strong as I did during that time. I could feel Toby, my younger brother who passed away at birth, just sitting next to me, feeling his arms around me was beautiful.

 

I had an interview with President Vellinga this week and he asked how things are with the family at home and my relationship with my family. I told him how close we are in years and in strength and how there will be a "trifecta" of Toolson missionaries out at the same time. he started to get a little emotional. He told me his parents at 4 different times had 2 out on missions at the same time. he knows and has seen how hard it can be. Mom, Dad, President Vellinga loves you and thanks you for raising us boys righteously. "You tell your parents they are amazing." I am so very grateful for and aware of my heritage of faith that have raised me and my family in righteous ways and in a warm and loving environment. I have heard people say that they don't believe that families can be happy. My heart sank when I heard that. I testify that families are forever! I am proud to be a member of the Toolson family. I love my family, my extended family, and my eternal family. All who have participated in raising me, first I want to apologize for the mayhem I may have caused, and now thank you with all that I posses for teaching me all the wonderful things that you have.

Fight the fight, stay the course, and keep the faith!

Love,
Elder Trey Richard Toolson