Happy New Year! I cannot believe it is 2017! Time certainly does go by fast! This last week was absolutely amazing and held so many lessons that I can't wait to share!
Perhaps the best thing that happened this last week is that Elder Kane and I were able to go on exchanges on Friday!! It was the first time that we have ever taught real investigators before and it was awesome! It was really nice as well to see the improvement that has taken place in the both of us since we started the mission. As I recognized how we have both improved in our teaching, language, etc. it occurred to me that the change and improvement that has taken place is nothing short of a miracle. It is wonderful how the Lord consecrates His servants as they humbly serve Him.
On Saturday, among other things, Elder Saez and I went to a baptism in Alicia (a closely related city) and it ended up being cancelled unfortunately. However, as we both waited out in front of the church for the awaited baptism, I met a remarkable Tatay who I will never forget. The Tatay I met has been a member of the church for quite some time, and attends all of the Sunday meetings, baptisms, and other additional meetings as well. He is one of the most active members in his ward and is a great example to all, that being because he has no use of his legs and limited use of his arms. Moreover, it is easy to identify that he is like most individuals here, living in very humble circumstances and not leaving much financial room to receive any help. So, to get to church from his faraway home, he commutes on a custom made bicycle that some other members made for him and is reported to be there on the hottest of Sundays as well as the wettest. He is truly a witness to all that our circumstances, even if slightly unfortunate, should never be an excuse to not do what we know to be right. It would have been very easy for the man I met to make excuses and simply stay home. However, because he made the decision to do otherwise, he is living up to his full potential and is a great light to all.
As I have pondered over the remarkable individual I met and the arrival of the new year, it occurred to me just how often we as individuals don't meet our full potential, chiefly because we cheat ourselves into believing that our circumstances allow otherwise. Therefore, my invitation for us all is make the goal of achieving our best selves (just as the Tatay I mentioned has) this New Year's through obedience. As we make goals, set plans, and then follow them throughout this new year to be better disciples, I know we will come to know the truthfulness of a statement found in the 28th chapter of Proverbs, that being that "where there is no vision, [we] perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he" (Proverbs 29:18). In other words, as we have the vision to lift ourselves to a higher plane of living, and be diligent in attaining it, we will all become truly "happy."
Well, everything is still going great! I will tell you all more next week!
Love,
Elder Pulley
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