Week 78: Ups and downs are part of being a missionary

This week was alright for us missionaries here in Nampula. We had ups and downs, but that is life, right? I also had a week full of surprises; to say the least.

I really don't have a whole lot to report on. With transfers and missionaries getting sent out of Nampula and some other surprises, Elder Goes and I did not get a whole lot of work done. We had to try to work two areas and run the branch at the same time, so we were not as efficient as we have been in the past weeks. Elder Taukiuvea ended his mission and went home. He left Nampula Friday night. Elder Osorio also left Nampula on Thursday to go down to Maputo. We were down two missionaries.

We really saw the effect that all this caused when Sunday rolled around and only 134 people showed up to church. Like I said, we typically have 180 or 190, and we typically have 15 to 25 investigators, well I only had 5 investigators... Man, it hurt me.

But during church I was asked to play the piano for the branch, and I did a pretty decent job. I have been learning some new hymns and practicing quite a bit, so I was able to play for the branch without any problems.

My new companion will be Elder Oliveira- from Brazil. I am super excited to work with him! This will be my first companion that is not a natural english speaker! I really like Elder Oliveira. He is a great missionary and super obedient; so I am excited to see the blessings come to this branch because of him and his work here. Elder Goes' new companion will be Elder Draney- one of my companions in the MTC. The two of them should help each other out a lot and their area should progress really well.

I am excited for the new adventures that this next transfer will bring.

I know God lives. I know Jesus is the Christ. I know God loves us and that we are His children. Christ invites us to come unto Him and be perfected in Him. He did suffer and die for our sins. We can repent of any transgression that we commit. Repentance brings peace and exaltation. I am so grateful for the Atonement of my personal Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the work of the Lord. I am eternally grateful for the privilege I have to be a missionary and serve the people of Nampula and Mozambique.

I love this work. I love my Savior.

Elder Rash

*Note from mom:  No pictures this week.  Please keep Elder Rash in your prayers.  Sometimes, extra prayers are helpful.  He CAN do hard things!