Bangor, Part 9 - April 2, 2018

Me and Elder Baklan watched the first session of conference in the clerk's office at church. Elder Baklan is very good with computers, so we were able to hook up the computer to the TV. We watched it live at 5:00PM. We had with us a couple of greasy, salt-and-vinegar doused fish-and-chip suppers. Despite the seeming meagerness of the setting, we both felt the power of God that was present during the solemn assembly. Whenever the Aaronic priesthood was asked to rise, I was excited to know that my boy Justin was standing up. The other sessions I watched on Sunday at the Stake centre in Belfast. The Sunday morning session was live. I haven't been able to watch the concluding session yet. Some of my favourite things was when President Nelson exhorted the men of the priesthood to give blessings! I also really liked the talk given by Lynn Robbins. Any talk that was given by the First presidency was especially powerful to me this time around. It has encouraged me to align my will with the Lord's, though I am still seeking how best to do that. 

One of my previous companions, Elder Milburn, went home early. I wasn't told why, but I know that missionary work was sometimes very hard for him. I still have one of his name tags for some reason. I'm gonna have to send that to him. I still haven't figured out how to package Justin's birthday present. Oh, and Happy Birthday to Amanda and Tamara! Amanda is...17, and Tamara is...22? 23? I'm sorry. So, so sorry. Did you have some cake? 

That is very good news about Laura. I hope that she will feel much better than she did before. Just so you know, girls can do so many things that guys can't. I don't fully understand why, but it's true. Do you remember that Romanian part member family in Dundalk that I used to talk about all the time? The 13 year old boy, who suffers lots of mental stress, is now a deacon in the Dundalk branch. His father Sorin, who used to be quite hostile toward the church, is now asking to be baptised. This is a report that I heard from the sister missionaries, about 4.5 months after I was there. Sisters are truly amazing. The Holy Ghost is even more so. 

I can't see or predict how the new changes to some organisations and traditional means will turn out, but of course I know that it will be very good if it's done right. I am looking forward to being a part of that. I really did not expect to see such changes and adjustments. Wow. I reiterate the sentiment of Neil L. Anderson: I hope we have President Nelson for another decade or two! 

We travelled to Belfast a lot this week, to have interviews with President Donaldson, and for a zone leadership council. We also had another long trip down to Dublin. I enjoy those, because it's just hanging out with the district for 3 hours at a time on the bus. The All Ireland conference was also very inspiring. All in all, I can't say for sure what's happened to me, but I've changed; I can feel it. I'm just not the same. In a good way for sure. And I'm ready for more too! 

Thank you for all of the news from home. How are my grandparents doing? Please give them my love, and my aunts and uncles too. 

Bye for now! Love y'all!