The Joy of my heart ♥ October 9, 2023

 Good Morning, 

To the people of the west, and of the east, and of the north, and I can't forget the south, (Essentially it doesn't matter where you currently are in relation to the location of Georgia), this email is for you! 

It had been a blessing to be a missionary this week. The reason why is the reason that has been given before. This is the Greatest work on earth today, and with this being the greatest work, it is also the greatest Joy. I truly know that I have been more joyful as I have been a missionary because I have been helping people grow closer to Jesus Christ. This is my joy and my song! 

Just the other day we were knocking on on door trying to get in contact with one of our friends, when we apparently knocked on the wrong door. Rather than meeting our friend we found someone else there who didn't know who we were looking for. As we did what we do, we struck up a conversation. From that conversation we learned that her husband had passed away. In that moment I felt impressed to tell her about the truth and Resurrection. These truth offered hope, but the hope didn't stop there. We also taught that the authority of God that whatsoever was bound on earth would be bound in heaven. We asked her what it would mean to her to be married to her husband for all eternity. I saw hope enter into her heart, and I know that truth is important to her, As it is to me. We didn't knock on the wrong door.

I must simply say, I love cleaning the church building! We had the surprise of being able to help clean the wonderful church building that we worship in. I was able to claim the right and privilege of using the backpack vacuum. I finally know what Luigi feels as he goes through his haughty mansion cleaning for ghosts. (Pictures are down below) As I cleaned with my super Vacuum I was reminded of the memories that I had a child cleaning my home church building with my family. (Good times) Over the years I have felt and great love appreciation for the Church building's we spent so much time in. I hope I can show my love of God by taking care of His property.  

We had Zone Conference this week, which surprised me on how fast this transfer is going. The conference was great and I loved learned out of the scriptures. We expounded upon chapters that I know well, and when we were done I had a greater knowledge of how they can apply to our day. I love the scriptures and will never stop learning from them.  

I know the peace and the joy that comes as we keep the commandments of God. As I read the scriptures I see so many times where it talks about Joy. The feeling of Joy is a promised blessing from God that comes to us as we Come Unto Him. As I look for Faith, Hope and Charity in the Book of Mormon I see that Joy is not too far behind them. After reading the necessity for Faith, Hope, and Charity I know that Joy comes to us. I know it because I have felt it. I look forward when we can all say, "Joy to the World" because it has been in my heart the moment I first put on my Missionary tag. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.  

We had the whole district pull up to our apartment foe our DC Lunch and made some good old Chicken Alfredo. 

We had a Birthday lunch for Elder Almeida. 

The vacuum. But no ghosts 

Halloween decorations and some Zone Conference pictures and also pictures with the sisters in our district when they are on exchanges.  

Say bye to Sister Chournos! This is her last transfer. She was in my last district and we both moved to the same Zone