Hello everyone!

Wow, what a week! I really can say that this week will be etched in my memory pretty clearly, because it has been a bit different than any other I have had the pleasure of having in my mission, or really my life. It has been, safe to say, one of the hardest mountains I have yet to climb.

This week, individuals that we had gone to do service with attacked us doctrinally. We were called liars and apostates and a host of other attractive titles during the week. Less actives and investigators we have worked with consistently have fallen through for a multitude of reasons. We have been turned about, disappointed, rejected, and a series of other things as well. A heavy, all day storm of freezing cold temperatures and enough rain to soak through layers of rain proof clothing topped off the week. It has truly been profoundly painful, and I have, for the first time in my mission, felt a little of that pain that older missionaries describe from the darker times of their services.

To paraphrase Jeffrey R Holland, I really do agree that the mission work is not meant to be easy, because it really isn't a cheap experience. Salvation has never been overly easy, and if it wasn't easy for the Savior Himself, how on Earth can we expect it to be easy for us?

But it is all for the better.

The refiner's fire was hotter than ever, and I can see a little bit clearer at this time. We have seen much that is in need of improvement, and this week was the revealer of many problems that we have allowed to grow in the past through laziness or unwillingness to face the difficulties. But we have decided that this simply will not do.

We have plans. We have goals. We have been filled with a fire that we didn't really have before. Our steps, which have long been slow and without cause, are now filled with purpose. We are working for a reason, and the vineyard now is open to our eyes. It is truly incredible the change that has taken place, the blessing of energy that now fills our hearts. The Elders of Yungay are ready to work, and are ready to do miracles in the name of the Lord.

I'm very, very excited for the up and coming weeks. With conference on the rise, we have stepped up everything. Planning has taken new fervor. Studies are filled with intensity that they lacked before. When we walk outside, we are ready to serve the Lord and the people of this city. It is a beautiful new feeling.

Words can't really descirbe the tumult of feelings and ideas that are going through our minds, but we are ready to do amazing things. Maybe, for one of the first times, we are really understanding our grand calls to serve. And how great is our calling.

I love you all, and hope for the best for each and every single one of you. You are all in my prayers and my thoughts, and I hope that you enjoy the week and especially the Conference weekend. Cheers!

With love (And newfound energy!),
Elder Richardson