Week 82. I got great news and sad news

 Hey Everyone, this week was pretty awesome with lots of great stories, but there was one sad one: Chuni died. She's my dog. I didn't know til Sunday. I joked that I'd go home if she died and I think that's why my parents waited to tell me, but don't worry, I'm finishing strong. 

Here were the  highlights:

Tuesday - had some really good lessons with our friends. Mos, Kat, and Hannah. The next night Kat had some doubt come out of nowhere and asked for some spiritual help. We sent her two awesome talks and Daniel 3. Doubts come up and can be very hard. But when you ask for help, God delivers, just ask in faith. It doesn't matter if you only have a little. Just ask, that's all He needs. 

English Conversation - there were a bunch of new people there this week and I got put at a table with a bunch of girls. It was pretty funny. But you don't have to worry because I had nothing in common with any of them. They did love it when I showed them a picture of my dog so I'll remember that for when I get home. 

Exchanges - went with Elder Hardy in Lake Forest Park. It was pretty fun and memorable because he forgot the church keys so we changed behind a wall at the church for a service. Also got to play some volleyball and we knocked 7 doors in a row and everyone was super nice which was a big change from the rest of the day. It was a nice tender mercy. 

Saturday Conference - before the first session we had a breakfast potluck with the Zone and it was so good. Waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, and like the best mashed potatoes. Then we all watched in the chapel. It was awesome. Loved the speakers. 

The next two sessions we did at the Institute building and had dinner with the senior missionaries. Also got to play Elder Hardman at pool in-between sessions and won. 

April Fools - so we forgot to give an Elder one of his letters. The day is almost over and we haven't pranked someone. So, we bought a fish from the market, a whole dead one called a banzini or something, and wrapped it up and taped the letter to it and drove over and dropped it off. He sadly didn't open it while we were there, but as we parked at our apartment we get a call from him and his companion and he tells us how confused he got and at first he thought it was a large gummy or something but when he took it out and realized it was an actual dead fish he freaked out. Super funny and totally worth it. 

Games - in-between sessions I played a game of pool with the senior missionary, Elder Hardman and won the second game and then Sunday I played chess with a member and won in like 6 moves with no casualties. It was crazy.  

Sunday Conference - first session was at a bishopric house, Larry. He made waffles afterwards for everyone and Caitlin came! It was the first time seeing her in a while. Also played a member at chess and won in like six moves. I was lucky.  

Last session was at the Institute again and we watched with a couple of the members. Dylan popped in for a bit which was unexpected but he only stayed for 5 minutes before he had to leave. But it was also good. 

Bam - we had a lesson with her afterwards. She's going back to Thailand for a month so it'll be the last time Elder Lusk sees her. We talked about conference and the Book of Mormon. And she shared how she felt the spirit with both of them. Answering a question as she was reading, and she believes in our church and Buddhism so she watched Conference with the question in mind of, do I have to only do one. and one of the last talks answered her question and now she knows. She's just a little afraid to act on it yet. So please pray for her, that she can continue to build her testimony in Thailand and that her family will be okay. 

Spiritual Thought - one of my favorite talks from conference was Elder Vern Stanfill. He talked about Peter walking on water and what Christ might have said after the story ended:

"I love you, dear Peter; you got out of the boat."

I really liked that because sometimes I judge myself for not being good enough and faltering. But in this instance Jesus is just grateful that Peter tried. That he got out and started taking steps of faith. 

I hope that if any of you are struggling with feeling God's love, that you can realize how much He loves you unconditionally and that it only grows as "get out of the boat" and take steps of faith towards him. Satan wants us to believe it's hard, impossible, or too late. But in reality Jesus made it possible, easy, and gives us as many chances. 

I love you all. Here's pics