Elder Dillon Stott - Ukraine, Kiev Mission: Week 74

Dear Everyone,

I'm out of my city this week here in L'viv on a couple of conferences, so I won't have any time at all to write anyone except this big group email. We're super busy and have tons of plans today, so this will have to suffice. haha

The conferences (district, and zone) have been great so far. So much inspiration and revelations to everyone that took part!

I'll just share a highlight from this week that might very well take first place for me on my mission.

We got to L'viv earlier than all the other branches, and so we were waiting there for all the members and saying hi to all who came. Elder Frehner came and and told me that Ernest was here, looking for me so we could meet. We came up to Ernest, and there he was with the biggest old smile on his face. I shook his hand and hugged him. He just kept talking about how happy he was to be there and how good he feels and all the good things that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings to those who take part in it. He was even wearing a tie that I left there in Uzh :,) He looked so good and full of light compared to the last time I talked to him in that taxi. After the conference, our conversation just continued and we talked about so many awesome things. I started talking with him about the temple and how it is an awesome experience. He said he is planning to go next May. Of course, that's the time when my mission is ending, so I will actually be there in Kyiv WITH HIM to go with him if his plans end up working out the way he wants. The message is super clear. It all started with a 5 minute taxi ride and just talking about the happiness that the gospel brings...

Ernest

You truly just never know what influence your sharing will have on someone else. The people who are ready to hear it will always always absorb it like a sponge, and as joyful as that must be for them, it's just as fulfilling to watch it happen from the other side of it all. Nothing but pure joy.

Out of everything that I know about the gospel, I do know that God wants us to be happy, whatever it takes. That's why He has this perfect plan of happiness. Everything that He does for us is so we can be more happy. I know that!

Have a great week.