Sveiki Visiems!!!

Al- that's way sweet that your papers are in. I hope that by some miracle you get called here Lithuanian speaking, then we could talk in Lithuanian together- it'd be sweet. Quite unlikely of course, but I can dream right?

First, I was inspired to lead our district meeting on the topic of seizing the day, which we had set in our District Vision, and clarified some as talking with everyone. I had been pondering that throughout the week and then Monday night, Elder Sherman called saying that the zone leaders wanted to do another exchange focusing on talking with everyone, specifically on buses. They would be working with Elder Hyer on that as well. Elder Hyer was less than thrilled, since bus contacting is not one of the favorite activities of missionaries here. I then incorporated that idea very specifically into District Meeting addressing the concerns everyone had, since i knew the push was coming from higher up and I could relate more directly and helpfully with all of the individual members of my district. We did that and at the end of District Meeting everyone committted to seize the day and bus contact. I promised that God would provide blessings for that effort, proportional to the effort that was put forth.

Second, Tuesday after District Meeting, Elder Hyer and I were going harvesting, we got on a bus and both contacted people. As we harvested that night we recieved and contacted two referrals, had a new lesson, and got a new investigator. I know that that is because we put forth the effort to contact on buses and talk with everyone.

Third, on Sunday, I was translating for some students that are here teaching English and learning Russian, kinda. THere are four of them, so we used this microphone and headset dealio that we have so one person translated and they all could hear. One of the talks was on family history and the Spirit of Elijah, which I had been thinking about since looking at the geneology chart and recently rereading Elder Bednar's talk in conference. I haven't really felt a connection or desire to learn about my ancestors before, I don't know why, I just never really felt it. The speaker talked about that being innate in everyone- the desire to connect generations- it's just buried a little more in some people. As she spoke, I felt a growing desire and then at the end she testified of the reality of that spirit, and of feeling it herself, brought to the verge of tears, as I translated I felt that, and felt the reality of the Spirit of Elijah and now have a desire to do family history, it's like detective work, trying to find the missing pieces. It was wonderful.

I went on a couple exchanges this week. They went well.

Oh, something funny that happened. I was talking to a man on the bus, who had some interesting ideas. One of which being that he could have saved the world better than Christ did. I was shocked when he said that, so I clarified asking if he really had just said that he would have been a better saviour than Jesus Christ and he said yes. The lack of understanding is astounding and amusing, sometimes.

Also, there will be a primary program here next week. They practiced for it yesterday and we were there to help keep the peace. It was incredibly, terribly hilarious. I feel pained for the primary teachers that they need to deal with that, but it will be enjoyable to watch next week. Laughter's the best medicine, right?

I love all of you. I love serving and love the Gospel. It is incredible.

Love,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas

Sveiki Visiems!!!

First, Happy Birthday to Naomi!!

Miracles-

First, a guy we talked to on a bridge, came to Church! Arturas is his name. We had a short lesson with him, which was a little odd- he wanted to film us for some project he's doing, which isn't allowed, so we had him talk to some of the members, one of whom agreed. He interviewed her about her missionary service and it was a very spiritual experience for me. She testified of thinking daily about her mission and the impact that people she met had on her. It was wonderful.

Second, we had been thinking of how to help bring back a less-active Julijus. We knew that he had kinda been friends with a member of the Russian branch, so we decided to talk to the member about it on Sunday. We did, and the member had actually been thinking about reaching out to him as well. He committed to do something and felt confident that Julijus would be active again.

Third, we were on a bus and a woman asked to see the Book of Mormon, since I was holding it in my hand for all to see. I handed it to her and then asked what she knew about it. We had a nice little conversation and come to find out that part of her interest was sparked by Mitt Romney running for President. Another woman we talked to was also intriqued due to Mitt Romney's candidacy. Crazy, the impact across the world, of that decision.

Fourth, Saulius showed initiative in wanting to meet. He called us with some unfortunate news- he's going to Germany for an unknown amount of time, but immediately following that statement, he asked if the church was there and how he could get in touch with them. We said we would find out and just got the information today and will communicate with the elders in Berlin about him. Yeah for the organization of the Church!!

That was essentially our week. I love serving and love all of you. Enjoy this week and live it up.

Love,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas

Labas Visiems!!!

SOunds like your week went well, even if it was a bit bleh to be back at school. Just try and love it all, since everything seems to end before you know it. Live it up.

Miracles:

First, Saulius. He called us back and said that he wasn't feeling himself when he told us he didn't want to meet anymore and wants to continue learning and growing spiritually. We weren't able to meet with him, he has a new work schedule so is quite busy, but he came to church on Sunday, early. It was great to see him. He's back.

Second, healing. We had a mission fast last week to seal our dedication to our mission goal of 120 baptisms throughout the year. We started at after District Meeting, even though that meant we we're already without food for awhile. I woke up Wednesday morning, feeling a little weak, I was shaky and felt kinda like I was going to pass out. My metabolism just works a bit too fast, so I ended my fast a bit early to survive, but ate too sugary or something, so then I felt like I was going to vomit. I just prayed that I would feel better since we had some lessons set up and I wanted to work hard, within half an hour I felt completely back to normal. Miracle.

Third, we met with President Skliutas to discuss some concerns we had with individuals, that they had expressed to us, which should have been brought up with him. Of course they asked us not to say anything, but we felt we needed to, so we shared with him. He responded amazingly. He was understanding, loving, supportive, perfect. It lifted a huge weight from our shoulders. He is incredible.

Fourth, we had a lesson with the Pranaitis family. They are struggling a bit, but are recommited to change. The husband was inactive when I was trained in Vilnius, now active and the source of spiritual strength and wisdom in the family. The wife was struggling a bit, but looked to her husband, who she once strengthened for support. Incredible.

We had a lesson with a woman this week, Rasa. It didn't go quite as we had planned. She is rather knowledgable and ran the lesson with questions. We answered and the member we had brought with us helped. If we can teach the next time and focus her knowledge and information on the truth then she would be a strong asset to the Church.

Thanks for your news and thoughts. I love serving and know that the Gospel is Truth. The Gospel is Joy. The Gospel is Love. Enjoy your week. I pray for you and appreciate your prayers.

Su meile,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas

Also, I did get the package. Thanks. It was quite enjoyable. Mom and Dad- happy belated anniversary!!

I can't believe that a new year is here, 2012. I remember when that movie came out and it seemed like an eternity before it would be here. Here it is. Time moves at an ever increasing rate.

We were in early on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. yes, many people celebrate, mostly by drinking, so we avoid interaction as much as possible.
We set New Year's Resolutions. It was good, to have some time to sit back and think and determine how to achieve what is possible in the coming year, so many possibilities. Crazy. My first resolution- To survive the End of the World. Hahaha. Pretty sure, I'm golden in that regard.

Miracles-

First, we were able to contact the referral we received last week. We had a nice lesson with him. Unfortunately, he wasn't interested, but we were able to answer his question and clearly convey the truth to him.

Second, in setting Resolutions, I felt the guidance of the SPirit in what I should do. It was wonderful. Especially because goal setting by the Spirit has been one of the hardest things to implement.

Third, I was asked to speak on Sunday, with no given topic, or time length. I chose to speak about Goals and how they enable us to access the power of the Atonement. I spoke and the thoughts I had prepared fit perfectly together to fill the exact amount of time necessary to end the meeting on time. That is the guidance of the Spirit. People also complimented my talk, which is always nice.

Fourth, in comfort received from Heaven, and memorized scripture. There were some sad moments this past week, with Saulius not coming to meetings and things just seeming to go all wrong. As it happened I thought to myself, how long? and then quoted Joseph Smith, from when he was in Liberty Jail, in my silent thoughts/prayer. As I asked the question, 'O God, where art thou?" I had the following verses come to mind, 'peace unto thy soul. All things shall be for thy good and give thee experience. ' Things looked better after that. I also read through sections 121-123 in the Doctrine and Covenants. It helped for when later things had looked better but then got worse again. I also read a talk by Elder Holland, while on an exchange with Elder Rich, in their apartment, about the sacred nature of Liberty Jail and our own trying times, comparing it to a temple. Everything just fit together to comfort me and prepare me for what was to come.

Saulius, unfortunately no longer wants to meet. We called him once and I'm pretty sure he had been using narcotics again and from that day it was just downhill. We taught him as best we could, using members, laying the choice before him, and he chose. He can choose again to return to the correct path and I believe he will. He was too good not to.

Elder Hyer and Elder Kezele on the exchange found a new lesson and we got a new investigator!!!! Woohoo!

District Meeting went very well. I did use the song and taught about Unity. How we all need to be on deck, working together, and cannot abandon the ship. The ship will complete her course, the choice is ours whether we will be a part of it.

Well, I love all of you and wish you well. Work hard back at school and don't die from boredom. Make it fun. Seize the Day!!

Love,

Vyresnysis Kanoris Hiltonas