Dear everyone,
I don't really know how to explain how I'm feeling at this very
moment. I feel very... Strange. Life has changed lately. I don't how
to explain it. Y'all seem very distant to me and, though you're all so
very important to my life, I just feel this strange disconnect--as if
we had separated. It's surreal, but I think it's ultimately a good
thing. The mission has truly become the reality and the dream. It's
life. And I love it.
I'm learning a lot about being a smarter worker and a more
effective one. I've spent a lot of my mission working hard but not
always working smart. A lack of plaaning or a minimal use of the area
book is not smart work. It's just another form of laziness. I'm learning that hard work is not always a good measure of our dilligence.
I had a really cool experience this week and I wanted to share it
with you all. We were walking down a road that we frequent (it's in a
neighborhood that we're building up) looking for someone to teach as
many appointments had just fallen through. Suddenyl we hear,
"Élderes!" We turn around and see a woman waving at us and calling us
over. Frankly, no one in Angola uses the name "Elder" without knowing exactly who we are. Confused (but excited) we walked over to her and greeted her. She told us that her name is Beatriz, that she was
a Mormon, and that her brothers had served missions. She wasvery nice
and asked us if we'd eaten lunch. We had... But I felt like we needed
to get in that door and talk to her more and help her out a bit. We
said that we had and she asked if we could eat more. Score! We ate a
bit, spoke with her and her husband, Bruno (a non-member), and set up a
time to go back. The lesson was really cool. She had all sorts of good
things to say about the church. Her husband said that he was on the
search for the true church and would love to talk with us. We'll be
going back on Saturday and I'm really excited for it. She also told us
that she's looking or guidance in her life and she's not sure exactly
where to find it. Pray for her? Please?
My mind is everywhere. I'm in a really strange mood and I
apologize for the poor construction of this letter. Ema was baptized on
Saturday (with 12 other folks--7 in our branch) and confirmed on
Sunday. It was really special. She was very happy and is going to be
an awesome missionary.
To anyone waiting on letters (specifically Heather, Anna, Jessi,
Krista, Shayna, and Terynn) I should have them in the mail by the end of
the week. There's been a little problem with the post office, but it's
being fixed. I'm super sorry for the delay. Mom, I got the package.
Thanks a ton! It's just what I needed/wanted and I couldn't be happier.
To all of you have offered your love, support, and kindness I offer
my thanks and let you know of my love for you. It's more appreciated
than you all can know.
I love you tons,
Elder Cody R. Eckman
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