I'm in Trouble!

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated July 16, 2008

Dear Mom,

Everything is going great. It really has been a fun week. We work with so many people and they're all very different. It's like a kaleidoscope that keeps changing. There are plenty of ] friendly, open-minded people who recognize [as false]much of the misrepresentations of what we believe. Richard is one of these fine individuals whose mother or grandmother converted to the Church in her old age, and he seems frustrated when he hears ministers of other religions slinging mud. He said he wants to hear our side and he's great to talk to.

The second time we met Victor, another investigator, he invited us right in and listened intently to our message. And the end of our most recent visit his mother-in-law asked us to pray for a family member who is ill. It's a reward in itself to see people begin to trust us and recognize our pure intentions. Richard even asked me if I was living as honest and truthful as I possibly could. It was a relief to answer in the affirmative and gain his trust.

We found another lady who has a sister who converted and she was interested in finding out more. She's going through a difficult time in her life and we were able to teach her about how the Atonement blesses us and how we can find strength [through] the restored church that has been founded on Apostles and Prophets, the Savior Himself being the chief cornerstone.

On the other hand, I've been getting my share of distractions. That's why I say I'm in trouble. It's frustrating because I have so much time left, the last thing I want is my mind wandering and my diligence slacking. I try to find ways to keep focused. Days like yesterday don't help though. I had a dream that I was at college and it was exciting to start new classes and everything like that. Then I woke up and felt like a race horse who's gate never opened and I'm watching everyone speed down the track.

Then we had dinner with an amazing family. The Tualatamalelagi's. Yup, the husband is Samoan, but born in NZ and raised in the States. Guess what he does for a living? He is a Conceptual Design Artist for Major Motion Pictures. He's worked on some of the new movies coming out like The Mummy 3 and Hancock, and a bunch more. He was way cool to talk to. Then they asked what other areas I served in and I had to tell them, and they got all excited and wanted to know all about it because they're planning on taking a trip next year to Samoa.

So, I'm taking the time to get it all out right now and let you write back [and] chastise me, yada, yada, and I can refocus.

The good thing is, I love this work too much and feel so blessed to let anything else get in the way. There is so much more to do and so little time to do it. As long as I'm careful and always watch my thoughts, everything will turn out fine. Thanks for the continued love and support.

Love,

Elder Freeman

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Mom's reply:

Dear Sweet Son,

Perhaps my letter may be of use. not to chastise but to focus. The gospel is true, I know beyond all doubt you are doing the Lord's work, that for which you are uniquely qualified. You are doing what is right for this time in your life, but if you had no thoughts of next year, I'd expect you to be brain-dead. You are eager to step off into the great beyond. You're supposed to be. It's what young people do.

It's understandable that you feel this tug to get on with your life. Of the truth, I feel the tug for you myself and have been making enough plans for your next year that you would run away screaming if I told you. So, whenever you feel the pull, just think, Argh! My mom's got my future all planned out for me. I can't think about it!! I'll never go home! That should do the trick quite nicely.

All my love and prayers,

mom