First off, I'm happy to report that it finally seems like we're done with the arid, Atascadero summer heat. The past few days have been GORGEOUS. 65-70 degrees everyday. It feels like I'm back in Ventura haha! But I'm doing great! We had a pretty great week :)
The events of this week have been pretty crazy. We've spent a lot of time hustling around trying to prepare for this Saturday! Eric is all but there, now. We finished the lessons, got his interview done, and he came to church for his 3rd time so he's all set and ready to get dunked! I couldn't be more excited for him. He's like the little brother that I've never had (whom my parents can attest that I campaigned for vigorously). He reminds me a lot of myself when I was his age. But it's been super cool to see him cling to the gospel and to his Savior. He's soaked up every word that we've taught him, and the solid foundation on which he now stands has changed him dramatically. He's so much more confident in himself, and more optimistic. I am truly blessed to have been put here in Atascadero at a time that he was prepared and ready to receive the gospel.
As for Christina, we have an update: she will not be getting baptized on Saturday, and because she is moving the following Friday she will have to wait so she can be baptized in Oregon. It was a very interesting series of events that led to this, though. First off, the Lord spent a lot of time humbling me this week, which I'll get into in a moment. But for a couple weeks now I've had the nagging feeling that we should just refer Christina up to Oregon and have her baptized there. I always pushed them off, thinking that was ridiculous because she seems ready; President told us to baptize her before she moves; and a number of other reasons. Anyhow, yesterday we were unable to get ahold of Christina before chruch to arrange a ride. We did so anyway and just sent her a message with the details, but when they went by to pick her up there was no answer. She needed to come this week to qualify for baptism, so any plans for that immediately fell through. We went by after church, and she was home and welcomed us in. As it turns out, she was asleep until about 2 pm. She hadn't been able to fall asleep until about 4 am, but her phone had an alarm set so she wasn't to concerned. Well her phone mysteriously turned off in the middle of the night. She still doesn't know how. What I've taken away from all of this is that, even when we aren't humble enough to accept the Lord's council, His will is brought to pass one way or another.
This was a really humbling experience for me, and kind of the cherry on top of a week of humbling experiences. Humility is a tricky thing. Pride is the downfall of every man, and its something that I've learned I can't recognize in myself. But thanks to the loving council of my wonderful mission president and a few promptings that I had myself, I have realized just how proud I have permitted myself to become over the last while. But through the power of the Atonement we can overcome anything, and I can testify that I've seen that power in my life this week. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't painless, but so far its been worth it. He placed those experiences throughout my week so that I would be prepared to accept His will concerning Christina. I'd be lying if I said I'm not a little disappointed, but it feels right. I can tell you with full confidence that this time last week, I wouldn't have the humility to kneel down and say "Thy will be done." I would have much preferred MY will.
Have a wonderful week everyone! Thank you for all of you prayers :) Love ya!
Much love,
Elder Brennan Jon Rosenlof
In honor of his "Hump" Day this week. Here's a throwback
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