Everyone changes, but growth is optional.

Looking through my things this week a note from my time at the MTC fell out of one of my books. I didn't write down who said it, where, or when, but it really is some food for thought:

"Everyone changes, but growth is optional."

At best, I said it, but I highly doubt it. Sadly, we have had many lessons in how this short phrase is true. We've been working with Hno. Onésimo and his neighbor for about a month now and they had been progressing towards their baptisms (this coming Thursday). They had done everything we had left them, they had truly received answers to their prayers, they had seen the hand of the Master in this short month. We had halped them as far as we could. They had changed. You could even say that they had changed for the better. But, their intentions were not genuine. When the trial of their faith had come, they had lost. They were accustomed to a Church that gives money. 

For all of you reading this, I hope it is clear that whatever Church you go to, its purpose is not to fulfill your responsibilities to maintain your own home. Surely, the church is a fallback, as the rest of your family. But you cannot go to a church one or two times and genuinely expect to recieve money for your month's expenses. If you go to Church to make your life easier you are being cheated. 

It is certain that this life is meant to enjoy, but you will only be able to see those experiences and appreciate them when you have done what it takes to get it. When you work to strengthen your muscles the tissue tears, it hurts, but it grows. When a seed sprouts, the roots may struggle, but they will grow. As you go through life, you will change. It is certain. In almost every aspect is is certain that with time, you are always changing. But are you growing? Are you putting in the effort? Are you seeing the effects?

If you are not progressing, you are falling behind.

"Everyone changes, but growth is optional."

Onésimo has since not recieved us, his wife yelled at us repeatedly and told us to never come back. Do things with sincere intentions. Strive to grow. I hope never to see any of you in the sad state when you deny everything you know to be true because you are not only willing to change, but you are not willing to grow.

Elder Andrews

P.S. Being District Leader is chill. We watched UP for a District Activity and had breakfast together. Sister Missionaries will be coming next Monday. I love you all. Here is a picture of Elder Cabral and I with our neighbors in front. And the other is of me and Elder Sanchez.

Elder Andrews and Elder Sanchez.

Elder Andrews and Elder Cabral with their front neighbors.