Happy Australian Day!

Dearest family and friends,

Happy Australian Day!  I can't express enough gratitude for the letters you all write.  They are music and food to my soul.  I feel like the army soldier in WWII that eagerly awaits for when his letter from his family or a friend would come.  That is so true.  I love reading your words.  I l love to hear from all. I am sorry I don't always write back.  There is never enough time.  

It was really, really good week.  To say it was easy would not be truth, but it was worth it.  I have learned ever more to trust in God and in His will.  It is ultimately the only person we can trust because He is the only person that truly understands us perfectly--even the deepest places of our soul.  As I went in to last week, I wondered how everything would be. Yet, everything has worked out.  Several miracles certainly did happen.  That is no exaggeration.  It true.  I felt the Spirit in such a real way several times last week.  I was sharing my testimony with Tram Anh in preparation for her baptism.  I testified that she was a daughter of God and that was a prized possession of His.  He loves her and has given her unique talents and abilities.  I know sometimes in life we compare ourselves to others, yet, I know each of are special.  Each of us are made different in such a wonderful way.  

Tram Anh was baptized this past Saturday.  It was a very sacred experience for me.  I could see her great joy and happiness as she reentered the baptismal service--being baptized already.  She described her great feelings of being being clean and just simply "so good."  I had the privilege of confirming her yesterday to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I did in Vietnamese.  I admit I felt overwhelmed with this task.  I did my best to prepare spiritually to be able to act as God's vessel to participate in this sacred ordinance.  As I began the prayer, I felt much greater peace and greater confidence.  I know it was the blessing that God wanted her to receive.  It was a special experience.  Several people told that the Spirit filled the room as the room was said.  I take no credit, but I feel so blessed to be able to be God's servant in this great work.  

I guess on this mission, I learn the basic principles of the gospel over and over again, yet, I feel my testimony growing.  I feel my trust in God to grow.  I can truly say I only want to do what He wants to do.  I do not up this perfectly, but I am trying.  To follow God's will and His plan is inevitably the only way we will find lasting happiness.  I love this gospel.  I have met many people who proclaim belief and even knowledge of the gospel, but it is up to us on how we follow and act on this divine knowledge.  

I love you all and I am so grateful and so richly blessed to have so many wonderful role models and examples for me.  I am so grateful for my blessing.  As we count our blessings, I know we can only feel joy.  

Love you all,

Jonathan

I am moving to North Richmond.  I will be with Elder Marker and another Elder Pham.  I am excited.