Week 2 - Preparation goes both ways

This past week has been a whole lotta that. Preparation. Lets kick it back up starting with last weekend- it was good. The days were still seemingly endless and we were all tired. I continued to be sick and my weak pain tolerance made me wanna die. I tried to go to the MTC doctor over the weekend but it was closed, but I was able to go on Monday. I was already feeling a little better then but I was worried about how hard it was to breathe. Anyways after some appointments, gagging on terrible wooden sticks, mountains of cough drops, and some X-Rays the doc told me I had pneumonia. I have no idea how to spell that word. I spent the next two days in the "sick bay" and I got some really good sleep. Blah blah blah Elder Childers is sick I'm sorry if you've stopped reading already I'll put some pictures on to grab your attention back.

Trying to stay positive amidst the difficulty of breathing.

The inhaler they gave me looks like something Owen could make a gun out of.

I ran into Elder Graves! He was a great friend of mine in high school, and he's doing so well at the MTC. I look up to him. He's going to rock it in Jakarta.

Oh so the other day I was walking to dinner and not even kidding the "Best Two Years" soundtrack was on my mind....lliterally humming "mama makes the best fried chicken.. wrangler makes the best blue jeans.." (you know the words) and I RAN INTO THIS GUY! The investigator from the movie!! Anyways, we had a great conversation, and he acts exactly in real life how he does in movies and stuff. For all those who don't know who this is- he's basically the Mormon equivalent to Chris Pratt. At least to me. Ah what a great day.

This is me and my district at the temple this morning. It was really great to have some time to spend in the house of the Lord. I love the Elders in my district. I'll go in order. Elder Johnson is a convert and has shared an amazing testimony of missionary work. He's been so helpful and has always looked out for me when I can't walk as fast as everyone else. Elder Wood is really supportive of everyone and builds the disctrict up. Elder Tuiaki is straight up the pearl of our district. He's so down to earth and halarious and I look up to him so much. I'm astounded at the example he sets and the sacrifices he's made to go on a mission. One of the first mornings we woke up to find Elder Tuiaki on the floor-which he said is more comfortable because that's what he's used to. He used to sleep on the floor so that his younger siblings (he's the oldest of 8) could have the bed. And I think back to how many times me and my THREE siblings have fought over TWO HOTEL beds. ah I've got a lot of work to do. Elder Coontz is next, he's a sweet spirit and a great guy to be around. He reminds me a lot of Broc Hunter, so you all know he's great. Next is Elder Funk, he's the district leader. Haha he's pretty funny,. I think he's probably said at least a thousand words every hour? I don't know he just talks so much and it's so cool because he's not afraid to talk to anyone. Elder Thompson is a humble and friend to us all. He's been so nice and such a good reminder to smile and be nice. I've learned a lot from my district, and I'm excited to continue to serve with them.

But yeah, this past week has been hard due to pneumonia and not breathing. But I'm glad to say that my walking has improved from TV grandpa to active grandma. It was hard to miss class, but the doctor said it'd be better in the long run if I rested. Now I'm trying to catch up.

Just ran into Elder Graves and Jared Kraus a little bit ago which was awesome!!! Jared has always been a great example to me and I wanna be as genuine as he is.

This week my study has been focused on hope and patience in Christ. I've had to have patience in myself as I've been sick. It's been frustrating because I want to work hard and have mental clarity to learn Tagalog. But, its gotten better as I've tried to humble myself and rely on Christ. Hope is an assurance in Christ that He will be the difference. I've taken a lot of peace in knowing that everything will work out, and that Christ will make up the difference when I'm giving my all. In class the teacher Brother Navaro showed a picture of himself in the Philippines with a little girl, and it was a solemn reminder of the BAKIT (why) we're learning Tagalog. It's not like high school Spanish class again, it means so much more. I've been praying to feel the love for the people, and that's really powerful and necessary to learn the language. Yesterday we taught our investigator and I testified of the power of Pagbabayad-sala ni Jesucristo. Atonement of Christ. I would like to echo that testimony to you all. I know that the atonement, Christ's grace, is real. I know that He is real. He knows exactly what each and everyone of us are going through. We extended the invitation for Francesco to read 3 Nephi chapter 11. I love verses 10 and 11.

10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

I invite you all to come closer to Jesus Christ this week as we partake of His sacrament. As we remember to take His name upon us, we need to sincerely repent of us sins to come closer to Him. I know it's possible, and I can testify of the love and the light that comes from repentance. I love you all!!

Have a great week.

Elder Childers

Oh, and thank you to the Hunter family for sending this box of Krispy Kreme!! It was delicious and very desirable.