So this week was a bit more eventful. We were traveling Saturday night from a less active's house to our flat for the night, and we made a quick stop at a members to drop off some meat and pumpkin. On the way home we were going down a straight and a car was coming, so we turned off our high beams. As the car was coming and we were just driving straight, a wombat was in our way and we crashed into it. Crazy moment. At first I thought it was a mini sheep. We ended up getting front damage and sub frame damage and our hood is jammed and out of place, but we lived! The wombat was killed instantly, and remained in one piece. At first we were scared to get out of the car and see gore and blood and innards all over the front of the car, but no it was clean, we got the courage to see. We were able to drive home, but are now restricted from driving it any more for possible damage to the engine and such. It will be interesting to be in an area over an hour's drive long without a car. Buses!!! Good opportunity for finding though.

 

This week was great because we were able to visit a lot of less actives. We also have seen a less active come to church and yesterday was her second time in a row! It was excellent. Now for the others--the rest will be interesting but it's great to visit all of them.

 

This past transfer just went by so fast, and next transfer I'll be almost to my year mark, crazy as! Too short a mission is. What great work is to be done. No wonder everyday is used. There just isn't enough time for holiday out here. And I have learned so much out here.

 

Cassandra is struggling with coming to church, and we have had to change her baptismal date, but we shan't give up. We will be trying to figure out how to visit Eve with a member and no car, but we shall find a way.

 

I love you all, and may you continue onward and upward.

 

Elder Justin Cederlof

This week went by very fast. For the fourth time, Elder Ee and I did the two and a half hour journey up to Canberra, this time for interviews with the Mission President. President Palmer is so wonderful and is a fantastic mission president. Sister Palmer is also spectacular. And their picture is in the May Ensign I believe. They are holding the umbrella.

This week we weren't able to visit as many people as usual, but the visits we did make were good. Eve is progressing, and we are going to talk about baptism this week. She's already been baptized in another church, so the lesson will be interesting, but with the spirit we'll know what she needs to hear to understand. She's so fantastic.

As for Cassandra, we will be rescheduling her baptism because she hasn't been coming to church. Her situation is hard, but we will find her needs and the branch is so helpful.

I read a wonderful quote by Elder Richard G. Scott: "Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the spirit."

I love that quote because it's true.  We sometimes don't know what to do and we don't feel inspired, so we sometimes need to just take a step into the darkness.  I've been able to see that, and that He's always there when you need Him.

 
I can testify that He listens to our prayers, and it's hard for Him to see us suffer, but He knows it's for our good. I think it might even be harder for him to watch us suffer because He could stop it no matter what, but He doesn't, for He knows it's worth it.

Thank you all for your support. Please reach out to others and let them feel loved.

 

Love,

Elder Justin Cederlof

p.s. the picture of the ocean is at our flat porch.

 

 

Dear Mom,

We had some inconveniences this Tuesday, which was our p-day because of Monday being the queen's birthday and greater chance of people being home. This past week was good. It was interrupted because we had a zone training meeting on Friday, and so Elder Ee and I headed up two nights prior to do trade offs with the district leader for Thursday, had the meeting Friday, and got to Merimbula in the evening Friday. I was able to see a couple of members from Tuggeranong which was pretty cool. Eve is one of our investigators that we are working with in Merimbula and we visited her, invited her to church, and she should be coming this Sunday, which will be fantastic! Cassandra is having some medical issue and so we are going to have to postpone her baptismal date because she hasn't been coming to church, with church being a requirement for baptism. Eve is our most progressing investigator. Finding here is very hard, but at least we do have people to work with. Fortunately there is joy in inviting, even if the people downright turn you down and say they're not interested. At least giving them the chance is great.

I love the quote you put by Elder Holland because there are those days that you look at glumly, knowing that the day isn't going to be too enjoyable, but hey, if it wasn't easy for the Lord, can we expect roses and lollies? But it's worth it always.

 

That's so exciting that Jacob Tibbits has put in his papers! And that's weird to think that Abby Sommer is of age: just so young. I haven't been to the temple yet and being in Merimbula, I won't be going anytime soon. In regards to loneliness in Merimbula, not really. I haven't ever felt lonely really. I guess that having an awesome companion attributes to that.

 

My area's good, though difficult, and there definitely can be progress made. What an opportunity to grow down here at the coast.

 

Love you ,

Elder Justin Cederlof

Dear Mom,

It's just me and Elder Ee in that huge area, separated by other missionaries by three hours. We've actually been pretty occupied and haven't spent an entire week here, with trips going up north. This week we are heading up to have zone training meeting and trade-offs. We have been to a few of the members' houses which has been good, and one, Brother Sam Parker, is helping us with Cassandra, who needs it. To find people, the area has pretty much all been tracted, so by street contacting and referrals shall we do our finding. No one yet but nonetheless we'll keep up that.

It's so weird to think of all my cousins now never being like they were before. Everything is altering. The boys are serving missions, and we'll all get married which is weird and Darla, Ashley no doubt before I get home, Ashlyn, and Hannah. Whew life's not too constant is it? For the better though. I must say that I have grown a lot, but oh my what great improvement needing to be done. It's downright insane. My eyes have been so opened out here. You really wouldn't learn those things outside of a mission. It's just so mind blowing, no words do suffice.

Thank you mother for volunteering to be my mother, and for your grace and kindness that you've given unto me. It's influence shall influence me towards my children and my wife. You are wonderful.

 

Love,

Elder Justin Cederlof