I'm Alive!

Greetings from the land of the sun, where prayer rings through the air and terror knocks at the door.

I would first like to cast doubt on, but not completely debunk rumors that I had run off to join some secret ops team fighting in Iraq. I just can't tell you about it. 

Sorry I haven't made time to make any posts on here until now. It's definitely not because I don't have things to say. The problem now is that I have to condense all the things I do want to say.

To start off, God is good. He loves me and all of you. I have no doubt of that. 

The study abroad has really been a spectacular experience. I feel like I have improved personally as much as I have with my Arabic while being here. One of my classes here is an "issues" class. And in it we talk about a wide range of things from women's rights, to the death penalty, to government corruption, and of course the Arab-Israeli conflict. Our director explained to us that that class is designed to make us have an opinion about things and be able to express it, IN ARABIC! Having an opinion about things, for me, isn't too much of a struggle. And being forced to express those opinions in Arabic has done wonders for learning the language. But it's like, every day, we get asked these serious moral, ethical, and cultural questions that we have to discuss. I feel like it has really helped me define myself as an individual, but more importantly it has made me immensely grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and the plan of salvation. I know it is true, and I see just how lucky we are to know about it and guide our lives by its principles. 

My roommate here is Isa Abutaa. His dad is Palestinian, but he grew up with his mom so he's just now learning Arabic. He is a good man. We have had some really good pillow talk this semester about lots of topics, a lot of them relating back to the ones from class. Arabic is tough. And sometimes it's really easy to question why in the world I stated, and am still, taking these classes. I feel like every semester I'm like, okay that kicked my butt. But then I go sign up for the next class. What's the definition of insanity? But on good days, I know it's all part of a plan. I know God really has a plan and a use for all of us. Isa and I are good at pumping each other up to tackle the task which is Arabic. It has also been an amazing experience to find place and purpose for being here in Jordan, and for our lives.

Thinking about all of these hard things in the world, I just want to go back to my hole in Idaho and be happy. But we didn't come to this world to be observers. We can't just say that politics are dumb and stay out of it. We have the truth! We have the responsibility to share this truth and influence the people around us for good. If we don't, who will? 

The Lord's work is truly going forth throughout the world. I know he is preparing the way, and the people here for the message of the restored truth. I had some really positive experiences this week in regards to being an example. One of my friends here was having a rough time. I'm not exactly sure how so, but one afternoon I came home and made some brownies, then rode my bike to his work and dropped them off. He wasn't there, but later he called me and said thank you and told me that he was going to call the Mormon headquarters and tell them that I have been a good ambassador here. For most people I'm the first, and only Mormon they really know. It's just so important to remember that everything we do, really is #Mormon. They see the way we talk, interact, and live and that's just what they assume is Mormon. I have this other really good friend, Safa. Last week she told me she wanted to go to church! Those golden words to every mormon, especially one that has served a mission. But the stinky thing is, she can't! The church isn't officially recognized here, yet (That actually might change tomorrow. We have district conference and they are dedicating our building which I heard they can't do unless the church is recognized... I'll keep you all posted). So this is like the one place (region of the world, I guess) where visitors aren't welcome, especially muslims. So that just breaks my heart. I'm going to find a way to get her to come though... Anyways, the point is, the Lord has a work for each of us to do. He knows what's good for us and what he can do with us. Our responsibility is to be as effective of a tool as we can. A pillow doesn't do a lot of good when you have nails that need pounded. Don't be soft boys. Work hard to live up to your potential. Create opportunity for yourself and for those around you. Opportunity = wealth. 

Here are a couple of my favorite readings from the few couple months. I highly recommend them.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/01/confidence-and-self-worth?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/the-lord-has-a-plan-for-us?lang=eng&query=godoy

Well my friends, I love you all. I know God is watching out for us. I know people are very important in your life. Your relationships are one of the few things you get to take with you from this life. So make sure to stuff your bag full of them, there's no weight limit on that flight. Thanks for all the ways you have inspired and encouraged me. The Bearries played a role in making me the man I am today. Let's keep it up!