Letter From Dad

Elder Allan,

Welcome to the motherland. I can't believe you have arrived. It seems like yesterday that you were opening your mission call. I already miss you, but I am excited for the opportunity you have in front of you. I've been so impressed with your diligence as you have spent the last 6 weeks learning the language, learning how to teach discussions, and studying the gospel. I never served a mission and it's one of my biggest regrets in life. I'm happy that you have made this decision to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. I have no doubt that the experiences you have while serving the people of Germany will serve you well throughout life. I am so proud of you. I think about all my failures in life, and I cringe, but as I think about my successes, you and your sisters being the biggest of my successes, I feel happy inside. I like the adage "If you're not failing, you're not trying." Maybe this philosophy is something you can use as you are in the mission field. The most important thing to remember is that if you are putting forth the effort, you will have great blessings in your life. Sometimes the effort you put forth will not bear the fruit that you expect or hope for, but the lessons that are learned while you are working hard are invaluable.

I do not think you need a lot of counsel as I do not know that you would take it seeing how it is coming from your father. One counsel I would like to give is to always love the Lord. You can show your love for the Savior by serving and loving your neighbor or loving the people you are serving in Germany. I have found that as I serve someone it draws me closer to them and creates a real love for that person. You may find that sometimes life in the mission field will seem frustrating and you will become discouraged. One thing you can do 100% of the time is to serve someone. Service is one of the best ways to break down barriers that may otherwise seem unbreakable. Something you can also do 100% of the time is pray. We are commanded in Alma 6:6 that we should "gather together oft and join in fasting and mighty prayer on behalf of the welfare of the souls that know not God."

I know you are going to be a great missionary and will build friendships that will last a lifetime. Try to remember to journal as many of your experiences as you can. With a journal of your experiences, you will be able to refer to them throughout your life. I have always been impressed by those who can recall experiences that they have had from years past. The apostles are great at doing this, that's because they have written down their experiences.

I think I've said enough. You know I'm a man of few words. Just know that I love you very much. I have faith in your abilities to be great at whatever you do and know that the Lord has great things in store for you.

Love,

Your Dad