Ups and downs

This past week has been full of joy and heartbreak. Such is the roller coaster ride of missionary work and life.

First, the ups. Our main investigator we have been trying to contact to teach to get him towards his baptism date came to church on Sunday. He really wants to get baptized, and has agreed to a rigorous schedule of meetings to be taught all he needs to still learn before his baptism. Our less-active member work has been so-so, but I'm continuing to learn. I am recognizing God's hand in my work, which helps strengthen my faith and testimony.

There were two big heartbreaks for me this week. On Saturday, Elder Crockett went back home to Utah due to genetic problems that have now surfaced and ailments that have appeared. This is a good friend that I've spent all my mission thus far with, which saddens me that he has to leave. Hopefully, after his recovery period, he will come back out. My mission president is more than willing to let him come back. The other heartbreak was another friend that went home, Kasey Lester. He was three weeks ahead of me in his mission in Argentina, and went back home for reasons I still do not fully know. The news of this came to me on Monday.

Though with these recent events, I am not losing focus or hope. I pray for God to strengthen both them and me, and I can feel His mercy in my life. I will continue to press forward in my work, and thank Him every day for the experiences I have had, both good and bad. There are lessons to be learned or principles to be seen in each. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Still getting along with my three remaining companions, though President set us as two and two companionships. I am now with Elder Fotheringham every day, though the four of us still do a lot together. We are going to the Manhattan temple this afternoon, which will be a cool experience I'm sure.

There is no need to worry for me, as I am in good hands and still have a bright determination to go forth. Even with recent events, it is uplifting to hear about the mission prep of both that Jemesa and Blake. Help them stay on the path.

-Elder Ryan Turner