Letter and Photos from February 20, 2017

Daniel Buchanan <daniel.buchanan@myldsmail.net>  Feb 20 at 9:22 AM

Hi everyone!

This week was pretty exciting!

-So we got transfer news this week (I'll give more details later, don't worry). The day I got news, I had to go to Haatso to do a baptismal interview. One of the Haatso elders is leaving, and when the investigator found out that he was going, she and her sister (a recent convert) all practically wanted to attack me because I was the one delivering the message, but they all were a little distraught. The recent convert sister started joking singing I Need Thee Every Hour directed at the elder leaving, but then she got out her hymnbook and we all started singing. Then she picked each of the four elders and told us to pick our favorite hymn and we all sat there singing hymns for a solid 30 minutes. It was actually really cool experience, the spirit was present, and it was a cool bonding moment for all of us. And, just so you know, the sister I went to interview was baptized yesterday, and she's doing really well.

-Last week I got to baptize Priscilla which was really cool, and then yesterday I got to confirm her, which was also, not surprisingly, a great experience. Since yesterday was my last Sunday in the Agbogba ward, they also had me share my testimony with them. I remember being younger, I always hated standing up in front of people, even in church, but now, I can't see why. I love standing up to declare my belief in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I love Him and I'll continue proclaiming to the world that I believe in Him and will follow Him.

-Alright, here's what's going down. I can't decided whether or not I'm excited about it or not, but here's the transfer news. There were six elders in the apartment, so three companionships. They're temporarily closing one proselyting area, so the elders from that area are replacing the two of us leaving. I'm leaving my trainee, Elder Xaba, and one of the elders here is replacing me and finishing his trainee. I'm being transferred to Tema to be a zone leader. Apparently the apartment there is ridiculously tiny. Like, smaller than the Asutsuare apartment. Also, in Asutsuare there were just two of us, but in this new Tema apartment, there are four of us... so yeah. BUT, the upside is that there's apparently AC and water heaters there, AND the zone leaders there get to drive a car... and there's a KFC right by our apartment... so definitely some decent ups and downs! Haha there are 24 missionaries in the zone, so that'll be interesting experience being their zone leader, but I'll definitely keep you all updated on how that goes! One thing I always try to remind myself of is that the Lord is continually leading us. Even when we don't understand why something is happening or why we experience some kind of trial or hardship, He is there. One of my favorite scriptures from the Bible is John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I love that so much because the Savior is reminding us that He can give us a true sense of peace. Sometimes we can find peace from things in the world. Like maybe a sunset on the beach or a nice walk through the trees, or something of that sort. But that peace is only temporary. Christ gives us a greater sense of peace. He reminds us not to be troubled or afraid. He is the Savior of the World. He knows exactly how we feel, and because of that, He knows exactly how to help and to guide us. He knows where to lead us, and I have learned by experience again and again that if we follow, we truly will have lasting peace and joy in our lives. I've been preaching this since I've got here and I'll continue to preach it because I know it's true. I've seen it time and time again, and I can promise that it is the same for all of us. That as we trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and if we follow Him, all things will work together for our good.

I love all of you so much! You're the best. I appreciate all you do for me. I hope you're doing well and that I hear from each of you soon!

With love,

Elder Buchanan

 This and the next photo are with some awesome families in the ward. We would see both of them often, and they're so wonderful. I'm definitely going to miss them. 

Me standing in front of the chapel my last time there. I'm going to miss the Agbogba Ward so much.