Letter from January 16, 2017

Daniel Buchanan <daniel.buchanan@myldsmail.net>  Jan 16 at 1:10 PM

Hi, all!!

I don't have too much time to write today, because I'm at the mission home and we're doing transfers and there's a meeting soon. Hopefully I'll get more time tomorrow or on Wednesday or something, but we'll see.

-Today we're in Accra for transfers, so I took the chance to go to the Accra Mall. I got some pizza at Pizza Hut (any of you who know me know I can't go to the mall and not go to Pizza Hut. They're essentially synonymous in this case). Then, I went and got an ab wheel because Elder Hanberg took his away in the transfer and left me without one to use. So, I pigged out and made my stomach a little bigger and then got a tool to make it smaller again. So in other words, nothing's going to change! Haha

-I'll just share a quick experience I had Saturday. Saturday we got our transfer news. I'm in Agbogba and Elder Hanberg is my companion. In the Haatso area (still my apartment) there's Elder Miller and Ebinum. Elders Hanberg and Miller have been my best friends since coming here. They're so supportive and kind and loving, and it was incredible having them with me. On Saturday we got notified that both of them are being transferred and leaving me. I felt pretty sad because I was able to easily feel the spirit around them, we were able to get things done, and they made life enjoyable and more uplifting, so I was bummed that they were leaving. I also was told that some difficult elders are being transferred into my apartment, so I was not eager about the upcoming transfer. So I got on my knees and prayed just asking for comfort, and as I was kneeling, I felt almost as though the Savior was putting His arms around me and said, "Everything will be okay."

This just reminds me what I've been emphasizing about the gospel for almost 16 months now. The Lord loves us and He gives us the gospel to bless our lives and bring us joy and peace right now. I have seen it so many times before, and I felt it again. I had an overwhelming sense of peace knowing that it'll be okay because I know the Savior knows how I feel and because of that, He knows how to help me.

I love all of you so much. I hope you're doing well. I wish I could have included more, but I'm really rushed right now. I hope to hear from all of you soon!

With love,

Elder Buchanan