75 journal entries. Oh my! And a blossoming testimony to boot.

Wednesday has quickly become my favorite day of the week since that is the day Elder Scott gets a chance to write home. Best hour of my life I tell you! His time on a computer is quite limited so he's doing his best to make sure I get as many details as possible in those 60 minutes of allotted time. He accomplished that this week by taking around 75 pictures of his journal entries! What a kid...Man, I love him for that. I was able to read how he's thriving, how his testimony has grown so much, how the food is pretty lackluster so far ( it's a lot of chicken and rice on repeat), how homesickness tries to creep in but then little miracles give him courage to push those thoughts aside and stay strong. How he was already called as a District Leader and the nerves that accompanied that calling since he felt others were more worthy and more prepared, yet knowing Heavenly Father would give him the skills needed to be successful. I also read of the heartbreak he felt when an Elder from his district had to go home for some personal issues and the sadness his leaving created in all of them. I learned he's playing soccer every day (shocking), that he misses real cereal, that he desperately misses his family, but more than anything I learned he has a strong testimony that is continuing to grow and he knows he's where he needs to be as evidenced by the following journal entry.

"Up until now I truly didn't know if I had actually been called to serve in Trujillo South, but after hearing Elder and Sister Rasband's talk, I know without a doubt in my mind that this is where my Heavenly Father wants me to go. I know this because the Spirit of God confirmed this to me with more power than I have ever felt before. It shared with me the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has for me. It touches my soul so much that they trust me enough to bring my fellow brothers and sisters into his restored gospel."

And in a later entry he had this to say, "This is why I came on mission. To get closer to my Heavenly Father and grow in His gospel. I understand my purpose now, I understand my mission now. I know why I was called to Trujillo. Why I was sent to the Lima CCM. Why I was assigned to the Eter district, and why my companion is Elder Weller. This is my father's plan and I am his servant. My purpose is to bring souls to his restored gospel and bring this joy into their life. I was called as a district leader because this is how my Lord wants me to serve and help my fellow Elders and Sisters. I know that as long as I follow His plan and have him at my side there is nothing that I can't accomplish if He wants me to complete it. I know that the prophet Joseph Smith was called of God. I know that Christ walked the earth. I know the people in Peru are waiting for me. I know that my Father in Heaven and Jesus loves me. I know that they will always be there for me. I know this is the one and only true church. This is Christ's church."

 As you can see he is thriving. Each week his words bring added levels of comfort to my heart and I am thrilled to see the disciple he is becoming. Homesickness is still prevalent though, so please keep him in your prayers. Some moments are tougher than others, and that's when little doubts can start to creep in. That's when our support across the miles is most important. Thank you to all who are praying for him, who are writing to him and who continue to motivate him to be the best he can be. He is very appreciative.

Elder Scott said he ran out of time to respond through email to a lot of people this week so if you're one of the missed ones, he apologizes and sends his love.