So a little reflective and reminiscent title... I love that
hymn and I really think it's crazy that it was almost a year ago that I sang it
in the MTC. Weird. It feels like two lifetimes ago and like last week at the
same time. I think I'll probably be dwelling on that theme for the next few
weeks because that seems to be the only thing that is constant in missionary
work and life: change and the fact that time makes no sense. And speaking of change, we got transfer calls
from the AP's today. And it was a surprise! Elder Hernandez is leaving and I'm
leaving! They are moving us both out! Elder Johnson and Elder Young in our
house will both be staying but will both be getting new companions and covering
their old area and our area. Elder Hernandez and I will both be getting Korean
companions! (Insert happy dance because I love Koreans) I will be serving with
Elder 박변성
(Pak Byeun Sung..rough english equivalent...) and it will be awesome because he
is a fantastic Elder. I am super excited. I am moving one area over. Literally
like fifteen minutes away on the subway, and now I will actually live closer to
my old church building but will be in the heart of Daejeon. The work there is
pretty exciting, and their ward has had a baptism every week this transfer and
the Zone leader, Elder Kidman, goes home this week so there are some big shoes
to fill. It will be an exciting adventure. 둔산! (doonsan!) wow. Still in Daejeon and
super excited to be working so close to President. I love that man.
I also love Elder L. Tom Perry and was so sad to hear about
his passing but was at complete peace because know where he is, and I know that
all will be well. That is a great lesson I've been seeing a lot in my mission:
"All will be well!". All is well. Really truly I know that the Lord
is in charge. I know that he is the great Director in our lives. He knows each
of us and loves us and has given us this life. He gives us strengths and
weaknesses so we can grow and so we can lean on Him. I have come to really love
the Lord and am starting to start understanding the infinite atonement and what
that means in my life. I know that through be yoked with Christ I am able to
pull more than me. I am able to lead on to great heights and grander vistas
than I ever imagined...
And when sometimes I feel like I've been treading water in
the deep-end for a while I like to sing the song Lead Kindly Light to myself:
Lead, kindly Light,
amid th'encircling gloom
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene--one step enough for me.
So long thy pow'r hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone.
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene--one step enough for me.
So long thy pow'r hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone.
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
I know that God will lead me on! I know that He will lead
you on too! That help comes through Christ and the blessings are predicated on
our obedience. I know that the gospel is true and that God is at the helm. He
directs his work and He directs the lives of those who let Him. So let Him! As
I remember L. Tom Perry I remember that he was always happy!--More than me! I
love his love and his undying trust in the Lord. I love his words about how
there is no thing more important than the family and that obedience to law brings
true freedom. Remember him, and remember what he taught us. And remember that
God will lead you on!
Onward and upward,
Elder Tucker