The symbolism with the tree of life

Email #100
Area: Alice Springs
Companion: Elder Richard

Excerpts from Mom's email:

I have gained a fascination with the symbolism with the tree of life! Lehi's dream and Nephi's vision relate to all principles in the gospel it seems like, especially the Atonement. It has become a huge topic of study for me and is something that has resonated in my thoughts because the true of life is on the front of my scripture, the background on my phone, and even have a painting now of it here. The constant reminder of the Atonement has been a major blessing to me lately! The tree of life is a symbol of God’s love and Christ’s Atonement: “The tree of life … is the love of God" (1 Nephi 11:25). The love of God for us is most expressed in His gift of Jesus as our Savior: "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16).

We have had a lot of great experiences this week as well! A few funny ones to start! So we went by to go see M.... and her family because she is working on something for me:). While we were there, this guy was backing out of a driveway and backed into our car that was parked outside. Thankfully this guy was a really honest guy! He came and knocked on the door and told us that he hit our car! We have heard about a couple hit and runs in the mission, so I am grateful this man was an honest man! We got to talking to him and turns out that he is a Christian and he said that he admires what we do. We got his phone number and everything for insurance purposes, but he also said we can meet up and talk sometime!!! He thought we were nice guys😎 lol. Would be a funny story if he pans out for sure!

The other funny story was when we were finding and I see across this street two kangaroos chillin in someone's yard. I honestly thought they were fake at first because the big one was leaning on the small one, kind of look like statues at first. When they moved I said "Hey look, kangaroos..." and my companion got super excited! They were the first kangaroos he has ever seen! It was pretty funny because he has been here 4 months and never has seen a kangaroo. I've seen them so many times now that it's more common to see one then I would see a deer back home. Loved his reaction though to it and made seeing them pretty cool.

We had a couple really spiritual experiences this week as well! We received this referral from the other elders of this women they met in town. We went over Saturday afternoon when her husband was home. They are both from south Africa and just moved here to have a better life for their 8 week old baby!! They are the nicest couple ever and they are perfect because they are Christians who have sort of bounced around different faiths, but never really found one they want to stay at long. Well we taught them about the restoration and as we re-accounted the first vision, S.. (the mother) began to cry. They were just amazed to learn about this experience and to then learn that God has called another prophet!

I'm so grateful that I still have this chance to teach what I love the most! For S.. and J....., I felt that they have such promise. Just like everyone else, they have agency and I pray they will use that agency to find the truth. These experiences have got me thinking about who I can reach out to when I get home to share the gospel with at home. It will be a little different, but at least now I somewhat know what I am doing haha.

Love you mom and have another good week!!


Excerpts from Dad's email:

Hey Dad!

My time here is ticking away! Sometimes I wish time could slow down a bit.. especially pday hahaha! We have some fun plans for today! It's my last district pday! We are doing a game of Chopped. Do you remember that cooking show? I'll tell more about it next week probably, but should be fun. Going to the Clark's to do it!

We also have zone conference this week on Friday, again another last for me... So weird! I know he is going to have me talk haha they always do that with leavers and the same in my last sacrament meeting. Hopeful I've gotten better at public speaking by now. Is it weird that I am nervous already for my Homecoming talk?? How do you summarize two years worth of experiences in one talk? How do you know which story is the best? Haha I'm not going to prepare for it yet except just focusing on studies. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:85)

It's still super hot here as usual! All week has been above 40° and all this week will be above that as well! I'm not sure if you ever get used to it to be honest. It becomes bearable, but man it's so hot haha! I think it will be funny when President comes here and feels how hot it really is here right now! We heard that currently this is the hottest place in the world! 😎

Members have been really good to us helping us to stay health and eat the right foods. Did you know that eating spicy foods can cool your body temperature down? I love spicy foods, so this was good to hear for me! I recon ice cream does a good job too haha.

I'm having a few ties made, but was wondering if you want me to being home straight cloth to make some at home as well. Any other things you'd want? Ask the family. I quite honestly haven't spent much because so many things have been given to me as gifts. I've bought a few things here and there, but I need ideas of what you would want and would like cause y'all are hard to shop for haha.

Love you and have a good week

We were hit by someone backing up