Has it been 3 months? Wow, that was FAST!

Hello Everyone!

Looking over my mission so far, it's been really strange to see all the changes that happen not just to those you are teaching, but also the change you see in yourself. I have been blessed to see so much good while I have been out, but I have also had a few bumps in the road. As we go through life, we sometimes forget that we are blessed to have the lives we do have. Seeing the people out here had really opened my eyes as to how good my life was back home. Now with all this, I may miss home a bit, but I also am firm in my duty as a missionary to help all those around me as best as I can.

If I can reflect upon anything at the moment, it would be that time comes and disappears as it wishes. One of the sayings I have heard other missionaries say is "Seconds feel like minutes. Minutes feel like hours. Hours feel like days. Days feel like weeks. Weeks feel like months. Months feel like years. And years feel like seconds." It is so true! These last few months have felt like years and when I try to look back at what I have done, I can't remember anything. It was the blink of an eye. Time is a resource, time is valuable, time moves on with or without you. Always remember to cherish the time you do have because once a single second is gone, it's gone forever. I hope all of you are doing well back home and that you are finding success in whatever you are doing at the present time.

Sincerely,

Elder Melanson

Okay, New York... You're weird

Hello Everyone,

Hope you are all doing well. This week I want to give you all a weather forecast on what New York has been the last week.

Earlier this week, it was around the 30's and 50's. Towards the middle of the week, the temperature leveled out at around 55 degrees. Now at the closing of the week, we have reached the 80's and man is it warm! It is so weird to see snow literally two weeks ago and now have summer like temperatures. Like the subject says, "Okay, New York... You're weird."

Anyways, this last week has been rather slow. One of the investigators that I have been teaching since I got here finally came to church! Casie, the recent convert I baptised, is doing very well and has really changed. I met her before she was baptised and taught her and now her countenance has completely changed! It is so wonderful to see what the gospel of Jesus Christ can do for everyone.

I hope that you all enjoy your next week and continue to do your best in whatever activities you may be involved in. Have fun! :-)

Elder Melanson

Week #? : I kinda lost track. Ha!

Hello Everyone,

Hope all is well for all of you. Life is good here in New York and I will just say that Johnson City never sleeps.

This letter is going to be short, but I am going to say that I am learning and growing as I progress through my mission. Mission life is not easy, but it is worth it. Seeing the influence that the Gospel has on people's lives is worth the two years I have set aside for Heavenly Father.

Remember that no matter the trouble, no matter the circumstances, God will be there to answer your prayers and give you peace.

Elder Melanson

Yay! It's Spri.... Wait a minute.....

Hello Everyone!

Yep, you read the title right. Below are some pictures that may better explain the meaning behind this strange title.

Anyhow, it is great to be able to speak with you all again. I have learned so much on my mission and I know I will continue to grow as I face new and different challenges. One of the largest advantages of being open spiritually is the opportunity to be led by a Prophet and Apostles during General Conference. This is the first General Conference I can remember ever making questions for. I have been wondering about different subjects and matters and I knew that the Apostles and Prophet will have words that will guide me to the right path. I was correct and I received many answers and had a feeling of peace reside within my heart.

Now I know that not everyone had questions answered or even watched General Conference. I strongly urge everyone to go to:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04?cid=HP_SU_3-4-2016_dPFD_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

This is the site where you can watch all the talks and I know that we can all receive some guidance in our lives as we listen again to the words of God's Prophet and Apostles. Listen to the spirit and be open to adjusting your lives so that you can continue to be happy and see God's hand in your lives.

Elder Melanson