Be happyyyyyy! Elder Thompson be happyyyyyy! ( Week 33 in Prague, Week 93 in Czech )

Hello Everyone,

The subject line for today, "Be Happyyyyyyy!" is from a song written by Elder Blair that he performs from time to time on his Ukulele, or the "Uke" (Yook) as he's inclined to call it. It's the kind of song you can't not hear and smile, be happy, and start singing along, and like all good things, I thought I'd share it with you all. Just imagine the happiest song you've ever heard with the simplest of melody and lyrics, and that's the song. As for Elder Thompson, he is very happy - he'll be getting a gift from me and Elder Andersen that we picked up last week (One of the virtues of a threesome: One of you can distract the companion with the birthday while the other quickly gets through the checkout line and puts the most excellent gift in his bag.)

This last week was really busy and, unfortunately, the first wherein my efforts to get on top of the office work and get on the streets were thwarted. We did have some appointments with members, which was nice, and my two companions are doing a great job in pushing the work forward in our area. The Andersons packed their bags and took off from the airport into the sunrise on Wednesday. Such wonderful people with amazing experiences and burning testimonies. I'm grateful for them both.

The highlight for this week was definitely on Friday when we visited a members home, the Balačkovi. We shared a simple meal of pork, potatoes, and peas with them, and had the opportunity to commit them to sharing the gospel with one of their relatives. They've not known how to go about it, and with a little encouragement they've decided to have her spend the weekend to come to church. I'm sure that for some return missionaries this might sound pretty routine. We were very pleased with the results, however, since many members here are very afraid of admitting they are members. In fact, some will go to church wearing street clothes and will bring their sunday dress in their backpack so they don't look conspicuous travelling. For these two members to be inviting their family to hear the gospel is a great step, and I'm glad that we got to be a part of it. The Holy Ghost was felt by all as we asked them to relate their own conversion stories. "Who do you know who would also enjoy what you have felt thanks to the gospel?" It's hard to not want to share what one has that is good. Sometimes we are afraid or aren't sure what to do or how to approach it. But when we trust in God and use charity as our motive, it works out just right every time. It may not be that everyone we speak with will be incredibly excited about the gospel, but I know that it makes a difference in the lives of those around us and in our own lives when we share what we have and don't stifle it.

I hope you have a fantastic week, and here's to seeing what happens in the next.

Love,
Elder Brent Anderson