The Marassi Family went to the temple!!!!

 Luke got some great news this week....the Marassi Family, from his very first area, went to the temple!!!   Luke was able to reflect and go back in his journal from when he first met the Marassi's.  It was such a miracle, tons of missionaries had tried to work with the family and the timing was just right when he and his companion showed up.  Luke said "It's amazing how the Lord used unperfect people to work this miracle"  He laughed that he was so new and was making so many mistakes, it's amazing the Lord was still able to use him to open doors for this family. Now Brother Marassi is a counselor in the branch presidency and Sister Marassi is the RS secretary!  So amazing to see the change it has brought to their family!

Luke had a great week.   Dianella is still doing great!  She went to church again on Sunday and her mom has no problem with her getting baptized.  So things are really looking promising.  

The rest of the week was busy with exchanges and other lessons.  On one exchange in his area one of the elders he was with mentioned that he used to visit a guy but stopped because he wasn't progressing.  They stopped by and this guy was pretty much homeless.  He had long greasy hair, long nails, etc.  They invited him to church and the elder told Luke he was sure he would come and sure enough he showed up!  He came in looking pretty rough and smelled like alcohol and smoke.  Luke knew he needed to go sit by him.  He did and as he was sitting there he was praying to Heavenly Father to help him not to judge this guy.  As he sat there he felt an overwhelming love for him.  He thought that at the beginning of his mission he probably would have felt embarrassed to be sitting there with him.  But he felt love, like Heavenly Father knew this guy and his circumstances and his heart.  Afterward members weren't quite as understanding.  They were asking the missionaries why they invited him to church.  A good lesson in welcoming everyone no matter their circumstances!  The gospel is a hospital for sinners! 

I loved hearing Luke reflecting on his mission.  This week he had an opportunity to re-read his journal and he couldn't believe the transformation he has felt!  He said at the beginning he was so prideful.  He said he didn't know where he would be without his mission.  He has learned so many things that have strengthened his testimony.  It is more than just testimony, he has felt a true conversion.   He feels like he is living out the principles everyday out of love for God.  He shared that when he doesn't read the Book of Mormon everyday there is a void he feels.  He isn't doing it to check it off a list, he truly feels a void when he misses.  He also shared that he feels truly happy.  He said this week he felt like he finally "got it."  He said he understands the why of the gospel and feels totally motivated by love.  He feels pure joy.  He knows it's not about numbers, but the work is totally about the Savior's love.  He is trying to serve as he would.  This week he had opportunities to give blessings, to serve, and do the Lord's work.  He said "It will be hard not to do this anymore!"  Matt and I were both in tears as he was sharing these tender feelings! Man missions are amazing!

He also had a interview with President Barlow this week.  He said President Barlow told him how proud he is of him.  He said he could tell he has given it his all and that he is tired and almost ready to go home!  He said he'll give him some advice for when he goes home at his exit interview.  Matt and I teased him and said "Will his exit advice say to go home and date his daughter?" ha ha ha!  I don't think Luke would mind that :)  

This week Luke has a lot to look forward to including zone conferences and a special meeting with Elder Christensen who is an Area Authority.  Can't wait to hear about it next week!