Pressing Forward

Last week was really hard for me. Without getting into too much detail, we had some unexpected people do some not so nice things to us. Because of it, we had some down time while we healed and situated ourselves to begin the work again. In the down time I did some family history work and because I wasn't sure where to go for our family, I found some indexing in Croatian in the 1850's, and I had so much fun with it. I think, after everything else, that has helped me to heal and has made all the difference. It's terribly hard to read handwriting in really archaic, old Croatian. Some of it's half Slovene and half unknown. But I have some advantages. Elder Wilson served in Slovenia and has taught me quite a bit of the simple Slovene patterns, as well as having him there to help was golden. I found patterns to rip apart and find the info I needed. It was so hard, but so incredible. I don't know that there is really much of the work for the dead going on here, it's slim if any. But I felt such power and an incredibly thick spirit attend me during it and even up until now. It's helped me tremendously. 

Physically I'm good. I'm nearly picture worthy again :) Emotionally and mentally I have grown a lot this week.  I also made a pretty difficult decision this week. I was given the option to leave Podgorica and to serve with Elder McAllister in Tuzla (my dream since I began, and my last chance because he goes home next transfer). President said that if I am able though, he wants me to train a new missionary here. He has also asked if I would continue serving until June. 

It was so hard, I didn't know what to do. Then Elder Wilson and I were talking and he said, "The only way to serve a mission, and live life, is to take the shackles off and quit being dragged, by swearing your will and your all to His. It's how you remove them and gain full agency-by giving our allegiance and agency to Him, through our leaders."

So I signed up to stay and see what happens. It might be a long and hard next 9 weeks, but I know that this is how I will best continue to grow. I also want to stay here with Srdjan. I love him so much and I feel that we need each other for a bit longer.

I love Elder Wilson. He's been so patient with me, and so much fun. He's so obedient and strong and has his goals in the right place. I started a little notebook called "The Quotes and Doctrine" which are quotes and topics from Elder Wilson. He hates it but I love it.  I've learned so much from him, and I feel he has become one of my closest friends.

I love my mission. I'm learning so much, and I'm so happy here.  

Love,

Elder Hixon