We had a great time speaking with Eric on Christmas. We actually got pretty "High Tech" and plugged the I pad into the TV, so he was on the "Big Screen". and we were all able to sit on the couch and talk to him. He was able to see and hear us all, so it was so much fun and I have to admit when you bring our family together, it gets a little crazy.
This is what he said in his email today:
Happy New Year!!!
This past week was
such a great week here in the work. We saw a member in a family of ours be
baptized this past weekend, her name is Karnyah. Her grandma and great grandma
would come to church but this baptism of Karynah has really boosted up their
testimonies and really helped them feel the spirit. After we worked with them
and a lot of support from the members of the ward and love from the Savior they
are completely active and fully receiving the blessings of the gospel. I am so
grateful to be a part of the baptism and to see one more child of God enter
into the fold. I am so grateful for the Blessing that I have seen with the Lao
and the Meinh people. They have taught me so much over the past year and I
know that there is nothing that I can do in order to pay them back or help
them understand how much I care and love them all. One of the most important
things that I feel like I have learned is that we all often live below our
privileges within the gospel. No matter what it may be or how often we stay
below that mark, we have so much more that is available to us if we
would truly open our heart and come unto Christ and allow him to shape our
hearts. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and his love, and at
times when I want to get up and run, he blesses me enough to walk.
Much love Elder
Merkley
Eric sounds so great. I was reminded the other day that he and Nick will be home close to the same time. Nick's date is July 1st. And honestly Nick feels the very same. He wants so badly to stay there with the amazing Micronesian people. I don't have the luxury of driving to drag him by his ears (haha)... it requires a 16 hour plane ride with multiple transfers. But I will do it as well if he doesn't come home. So happy that these boys (men) are doing these awesome things. Tell Eric hello from our family.
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