Hello
Everybody! Today is my last P-day in the MTC and let me tell you, I
CAN'T WAIT. Argentina is calling my name. I'm definitely scared, but I'm
ready to take on the real world. Plus, why should any of us be afraid
of something in the world when the Creator of the world is on our side? A
comforting thought. Some of you might have heard that they are having
some trouble with my VISA already. But if you haven't, let me fill you
in really quick. They basically had to resubmit my application due to a
ridiculously poorly handled error (on the FBI's part). And now I have to
wait until tomorrow night to find out if I'm getting reassigned or
actually going to Argentina. So please pray that the Lord will put me
where he needs me. Whether it's Argentina or Denver, Colorado I just
want to be where the Lord needs me right now.
This
week I was having a conversation with some other Elders going to South
America and they were talking about their missions and how excited they
were for them. Somewhere in the conversation, one of them said, "I'm
terrified." and the others agreed and started to explain why they were
so scared. I kind of just sat back and listened to what they had to say
without adding my input. They said things such as, "We're going
somewhere where we are absolutely not known." or "Our only family is
4,000 miles away." Among other things, basically what they were saying
was, "We're going to be alone.". This bothered me. I wasn't sure why
until later when I was thinking about it. I understood the fear and I
could relate to it, but at the same time I thought, "I'm not scared like
they are." My fear was different from theirs for some reason. And I
know exactly what that reason was. I know that I won't be alone. I know
that they won't be alone either. Sure, I'm headed to a country where
nobody knows my name. Sure, I'm going to a place where I have no family.
But I will not be alone. The fact is that none of us are ever alone. I
know that the Savior will be right beside me when I can walk, guiding me
when I'm lost, and carrying me when I can walk no more. Would an all
loving Father really abandon us? We are his literal Spirit children. He wants to be with us. We just have to allow him
to be with us. Be worthy to have the Savior walk with you in all the
things that you do. Be humble enough to allow him to help you. Be
Christlike enough to reach out to those around you and help them.
Doctrine and Covenants 100:12 has become my favorite scripture. Not only
was it an answer to a prayer, but it has become a constant comfort. It
says, "Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for
behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end." How comforting that
the Lord has made us this promise. "...even unto the end." How amazing
is it that the Lord loved us enough to feel all of our pains, suffer for
our sins so that we might be saved, and endured the heartaches of our
trials and still loves us enough to go through them with us again. Let the Lord help you. Allow him into your hearts and I promise you that He will not leave your side. Even unto the end.
I
want to thank all of those who have written me Dearelder's and letters
throughout my time here. The amount of support I have felt is unreal.
The last day I can receive anything is Saturday until 2 pm. And then
after that, my address is changed to my Argentina address (If my VISA
works out). Thank you all for your prayers and support. They help me
daily. I love and pray for all of you.
May we
be blessed with the wind at our backs and the strength to press on so
that we may further build his kingdom on this earth.
For the last time (hopefully) in the USA for 2 years,
Elder Holmes
 |
| Sewing his pants... love the tongue action. He said he was proud of the outcome! Check out the Star Wars socks. He was very excited to find those in one of his care packages!!! |
 |
| Weekly Temple Picture |
 |
| Wearing his dad's trench coat at the temple |
 |
| Ready for the adventures that await..... |
 |
| Back of his name tag |
