I was given a shorter time to email today before the big departure on Tuesday. We have had little to do besides pack and watch conference, so you can imagine the weekend long party that has ensued. Was conference yesterday not the best conference of all time? Of all time?? Conference this morning was good too, but I started to lose it around Richard G. Scott's talk (I'm sure it will be fantastic upon re-reading) and also I had to go the bathroom unbearably during Eyring and Oaks. But I'm sure it was all very good.
I was able to have my last golden visitor center moment on Friday. I called a man in Sweden who, by all means, I should not have been able to talk with. The only time I was able to call him was at 10pm his time. I don't speak Swedish. People never pick up their phones. But when it's in God's plan, it happens despite the seeming impossibilities. The man was a golden convert of the guy who referred him to us but has become less active. He feels lonely in life, struggling with a "bad habit" (euphemism for addiction?), and doesn't seem to understand his purpose. He wants to settle down and get married to a good girl but he feels like he needs to travel the world first. He seemed to think that going backpacking around the world is the elusive golden ticket to his finding his place on this earth. Quite conveniently, I was able to tell him about my backpacking through Europe, or the American Dream. It was fun and I had a good experience but in the end, when I realized that I had accomplished that thing that everybody wants to do, I didn't feel very fulfilled at all. I told him I have just as much fun doing nothing staying up late with my sister. Listen mister, if it's a soul searching journey you want, well, you're already on one. See: The Plan of Salvation. And http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-women-meeting/2013/03/your-wonderful-journey-home?lang=eng&query= and http://www.mormonchannel.org/our-heavenly-fathers-plan (Really, watch these links...those videos are better than expected, that's for sure).
I'm so grateful for the chance I have to talk to people in Sweden. And to see how much the Gospel is needed by everyone, even those who already "know" it. He said to me, "It's 10:30 on a Friday night in Sweden. I'm about to go clubbing by myself. I'm lonely." Even though I heard him say hi to friends while he was presumably walking down the street while talking to me, he's missing something. That kind of lifestyle is empty no matter how many friends you have. And even if you have the Gospel, if you are focused on other things, you will feel empty as well. I've felt it before. It's very easy to get distracted and search for things you think you want, as well-intentioned as they are. That's why we always have to study the scriptures sincerely, and for a decent amount of time, which I had a rough time doing right before the mish.
Well, I love you! I'm excited for AR!
Love, Rachel
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