Elder Jared Schoeny: I finally did it

Sorry I wasn't able to email last week, the internet was down once again. But you're never going to believe what I did. So we were going to use a motorcycle to drive to Kuma, and Elder Bataua had said beforehand that he knew how to drive them. We got on the motorcycle, but he couldn't get it started, and he explained he had never driven one with a clutch. After a little bit, I convinced him to let me try. Keep in mind I have never driven a motorcycle before in my life, and had never ridden one until a few months ago. I was able to get it started, and we took off with no problems. And don't worry Mom, I drive very, very carefully.

My language has also been improving a lot, mainly my listening skills. Part of this has also helped me realize just how much of a celebrity I am being the only white person on Butaritari. Little kids salute you, high-five you, find any excuse to touch you. Teenage girls whistle at you on the streets. The adults always make sure to treat me with greatest respect, giving me food and drink and their best mat to sit on. Of course, this is of no concern to me, as I'm here to serve, not to be served.

The Lord needs humble servants, and it's been evident that this past week was my time for humbling. I went from getting pink eye, to getting a nasty cold where I was really tired and had a bad cough and fever, to getting a swollen eye because of a mosquito bite, to getting some really bad canker sores. I haven't let any of this stop me from serving others and helping them come unto Christ. The Lord will give you the strength you need to serve him when things are looking down. All you need to do is ask.

Thank you for all your support and love! I tangiringkami!

Elder Schoeny

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