This week was such a blur. I literally can barely remember what happened. The last week of the transfer is always wild, and this week was no exception. On Thursday, we got a call saying that we would be moving apartments to make room for all of the incoming missionaries. We basically spent all day on Friday moving furniture from apartments, packing up our stuff, and cleaning. On Saturday, we found out about the transfer. I found out that I was transferred!!!! I am going to Kirkland, and my new companion is Elder Schelin!!!!! I am so excited! We are going to be trying to start a Portuguese Branch!!! Kirland is where pretty much all of the Brasilians live. Pretty much everything that Elder Schelin and I have been doing with the english classes for the last two transfers has built up to this. It is also so crazy that one year ago, Elder Schelin and I were in the São Paulo CTM together and now we are companions. I definitely feel that there is a reason that both of us were sent here and that we were in the first group of reassigned missionaries to arrive here. I feel like Heavenly Father has prepared Brasilians that live here to accept His gospel. I am so excited to start teaching in Portuguese again!!!
We had a hard time getting in contact with most of our friends this week. Pretty much everything that could fall through did fall through. It was ok though. I have really loved being here in Federal Way. The Redondo Ward has been such a good ward. It is definitely kind of weird that I have been here for three months and know just a few of the members, but I guess these aren’t exactly normal times that we live in. It has been so great to be able to make some memories here and to be able to teach the people that we have taught. The Lord always provides a way and prepares His children to receive the gospel.
I have learned so much in the last two transfers. I have grown in so many different ways. It has been good to be Elder Atkin’s companion. He has had a ton of experience being a leader, and has taught me a lot about what to do as a leader. I have tried to do my best to watch him and learn from him. We have made some great memories together. It is crazy to just see the change that has happened since we have been together. We went from being in quarantine and just being able to do Facebook Finding and teaching to being able to visit people in person and finding a really solid teaching pool. Many of the people that we have taught are progressing towards baptism. The Lord always provides.
The Lord has really blessed me with so many unique experiences. I am very grateful for every moment that I have had here. I am so excited to see the miracles that Heavenly Father will do! I really feel that if we have enough faith, Heavenly Father will lead us to those Brasilians that He is preparing, and that we will truly be able to start this branch! Please pray for the Brasilians in Seattle!!
Scripture of the week: Jacob 3:1-2
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
I love representing the Savior in Brasil and Washington, I love my companion, I love the Gospel and Atonement of Christ, I love my family, and I love my Redeemer. I am ready and excited to work harder, learn more, and love better this week!
Love,
Elder Warren Matthew Dudley
Photos
1 - My study desk
2 - My family photo wall in the apartment
3 - My transfer goals
4 - last look at the sound
5-10 - transfers at the Bellevue South Stake Center
11 - Elder Atkin and I
12 - The Federal Way zone.
