Be careful what you pray for

I really need to be more careful what I pray for. For years I have prayed for Patience. I am still waiting, impatiently of course. I really should not expect to receive a beautifully wrapped package under the Christmas tree filled with pure patience but I would be happy to receive it that way. The Lord in his wisdom has decided that the best way for me to acquire that talent is to give me opposition. The same way we build a muscle, we must have resistance or it just will not work. I am honestly developing patience while serving here.

We went to a Stake Conference in Lille France yesterday. Our Mission President wanted all the Belgium missionaries to attend. I was pretty excited because I had never before been to France and to top it off Elder Dallin H. Oaks was the General Authority presiding over the Conference. I have always loved hearing him speak and yesterday was no exception. He reminded us about building muscle with resistance. He also reminded us that Satan will try to stop or destroy the most important work first. He will focus on those things that pose the greatest danger to his work of keeping us from returning back to our Heavenly Father. He seems to be working harder here in Europe than ever before.

Elder Oaks mentioned that one of the problems here is that young couples choose not to marry and have children. (The trend here is for single women to have babies just to get on public assistance. Children can go to school when they are two years old and the schooling is paid for by the state.) Also addiction is a large problem, and that being addicted causes the spirit to leave and takes away our agency. It is like smashing the compass that guides us where to go.

He also warned us that a depression is heading our way and that we need to be prepared, and that if we are prepared we have no need to fear.

France did not look all that great yesterday with it's gray clouds but it was a ray of sunshine to be able to attend the conference. Most of it was in French but that was O.K. The most important speaker was Elder Oaks and he spoke English with an interpreter. We were able to sit close to the front and shook his hand as he came down to us. During his talk he asked all the missionaries to stand and he told everyone there that help was needed from the members to help move the work forward. Sometimes the work seems to be going slowly but we keep on trying our best. Hopefully we are doing some good.