Donation for service helps another family

G'day everybody!  I've finally got to read some letters and see some pictures! I love to see all of your faces and see how everyone is growing up.  We had a meeting with the President this last Tuesday. He seems to really be pushing to make us more balanced, effective missionaries. A while ago he started out by training us on how important the morning schedule is, including the half hour of exersize as well as the studies. Then he trained us on studies, and the importance of a study journal. Now he is helping us to learn how to be more effective and use our time and resources well. He is very inspired and very energetic. One of the things I have changed is keeping a study journal. I kind of started one when I first came into the field, but eventually I slacked off.
I have made it a consistent habit now and it has really improved the way I study and learn. I know that as I continue to do it I will be taught more and more through the Holy Ghost. One thing that I have learned from my studies is that to "feast on the word of Christ" doesn't just mean we take in large quantities at a time. It means that we actually take it into ourselves and use it to our benefit. It is the same as likening the scriptures to ourselves. It includes doing as well as learning. As we take in the "the words of Christ" (from the scriptures and modern day prophets) we will be told all things we should do.  Anyways, we had a pretty good week. It felt like we were busy and working hard but it didn't really show in our numbers. We helped a lady move house this weekend. When we first met her we were tracting and we offered her service. She couldn't believe that we would help her out for free and kept asking us, "what's the catch? What's the catch?" Turned out she didn't have much help besides us. There were a couple guys with tiny as trailers (really tiny) and that was it. Because of the small load capacity it took us about all afternoon. She wanted to pay us, but we aren't supposed to accept donations from anyone, even members. But she forced us to take a $50 dollar bill (it's not as much money here because of how expensive everything is but it's still a good amount of money). So my companion and I were discussing what to do with it. I was
thinking, What can I buy for me? Later that night we visited a less active family who wanted to come to
church the next day. They are struggling financially and did not have money for petrol to get there. I was trying to think of how we could help. They couldn't get picked up. Then the Spirit said, "you've got fifty bucks sitting in the car." I had forgotten about it. I felt that was the reason this money came to us. Not for us of course, but so the Lord could bless someone else through us. I know that the Lord works in mysterious ways and  often through other people. I also know that if we will LISTEN, and always seek to do the right thing, we will be guided by the Holy Ghost. The family was so grateful. Their prayers were answered. I love my mission and I love the Lord. He has blessed me with many things, especially the greatest family in the world. I am doing my best to show my  appreciation for my many blessing by serving Him. All I can give him is all of myself.
I love you all and miss you! I hope you all have a great week! I love you all!
Elder Thieme