It's amazing what a little faith and a positive attitude can do! can

Elder Whetstone inspired me earlier this week. He's been waiting for quite a while to find out when he gets to go to Brazil. His Mission President kept telling him that he would be leaving within a few days, then his visa wouldn't come like his President had anticipated, so he had to wait longer. Poor guy. It must be hard being all packed thinking you're going to leave soon then find out you're staying a while longer!

After a few weeks of reading in letters and emails about his complaints and disappointments, his last email was filled with positivity and gratitude. He was transferred to a new ward last week and wasn't too happy about it at first, but now his attitude has totally changed! Here are some things he said in his email:

"So my Mission President hasn't called me yet... but he will call. Today. I have faith. I am really enjoying my time here in my new ward. My two companions are fun. At first I was really frustrated when I left Whittier, but it has been a great learning experience that I am grateful for. I'm also learning a bunch of really cool doctrine that I wouldn't have learned if I didn't come here. I think that's a reason I'm still here in California."

A few hours after I got that email, he emailed me saying that he is officially leaving for Brazil May 7th! I was super excited when I heard that. Then it got me thinking... isn't it ironic that before, whenever Geoff was negative, it was as if he would never be leaving for Brazil, but then on the same day he sees the positivity in why he is not only still in California, but in a new ward as well, that is the day he finds out the day he is leaving for Brazil? Pretty crazy!

I am so proud of Elder Whetstone and being such a great example. I am glad he has been able to find the positive even though it was surrounded by much negativity. I don't have any doubt that the Lord was teaching him some life lessons by blessing him with his final itinerary on the day he had a bunch of faith and a positive attitude!

This is Elder Whetstone with a 9-year-old boy that was baptized right before he left Whittier. Notice the CTR ring on his finger. That's right. I got that for him!