Hey everyone, it's Elder Z. S. Weber, back once again with a quick update on how things are going in the mission for me and Elder Buchanan. And, I have good news. The rain is finally gone. It took us almost three-and-a-half weeks to get the last of the rain out of the atmosphere. Now, it's just blue skies and sunshine for miles, with a beautiful summer just around the corner. I just feel like getting out and getting to work, a song of joy in my heart! There's just one problem.

The work isn't moving. At all.

Now, this has nothing to do with Elder Buchanan and me. When we saw the clear skies finally roll over the horizon, we were eager to grab out bags, hit the pavement, and get to work. However, it seems as though there is another force present in this area, which is keen on keeping us from being successful. From getting the cold shoulder all week long from non-members, less-actives, and investigators alike, to having bouts of tiredness and stomach flu swirling around our apartment, this week just wasn't a very successful week for me and Elder Buchanan.

I wish I had more to report...but I'm sorry. We just weren't able to have enough experiences this week for me to return and report on. However, this next week does look like it's going to get better. We've got more appointments set up with less-active members, and chances to meet with potential investigators just around the corner. So, while this week wasn't that great, there is hope for more good things to come.

However, though I didn't get to experience much this week, I did receive some spiritual insight. Saturday, after working with Elder Buchanan all day long, and feeling exhausted from the work, we went home and started getting ready to close the day. While we were finishing planning and heading to bed, a Elder Buchanan got a message
from one of his friends on the mission. He said that Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had died. At first, we thought it was just a prank, and then we pulled up lds . org. At age 92, Elder L. Tom Perry left this Earthly state, and returned to his Father in Heaven.

When I heard the news, I was honestly surprised by my reaction. I smiled. The last time I'd seen the Apostle of the Lord speak had been last General Conference, when he spoke about the Colloquium he and Elder Eyring had attended. He was so full of energy, so full of life. And now, one month later, he'd left the Earthly Realm, his mission
complete. It didn't make sense on the earthly view, but from a more spiritual view, it all made perfect sense.

Elder Perry's mission on the earth was complete. He had done all that his Father in Heaven had asked of him, and now is able to return to the courts on high, back to the Father of his spirit. Not only that, but he is also able to now start spending the rest of his eternity with his loving wife, the woman he loves. I do not think that Elder Perry will be missed with much heartache and sadness. Rather, he will be remembered for who he was, and who he is-a Special Witness if Christ who had filled his calling and worthily accepted all his Father had asked of him.

In thinking of this, and Elder Perry's return to Heaven, I took a moment to assess my own personal worthiness before God. If I were to die, would I be as ready as Elder Perry is? Would I meet or avoid his gaze, as Elder Klebingat so eloquently phrased it in the October Conference of 2014. And what of my family on earth? Would I ever see them again? Would I have the chance to be the older brother I am to my sisters, once more after this life has run its course? Or be the son and friend to my father and mother that they have always loved?

I bear testimony this day, before all of you reading this and all the angels in the courts on high that there is no such thing as 'The End' in God's eyes. His desire is for us, all of us, to live with both our a Heavenly family and our Earthly family for time and all eternity. I know, that as I live my life worthily and follow the commandments that God has given me, that I will not only be able to meet His gaze and boldly walk up to Him, but I will be able to do so with my family I have now, and the family I'll have in the near future, by my side for time and all eternity. I am thankful for the promises of the temple, which let me be able to take part in these blessings, so long as I am faithful to the covenants made.

I bear this solemn testimony, in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

-Elder Z. S. Weber