March 2, 2026

March 02, 2026

Wow, I thought Africa started to become clean. But I was emergency transferred to France with a temporal visa until I can get a real one. So I'm stuck in a French apartment, in France 🤷‍♂️

I did get to go out and buy groceries, and check out this grocery store.

And finally a real candy isle

France is so cool but so different!! White dudes everywhere!! Can't wait to get started outside the apartment!

Hey, that was a joke... sorry to break it to you, but Africa has nice things too. All those photos were actually taken here in Africa. You should send me an email of you believed me

Spiritual thought:

I've been studying a lot on happiness lately. I want to share some thoughts I've come across this week.

It started when I was shared this verse, and now has been deeply connected to my testimony. Its mosiah 2:41 and it reads

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

Ok, let's break this down. Mosiah says here; and its very important; "Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep thr commandments of God"

Isn't that so true? I love this. But this blessed and happy state is not talking about our circumstances or situations. Our lives will never be easy. But this talks about a state of mind, where joy can be found in any event in our lives.

I want to read a little journal excerpt, it reads "further down we see that joy is not personal. What I mean by that is that it cannot be defined [by our terms]. It needs a godly view"

Sister Tamara runway talks about thus godly view as the overview effect. When astronauts in space saw the earth as such a tiny point, they felt that all was possible. When we are all zoomed in, we see things as huge and impossible. But in comparison to God, it is nothing to be worried about.

It continues "we do not comprehend the same joy that god has. But someday, it can be given to us. I can't tell you that I find joy in watching [my favorite] movies. Although it's amusing, it does not bring long lasting and eternal joy" this is what we call Eternal life.

"But what exactly is it? Well, we see all throughout the scriptures, Jesus using it perfectly. Gratitude" think about that new moment. Eternal life is based around Gratitude. Jesus, "thought heat, rain, and snow; tribulations and trials [gave] gratitude to his God all the day long. Every condition, circumstance, and situation, was to glorify God."

Now gratitude is made up of two things: Godly Joy, and Godly Love

Ok, so Godly JOY is CHOOSING TO LOOK FOR THE GOOD. In the EASY moments and in thr HARD. Godly joy looks for blessings and miracles, not excuses or misfortunes.

Now, Godly LOVE is charity. This can be found in service. Now it is important to note that charity is not a virtue that once held, you can powerfully and justifiably correct someone.

"That's not what charity is". Charity comes to those who share the light of christ, and choose to obey the will of God. With charity, we no longer feel this desire to correct, but to show. Show who we are because of the gospel, but more importantly show who we can become because of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. I know that with thr help of both Godly Joy, and Godly Love, we WILL be filled with a gratitude we never knew before, and that this greater gratitude will push us towards eternal life with a fullness of joy, happiness, peace, and love. I Invite you to seek this happiness. Look to serve others, both members, and non-members, "black and white, bond and free, male and female" (2 Nephi 26:33)

I know that we can be happy, and prepared for moments of sadness, if we turn away from our own thoughts and feelings and follow the will of God. We WILL receive this "blessed and happy state" if we truly "keep the commandments of god" I say these things, with a firm knowledge of my joy in him, our savior, Jesus Christ, Amen

Ok, now for the events of the week:

- we always have kids running up to us and wanting a quick handshake, one of these times I'll film it and put it on the Google photos

- we had a baptismal date planned and now we getting ready for the baptism of Sarah. Please pray for her.

- I got to see some massive boats rolling out the harbor. Up close and personal.

- power was put consistently for 3+ nights. (I did not sleep thanks for asking)

- power went out during an important game so cries were heard all throughout the town.(these people borderline worship soccer)

- I ran a mile, and I think I'm still in decent shape

- talked with some amazing people this week, they seem to want to progress. So I'm hoping and praying.

Ok that's my week and it was filled with amazing fun stories. I how you could sag the same. If not, go make those fun stories yourself this week. Then, email me about what you did. Love you guys, thanks for reading this email. I hope you read the spiritual thought (If you didn't, go read it). It's the only reason I do these things.

- Elder Hill

Beautiful sunset laid out before us