October 24, 2005

  • From an e-mail dated Oct. 24:
    "I'm trying to be like Jesus, I'm following in His ways.  I'm trying to love as He did in all that I do and say.  At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, but I try to listen as the still small voices whispers, . . ."

    Dear Family, Friends, and Fellow Xangans,
     
    I'm doing well.  I'm still in the Glendale 2nd ward, though I have moved apartments and have a new companion.  His name is Elder Parry- he's from Idaho.  There is also a second set of Elders in this ward- Elders Lord and Peterson.
     
    I have grown to love the people who live here so much.  In Glendale almost everyone is Armenian.  Recently I've been learning how deep and beautiful their culture is.  The other day we met a woman walking her beautiful baby.  Her name was Anoush.  (Anoush and Armen are the most common names here) Talking with her was like talking with an old friend I've known for eternity.  I felt an instant connection with her as we talked about the missionaries in Armenia, American history and scenery, the Church, Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, Michalangelo's Pieta, and Thorvaldsen's Christus in Santa Monica.
     
    The next day we visited Armen and his mom.  They are members of the Church.  While we were there they had so much family and friends there.  They all wanted to talk with us.  They showed us the video of an Armenian wedding and them all dancing.  We talked about the importance of marriage and its eternal nature.  We also, of course talked about Armenians being the first Christians.  Every Armenian we meet tells us their history about being the first Christians.  It is funny.  These are great people.  (Though some are a little rough on the edges.  Not all of them are very happy to see you ).
     
    One thing that's cool about Armenians is that they all sit around tables on their porch every evening.  They all live with their families and they all spend time with their families.  It is very cool.  Anyway, just thought I'd share that.
     
    Stay in touch.  (All of my contact info is on the left.),
    Elder Embree
    ". . . 'Love one another as Jesus loves you.  Try to show kindness in all that you do.  Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught.'"