Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This weekend, we get the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our nation. Many fought and continue to fight to protect our way of life, and for those who served and continue to serve, we express our uttermost gratitude. Well, the fourth of July is a special day to me in many ways. Exactly 18 years ago today, I got engaged to my sweetheart. She has been the greatest blessing in my life, and that event has forever made Independence Day a wonderful day to our family.
Twenty years ago, I was at the end of my training in the MTC in Provo. I was mesmerized by this land that I had dreamed as a boy to one day visit. The mountains, the temple, the wide roads, and the organization and cleanliness of the city were more astounding than I had ever imagined before. I had never actually thought that I would have the opportunity to visit the United States, and now I was preparing to serve and live here for two years of my life. Little did I know at that time that this country would become my permanent home, and the place where I would raise my children. The place I would come to love and call home.
Today, I wonder at how merciful and kind our Heavenly Father has been to me. He has blessed my family and me so abundantly. I often think: Why me? Of all the people that live in this world, why did our Heavenly Father choose me to come to this country? Or, as for most of you, why did our Heavenly Father choose to send you at this time to this country? Why us?
I recently had the opportunity to welcome home one of our missionaries serving abroad, and he reminded me of a piece of advice that I give the missionaries on their way to their missions. I tell every missionary to allow time for the proper transition to becoming a missionary, and allow time to adjust to their new culture and country. I proceed to tell them that life here in the US is uniquely different. This missionary looked at me and said: “President, I didn't realize how different things were outside the US. I underestimated your counsel.” I don’t mean to take away from any other country or culture. I love my home country of Brazil. I love my culture. But life in the US is uniquely different.
Sometimes we don’t realize how good our lives are--mostly because we don’t have anything to compare our lives to. Let us be grateful for the blessings that our Heavenly Father has granted us to live in such a wonderful place. Now, what are we to do with these blessings? How are we making more of our lives by living here? The Lord said in D&C 82:3 “...unto whom much is given much is required;”
We are here in the land of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have chosen to live in a wonderful time, with wonderful people, and in a wonderful land. How are we going to live our lives to show gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the abundance of blessings he has given us?
We love you my dear brothers and sisters!
Pres. Emerson Carnavale
Stake President
Washington Utah Stake Presidency
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