Weeks # 88 & 89:89: Committed to Being Faithful Until the Very End

The last 6 weeks have been excruciatingly difficult for Elder Buhler as he has struggled with finding out that his mother has filed for divorce. Its really hard to understand that when you are 8000 miles away from home teaching about eternal families. After struggling with whether I should post this weekly update, I  (his mom) realized that in fairness to Josh, that we should post it. Its a part of his journey and to deny him that right to freely express himself would be unfair.

Dear Fam Bam,

My comp is a stud of a man, and has ignited a fire in me that I have not felt my entire mission. Even with my parents getting a divorce, I feel I have a desire to do the work! Divorce or not. I will give it my all for these last two months, and whatever happens, happens. He is a stud. We have worked a lot over this last week and I am not too tired to write in my journal. We had a baptism last week, and we have 8 goals. I am excited!

I have learned that I need to forgive, even when I clearly do not want to, but because Christ forgives me for constantly screwing up.

My comp is an inspiration to me. So this last week I have decided to get back into shape, and needless to say, it is hell. However, it will be worth it. I taught a lesson because my comp was gone. He had to teach another lesson, so I went to this member’s house, who the mom and dad want to go to the temple so bad so they can have an eternal family, and I was supposed to take a female member, but she brought all her friends, so I had about 7 piekes with me, and ah man, I thought this was gonna go downhill so quick. Everyone was talking. My teaching methods are always a bit unorthodox to say the least, but anyways, I tried everything. Magic tricks, ward testimonies, but in the end, it was all those girls, who were all like 30, telling that little 12 year old how awesome church is and how it can really help her. I told her about how at the age of 12, she does not really understand it all. When i was 14, my dad had cancer, and I did not understand till my coach, Coach Jensen, explained it all to me. I told her that someday, her parents would pass away, and through all of this she could see her family again. Finally, I told everyone to shut up and it got all quiet, and I asked her, “Look, I don't want you to get baptized cause your mom, or dad, or anyone else wants you too, I want you too because you want it. Do you?” It got quiet, then she nodded and gave a thumbs up, and I was like, “Alright!”
Everyone was leaving, and I asked the father to walk me out. As we were walking back to the church, the man started crying. All he could say was xie xie, and he just hugged me. Not many things will pull my heart strings, but that would do it. It was cool. The father wanted it so bad, so right now we are working for that.

We have a lot of goals. I am excited. I believe this place will be on fire. I truly believe that everyone will have times in life, and sometimes more than once, we will be faced with a choice to believe in god or not too. It is as simple as that in my situation. Even with my doubts, and my parents getting divorced, for at least these 2 move calls, I choose to believe. I promise, you will not find a more hardworking missionary, or one who will shy away from bearing his testimony, as small as it may be, and you will not find one who prays more than i do for a miracle here, and back at home with my parents.  I will work on humility. Elder Holland says to keep trying, and keep working, and moving forward. It will be all right in the end. Elder Wirthlin says come what may and love it. I remember when I found out i was leaving my area, and to leave my good friend Shen Bei Bei, that old man who I have so many pictures with. I realized I would never see him again in this life unless a miracle happened. But I knew that if anyone in this world deserved a body, it would be that old geezer. I realize that someday, if I play my cards right, I will see that happy old man, and we will be able to speak, and he will talk to me and walk, and run, and jump . Oh what a joyous day that will be.

Something important to know about Shen Bei Bei is that he does not care that he can't use his body like we can. He will find a way to do it. Shen Bei Bei doesn't care. He could stare the stain out of a shirt. He has tried, but I believe he is a perfect example of enduring to the end. Follow Shen Bei Bei, and find a way to get things done the right way.

I realize I have not always been the best example in everything, and even right now with my parents divorce. But I can liken myself to a quote by Winston Churchhill "You can always count on America to do the right thing. After all their resources have been exhausted." So, in this you can say you can always count on Josh Buhler to do the right thing after all my other resources have been exhausted. Well, here is my email. If you don't like it well than go to outer darkness. Ha ha I’m kidding.

Elder Buhler

I love my family, and I love my friends. I do not know everything, but I believe God is there, and Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God. I believe that Jesus somehow died for me, and I believe if everyone lived the gospel, the world would be a much better place. I actually know that if everyone follows the gospel, the world will be a better place. I love my mom and my dad equally, and my siblings. Something that Paul said, “When I was a child I spoke as a child. When I grew up and became a man, I put away childish things, and acted like a man.” I butchered that quote, but I need to grow up and be a man.

PS: There is always room for change, and its never too late to change your mind, no matter what.