Mid-Abdominal Miracle

So a few nights ago, I was really really sick in my stomach, having pains and cramps that I've never experienced before or since. I got to sleep and felt a little better the next morning. As the day went on, however, I started to have pain again, apexing that night at about 11. I had had a blessing, said a bunch of prayers and talked to a few families and it seemed like everyone would ask "Do you think maybe it's appendicitis?" to which I would reply that I didn't think so, because I was too scared that I was just psyching myself out and didn't want to go to the hospital and waste money just to be told I would be ok.

I called Sister Cannon and asked her what she thought I should do and she and President agreed that it would be better safe than sorry and encouraged me to go to the hospital. I remember President saying "You'll have to drink some pretty gross stuff for the CT Scan, which might make you sick to begin with." I did not want to drink that stuff.

I hesitated and pondered but finally decided to go, all the time dreading the "CT Drink." I got dressed and was tying my shoes when I realized that I wasn't really in pain anymore. I froze. I didn't know if the only reason I didn't hurt was just because I was sitting a certain way. Slowly, tentatively, I laid down. No pain. I sat in a chair. No pain.

I stood. I walked. I bent over. Nothing.

Still in disbelief, I called Sister Cannon and told her the pain was gone and that I wasn't going to go after all. She said "Wow. Really? that's interesting because we just finished saying a prayer for you."

I slept like a rock and woke up the next morning feeling great, albeit a bit hungry.

It's humbling to know that God really does watch over us, especially so when we're in His service. It was a miracle, to be sure.

-Elder Hopkins

PS - Maybe I was just feeling sympathy pains for my sister's pregnancy. (It's going to be a boy!)

The Official Countdown

Elder Hopkins will officially arrive at the RDU Airport at 7:03 pm EST on July 14th, 2011. He'd love to see you there if you can make it! :)

The Best Books

Well, my friends, it certainly has been a while.

I am still here in the Boise South Zone, but my new companion isn't new at all. It's one of my all-time favorite companions from way back in Rupert! It's Elder Juan Diego Henao Cifuentes! (a.k.a. Elder Henao) He is a great missionary, and it will be wonderful not only to serve with someone I know, but also a hard worker for my last transfer.

Also of note, I will soon be the Uncle of a NEPHEW in October! I wish the Internet was a better canvas to display excitement on, but all I have is words, which are not wholly adequate to contain my happiness!

Something I've thought a great deal about recently has been the blessing and the importance of the Scriptures in my life. There are so many times when they have helped me to be a better person. Sometimes, what I'm reading is not as relevant as the feeling that comes from opening and just reading the first thing you see. The Scriptures are a powerful force for good and they help us in the best of times and the worst of times. They are the Balm of Gilead and are the words of God, even "the word which healeth the wounded soul" as Jacob testified (Jacob 2:8).

I once heard someone say that the word "Bible" is an acronym for "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth." I like that. I think that also applies to the Book of Mormon. The Scriptures help us know what we should do in this life and how we should act. Most importantly, they teach us of the Savior, who is the ultimate example. As the current Prophet, Thomas S. Monson said, "He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love."

The records that are the most sacred are those of the life and ministry of Christ Himself, found in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament and much of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. These accounts help us not only read and live what the Savior taught, but see the way He lived, the way He interacted with others and most importantly, the love He had, and continues to have, for each of us. There are so many things He taught us, and yet, the accounts that we have only include small instances in His life.

I'm reminded of the words of John the Beloved in the conclusion of his account of Jesus' life: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written...But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." ( John 21:25 & John 20:31)

Nephi, whose ancestors would see Christ and make record of his appearance in the Americas, wrote at the end of his life, "And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. (2 Nephi 33:10)

When all is said and done, the Scriptures are here for us to testify that Jesus is the Christ and that by and through His name we can receive eternal life. I add my testimony to those ancient prophets whose diligent efforts allowed us to have the Scriptures today, that Jesus Christ lives and He truly does love us. And because He loves us, we can do all things that he requires of us, no matter how difficult they may seem.

I love you all, and thanks for all your support!

Always,

- Elder Hopkins