Thanksgiving here went really well! The food was great (almost as good as yours!) We didn't really have anything unusual surprisingly. The family we ate with is actually from the west coast, so they know whats up. I know we are not supposed to have favorites as missionaries, but I sure do love the Jones! They actually have a daughter serving in Peru right now, so they made sure to take extra good care of us in hopes that someone would do the same for their daughter!
Thats so cool about the sister missionaries! I'm glad that brought you some comfort being with them. I sure will miss being home this holiday season, but I only have one Thanksgiving and Christmas to be out here serving the Lord, so I am really happy to be here and am already enjoying every second of it! Just know that I'm well taken care of, and you have no need to worry!
I'm one blessed little missionary... enough said.
So I know I've told you how cool our neighbors are in the past.
This week, Sister Ison and I were singing a hymn for companion study,
and all of the sudden we hear this really loud, obnoxious singing.
Every time we would pause to listen, he would stop as well. After a few
minutes of entertainment, we finally came to the conclusion that our
neighbor wasn't a fan of our singing and was making fun of us. Lets just
say that it made a really good laugh and I'm grateful for cool people
that make our days a little more exciting!
With the holiday season approaching, everyone seems to be
busier than usual which has made it really difficult to make
appointments and to teach, however, we have done our best to remain
diligent in trying to fill our schedule. We found a lot of opportunities
for service in place of our cancelled appointments which was such a
blessing. Each time we found ourselves a little discouraged trying to
make the most of our time, there would be something placed in our path
to keep us busy until our next appointment. It was even more proof that
the Lord provides as we are willing.
I'm am loving the ward and the area more and more each day.
Okay, so honesty time- I know you probably think that missions are all
butterflies and flowers, and don't worry, they are for the most part!
However, ever since I got to this ward, I have felt pretty unwelcome
here and Sister Ison stated that she, as well as most of the other
missionaries that have served here have felt the same. On top of that,
it has felt as we haven't really been physically seeing much
of the fruits of our labors and a good portion of our efforts have gone
towards the elders in our ward but once again, Heavenly Father knew
exactly what we needed to keep us going. There were multiple members
that mentioned in testimony meeting that were
doing a good job and appreciated all that we are doing which is huge!
There was even a few members that came up to us directly and told us how
much they loved us and glad that we are serving in this ward. I guess
it was just another
little tender mercy to remind me that I'm not a complete failure of a
missionary and remind me how blessed I am to have this opportunity to
represent Christ. I really am SO grateful to be serving in this area
right now. I'm already seeing so many positive changes in this ward!
Thanksgiving was fabulous and I am so full of gratitude for
the miracles that happen each week. Yesterday we had a really powerful
with a less active member that we have been working with a lot who
thinks the world is literally out to get her, especially the church.
We've been trying for weeks to figure out how to help her but no matter
what we do, she seems to come up with more and more concerns. After
church, Sister Ison went over to follow up with her book of mormon read
and she had admitted that she didn't read it, so we decided to read it
with her. After reading about half of the chapter, Sister Ison and I
both put down our books, and started asking her inspired questions which
were clearly not from us. The spirit was So strong and by the end of
the lesson, she was speechless. Even though she may have not committed
to coming back to church, she was left with a lot to think about. My
companion and I both walked out of her house and looked at each other
and said, "What just happened?" It felt so good to know that I was able
to say the things exactly what the Lord wanted me to say by simply
allowing the spirit to work through me. More than ever before, I was
able to feel that I was truly being an instrument for God.
I really can't even put into words how much I love being a
missionary, so I'll just leave it at that! Talk to you next week... LOVE
YOU!
