Is this my daughter?

 Usually I put only Danielle's letters in this blog, but today I feel I need to give you a little introduction.

 Sometimes when I read Danielle's letters, I ask myself, "Is this my daughter?"  Danielle has changed so much on her mission.  I can see through her that God truly can change a person.  He can take a little girl who has had a lot of hard things happen in her life and gently but dramatically change her in ways that are astounding.  I wish I could take credit for the wonderful woman she has become, and sometimes Danielle tries to give me credit, but it is not me--it is God.   God didn't coddle her nor did He scold her. He patiently waited for her to put her trust in Him. Then it was through Danielle's obedience that she got to know Him in a more personal way--In a way in which He was able to show her how much she means to Him.

Here is part of her letter:
 
"I have been feeling the spirit so strong throughout my day, so I guess I'm grateful for that. Something else that I was able to recognize is that my nature is truly changing.  President talked about how often times we change our behaviors (meaning, we wake up at 6:30 because our companion does and we go out to work because we know we need to) and I can admit, that a good portion of my mission has been because I know I needed to.  Granted I did love it, but I would wake up at 6:30 because I know that is what missionaries should do and I want to be obedient.  I go out and work all day again, because that is what I have been called here to do.  He talked about a change of behavior VRS. a change of nature.  When we have a change of nature, it truly becomes a part of us.  It's not out of obligation or duty, rather out of sincere desire. Having a desire because I love the Lord and I love his work.  My motives have changed a lot.  It's not about going about doing good just to do it.  It's about doing good because that is my greatest desire and that is the Lords greatest desire.  I wouldn't say I have it all figured out by any means and I still have much to work on but my love for the Lord and his work has drastically increased as I allow the Lord to change my humble heart.

I wanted to share my feelings and things the Lord has taught me as of lately.  Often times this journey of life may seem long, tiring and miserable   but I think about what that moment may be like when this is all over and we return to our Father in Heaven who is awaiting with outstretched arms.  Think about the joy that we with feel!  I can't even comprehend the amount of peace we will feel, feeling entirely safe in his presence.

Thank you for teaching me the gospel Mom.  I could name so many  events that I have learned so much about the gospel simply from your example.  You'll never understand even to the slightest, the influence and impact you've had on my life

Love you so much!   

XOXO, Sister Thiriot

Danielle will be coming home August 14th.  I've heard it will be a hard adjustment for her--even harder than the adjustment of going on a mission and being in a new environment with people and places that are strange.  But when she comes home, nothing will be the same as when she left, but more than that, She will not be the same. 

Lookout Mountain--you can see 7 states from where we were standing!  I'd assume you could see both North Carolina and Gorgia in this picture

having more hope

This week was crazy! I spent two days in Georgia as I was able to go on some exchanges with the sisters!  Sister Hatch and I fell so behind on everything and have been playing catch up the past few days! We still lack on progressing investigators, however things are looking better than last week!  We've met a few people who are actually putting in a good amount of effort to find out if what we teach is true. Also, I found a live mouse in my shoe the other day.  I went to go to slip on my shoe when I saw a brown, furr ball in my shoe.  Sister Hatch about had a hard attack.  I did learn something meaningful this week though. We were driving home from an appointment of a lady who had dropped us and I look over at Sister Hatch who is crying.  As we talked, I could see how much frustration and discouragement she was facing as she questioned why everyone was dropping us and what we were doing wrong. I kept thinking and praying of what I could do or say and after a few minutes of silence, she looked at me and said, "Sister Thiriot, I know that there is someone out there who will listen to us. I know it."  I just smiled and agreed and we continued on with our day.  I will never forget that! Although I may have not been as discouraged, I admire that she was able to conquer such discouragement simply by having more hope.   I'm so grateful for my companion and the things that she teaches me.