Week 11: A Week Full of Miracles and Excitement!

Gracie and Kristi

Well this week was full of miracles and excitement! We went on an exchange every day this week and it was exhausting. On Thursday we got a call from one of the Sisters that we get to serve and she said she was going to be going home and that she is done with this (Her Mission). I gave her a call and we talked for about half an hour on the phone, by the end of the conversation she said she would wait until the weekend before she makes any decisions.  We also decided we would go on an emergency exchange and talk things out more. She agreed and that was that. About half way through the day I got a text message that said she had her plane ticket and she would be going home on Saturday. I was so shocked (even though I really shouldn't have been).  I had prayed about her everyday and I knew she was suppose to be out here teaching and serving the Lord. If she wasn't supposed to be here something would have happened that would have made it so that she wouldn't be able to come out. So we ended the exchange we were on early and drove over to these Sisters apartment. When I saw her it was all I could do not to cry. We went in the back room and talked for about an hour. The entire time we were talking she was only coming up with reasons she needed to go home and no reasons for why she was supposed to stay. It took me an hour before I was able to realize she needed to go home and that she was not going to be able to get any work done out here because she didn't want to be out here. At the end of the conversation I told her I would support her all of the way even though I was still heartbroken and sad.

Sisters Johnson, Packer,Moody,Mahoni, Elders Dowd and Howlet

 After all of that we got home at 11:00 pm and we were exhausted. I kept wondering why Heavenly Father would let something like this happen. Let such a powerhouse missionary go home and not be able to help all of those who are ready to hear this message. I pondered this for a while and then I was able to come to the realization that she had done all that she was suppose to, and maybe she was only suppose to be out here for three weeks and she was going to be able to learn what lesson she was suppose to. I know Heavenly Father has a reason for everything and even though I may not be able to understand all of it right now this is okay. He can see the big picture and he will put me where I need to be and with those I need to be around, even though it may be heartbreaking at the time. 

Sister Moody, Sister Krumonacher, and Elle

On a happier note we are going to be having two baptisms this weekend!! I am so excited! The first baptism is going to be with Morgan and her sister Avery. We have been working with these two sisters almost the whole time that I have been out here. They were ready to be baptised the first time we met them. They were a referral from our bishop and a member in our ward. I have truly been able understand the importance of working with our members and the role they play in missionary work. Hard work is paying off because of these two baptisms. These two girls are so excited and I am so excited for them! Because of their decision to be baptised they will be able to come closer to our Father in Heaven and be able to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion! This gospel is so amazing and brings so much happiness into your life whether you want to admit it or not. Their mom is a super less active and doesn't go to church at all, their dad is not a member. But they drop them off at church and the mom will sit in on the lessons and will read the scriptures and pray at night with the two girls! Heavenly Father has softened their hearts a ton and continues to do it every time we go over! One day this family will be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity and that will be the happiest day of their lives!

Heather in the Green and Sara. Sister Mahonie and Elle

Our other baptism is with Jaydah, she is 14 years old. Her family are not members but they live with her uncle and his family who are. So the first time we met Jaydah she came up to us and took us to her mom and told her, "Mom these Sisters are going to baptism me and they are going to baptize you and the rest of the family!" When she said this we all were thinking well this is great. But the mom looked at us, smiled, and said that is great come on in. This is the second week we have been teaching her and she will be getting baptized on SATURDAY!! We have been working hard to teach her all of the lessons and she has been doing her part in keeping all of the commitments. She even takes the Book of Mormon to school and reads it! Future Missionary!!!! The Young Women in our ward have been so amazing at fellow shipping her and making her feel as though she is a part of everything! They even take the initiative to teaching her some of the lessons so that when we go and actually teach it she already knows a bit about it! We have a pretty amazing ward and our Bishop is all for missionary work and helping the work continue on strong. I love my area! There is so much work to be done we just have to be willing to ask for the help and Heavenly Father is going to be help us. I love you all and hope you have an amazing week! Happy Birthday Bradyn!!! 

Elle Fell asleep while studying.

Sister Stanley

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