April 13. 2014

We had transfers this week - so now i'm leading the area! This area is massive, and i've only been here 6 weeks, but i feel like Sister Hann prepared me pretty well. I am still sister training leader. I'm serving with Sister Patterson from Alpine, Utah. She is an answer to my prayers. I have been wanting so badly to just sprint to the finish line, but sometimes it's hard to be the motivator all the time, you know? This sister.. wow. She has SO much faith. And faith IS motivation. We have seen so many miracles already and she's only been here 4 full days. WOW!!! I am so glad I'll finish my mission with her (and i'm glad I'm not training because that is just a little bit exhausting, let me tell you).

On Friday morning i was reading in 3 Nephi 17. This is such a tender side of our Savior. He heals the sick because of their faith and says to them, "Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full." (3 Nephi 17:20). His joy is full because He sees their faith grow, and He sees theme exercise their faith. THAT is was real joy is - missionary work, seeing people come to Christ. Later that day we went to see Pearl - her daughter got baptized and now after seeing the change in her daughter she wants to be baptized and to take the lessons (yes, in that order haha). At the end of the lesson she gave us the date she had picked and closed by saying, "Yeah, I'll try praying even though I've never done it before." As we closed our eyes and listened to her humble prayer, I felt a little taste of what the Savior talked about with the Nephites; my joy was full, seeing her step out of her comfort zone to express her faith.

We have seen so many miracles. Wow. Sunday night we got to see REAL member missionary work - getting invited to dinner with a family that has befriended two girls, took them to conference, and now one not only wants to get baptized, but to serve a mission! (The members talked to her about this when we weren't there) We got a call from one of the members this morning, telling us about all the things they talked about last night with the girls - Joseph Smith, the plan of salvation, etc. Wow. Now THAT is was Elder Ballard had in mind when he gave his talk on Sunday morning!
Also, general conference was AWESOME!!!!! Saturday may or may not have felt like a bold call to repentance, but Saturday morning was just so uplifting. Also, saw a miracle trying to get Viviana (who only speaks spanish) to wellington to have a mexican sit with her. Umm i love missionary work! Go share the gospel, you will grow in gratitude for the Lord, for your knowledge of the truth, and for the Spirit. And your "joy will be full." From the mouth of the Savior himself, He promises that to us.

I love you! I love missionary work! I'm also exhausted!
Sister Rose