May 18, 2014

So, this weekend was totally awesome. 3 Reasons why it was totally awesome:

1. I got to go on exchanges with Sister Saunders. She goes home in 2 days :) She is the sister i went on exchanges with the first time i was left in my first area. it was my second transfer, i was terrified. When she went to the bathroom during lunch, i knelt down in the living room and just prayed. I was so scared. I didn't know if i could lead the area, even if it was just for 1 day. When i opened my eyes, she was in the room, praying herself. She opened her eyes and asked me if I was okay. This moment has changed my whole mission, and the rest of my life, the way i will treat others, the way i deal with companions, the way i approach investigators, the way i will help my family. Sister Saunders changed my life just by showing enough love to pray for me when she could tell i was nervous. It was so great to be able to see her again, just before she goes home :) i love her, and i had this overwhelming feeling that she was a close friend before we came this earth.

2. One of our investigators had her baptismal interview!!  We went over the questions with her beforehand and wow... we taught her absolutely nothing. It was so obvious that the spirit taught her every single thing she learned. Because of her work schedule she could only meet with us once a week. Also, she is Chinese so there is a slight language barrier. Yet when we asked her about the law of chastity she said, "Oh i need to be loyal to my future spouse and keep myself pure." When we asked her about the word of wisdom she said, "i need to keep my body pure so i can receive revelation." what the what?! I'm pretty sure we never said ANY of that stuff. It was all the Holy Ghost, man.

3. We had stake conference. The Prophet of the Lord, Thomas S. Monson, an apostle (Elder Oaks) and 2 other general authorities spoke directly to New Zealand. Whaaahhhh??? I have NEVER heard of this happening before!! It was so cool!!! The prophet talked about how "love is the catalyst to change," and how we need to just focus on being obedient and loving others. Another huge theme was families and keeping them intact the way God designed them. SO COOL!!!!!

4. Okay, i know I said 3 but this weekend was just reeeeally awesome - Yesterday was Bulou's baptism!!!!!! :D She was also confirmed at the service. Wow, it was totally awesome!!! I can't really put into words what it was like. All the members came together to welcome here into the ward, it was amazing. I am so proud of her, and feel so lucky that I got to see her make this change. She got the gift of the holy ghost at the service because it was stake conference this weekend. In her blessing she was told she will soon be a full-time missionary, just like she wants. Wow. How amazing is that?!!! :D Can i express my pure joy? I don't think so. (Alma 26)

i love you all  :) thank you so much for all you do! the church is true!!

Sister Rose