September 24, 2012

Dear loved ones,

 

I'm feeling tons better this week! Thank you for your prayers! We rode our bikes to the library today, and seriously, THIS is what summer should feel like! It feels amazing outside! But you guys are already starting to experience Autumn....  :)

 

We found a handful of new investigators this week and they are amazing! We were referred by the Bishop to a very sweet couple, Dal and Her. They actually went to the church on a weeknight, seeking out the Bishop to ask "May we get permission to learn more about your church?" :D We met with them on Saturday for the first time and they are already on date for baptism for Oct! They are searching, and they've finally found it!

 

We are so excited for them, and it's amazing to SEE the difference in those who are truly seeking versus those who are maybe more iffy about things, and not willing to commit or read the Book of Mormon and pray to find out!

 

We also have a new girl named Ki. She is a single mom of two adorable little boys. She has been attending a ward for the past month or so with a co-worker in the neighboring city. She is definitely ready, and we had a very tender and special lesson with her. She, too, is getting baptized in October!

 

MIRACLES!

 

... Lan and Ban, however, are really struggling. Smoking is a horrible addiction. In our last lesson with them they were both sad and discouraged, but we told them to not give up! Through the Atonement they can overcome this. Ban looked at us and said ''I'm so grateful neither of you two know what this is like. I'm grateful you don't know what it's like to be addicted.."

 

I am so grateful as well. Mom and Dad: THANK YOU. Thank you for raising me up in the Gospel, and choosing the right in your own lives. I'd be an ungrateful soul if I did not say thank you for being born in the Covenant and into a loving home. I've been taught since youth about Heavenly Father and that has allowed me to be where I'm at today. I've often reflected why I chose to come out here on a mission... I'd have to say it's in large part because I want to give back. I want others to experience the same blessings I experience daily, and have since birth! So why not show the Lord my appreciation for what He gave me by coming out here, sacrificing so little time of my life (really? 18 months is nothing compared to the rest of time!) and devote my time to the Lord to pay it forward.

 

I love you all so much!

Remember: when life gets hard, count your blessings!

 

Love, Sister Sunscreen