Hello family!
I hope all is well! I am so grateful to be a
missionary! Today I don't have any particular experiences or anything that
stands out, so I am just going to tell ya a little about what is happening in
my mission and feelings I've been having!
Miracles are happening in Lubbock Texas! Yesterday
was a historical day for Lubbock! It was Stake Conference and Elder Tay came
from the 70 (I think) under the direction of the prophet. He was instructed to
make 2 stakes in the Lubbock area! Plainview is now apart of the Lubbock North
Stake! And parts of New Mexico are a part of it too! So I am wondering if
mission zones will be changing in the near future! So many miracles!
We, in the TLM ,are
working hard to bring souls unto Christ and bringing them back to His loving
embrace! It was amazing to be able to go to the Saturday night session! It was
different than any I had ever seen before! It was an open discussion for all to
participate! There was one part that I LOVED! Elder _____ (can't remember his
name) stood up and asked, "Will all the full time missionaries
stand?" We stood. He asked, "How long are y’all out? 18-24
months??" he says. "That sounds part time to me....... Will all the
full time missionaries stand up!?" Shoot! Dang! That hit it for me! Really
everyone! We are the part time missionaries! We leave, you stay!
Something I've been thinking about as I descend in time left on
the mission: I am thinking about who I want to be when I am home.
I want to be a person who loves service… a person who loves
doing her callings… and one that the Lord can trust to do his most valued work.
As an "older missionary" I have had a change of heart
and mind. I want to instill everything I've learned while out, but how can I do
it when I won't be street contacting every day for a few hours? Something I
thought about -- although I won't be going up to random people with the purpose
of teaching the restoration, I will have the opportunity to be able to look for
hidden opportunities to serve my neighbors and friends. So instead of
counting contacts at home I can count how many times I offered
service the way the Savior did. As I have changed that thought, my actions
have changed. I now love to street contact because I am looking for ways to
serve these people… be it weeding their weeds (lawns--- people have weeds
and their lawn here), painting, or whatever it may be. That is a
practical thing when I am home.
Also, this week we had the splendid opportunity to go to the
nursing home and play BINGO with the residents. I remember doing
service projects as a youth and HATING IT. But this week was fun because I
loved those people. I wanted them to be happy. Although they won't understand
the gospel I can still show them Christ-like love through my actions. And
I know one of the nurses or workers will see it and wonder why we would give up
time to come and serve at such a young age! I want to go home and volunteer in
nursing homes! Offer some time to show these people love---- while
strengthening my talent of LOUD SPEAKING!!!! BEING THE BINGO CALLER :) (That is
an attribute I still have!!!)
This morning in studies I felt the spirit so strong as I took
time to recognize how much of a blessing the gospel is in my life. It truly
does make me happy and I love it with all of my heart. During studies I took
time to thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be in such an amazing
gospel with true happiness! My heart if full of love today!
I know this church is true. I love being a missionary! And
mom, I loved your story of inviting less-actives to earn some money! That will
bless them. I know it will! The church is true. I know it is, and I will never
be the same!
xoxoxo
Sister
Dawes
No comments:
Post a Comment