Hey all!
Transfer buzz: Sister Bevan is staying and will be getting a little greenie, fresh from the MTC! I'll be heading back down to the south end of the mission, in the Lacey 5th ward. My companion will be Sister Brewster, and I'll be follow up training her. So she's still a little greenie, just not quite so fresh from the MTC. :) It'll be a fun time, and I'm looking forward to what this transfer might bring! It's bittersweet leaving here...I've put my heart and soul into this area, but I've been preparing myself for this news all week, and I've taken it to God, and I know this is what is supposed to happen. I'm completely at peace, and ready to put my heart and soul into a new area!
This week, we found ourselves a little miracle! Actually, we didn't find it at all. It was pretty much given to us. One of the recent converts of the sisters in the 3rd ward had a referral who happened to be in our ward. His name is Eric Odom. He is recently divorced. His ex-wife was a less active member who started going back to church after the divorce. They've gotten back in touch, and are trying to work things out. Eric started taking the lessons in Utah, visiting his wife and their kids. Then, we started teaching him - on Tuesday. We've met with him 3 times, and have another appointment set up with him tonight. He has made the decision to be baptized, and we're goaling for this saturday, but it might be pushed back to the next weekend - it just kind of depends on him. He's just so prepared! He's the perfect example of how a person should progress - only because he's following his heart before his head. I know that sounds funny, but think about it. The spirit talks to both the heart and the mind - we learn that in Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3. But, it is a whole lot easier for it to put feelings in our hearts than try to reason with the thoughts and logic in our minds. As Eric put it, he feels so right about it all. He just feels good, he feels the spirit when the missionaries are around him, and whenever he's gone to church. But, he has lots of questions. But, despite his questions, he still wants to move forward. That is SO amazing to me! If only more people would do that! Because, let's face it, we're going to have questions all the time. That's kind of a part of life. We're supposed to ask questions. With questions comes greater understanding. But, we shouldn't let those questions become doubts that cause us to doubt the feelings in our hearts, that we've received from the spirit. Yes, you can ask for a confirming answer - we're told to do that with the Book of Mormon! - but we should still be acting in faith, even as we are asking. Remember what President Uchtdorf said,"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith!"
Eric pretty much was the highlight of the week, though it's been a busy week. We've worked hard and things are just booming! I predict there are going to be quite a few baptisms in the next two transfers - perfect for a little greenie to walk into! Work to do, miracles to see, people to teach, and fonts to fill! This area needs a little greenie faith to keep the work expanding even more!
I've been reflecting a lot over the past 3 transfers, the past couple of days. I remember when I first got here, to the Silverdale 6th ward. I absolutely did not want to leave Southworth and the YSA ward. I felt like I was getting pulled out before I ward ready - though, of course, I knew the Lord knew best. I was frustrated and discouraged by the lack of work in the area, and how no matter how hard I worked, nothing seemed to be improving. But, as I kept moving forward, as Sister Bevan came in - she is exactly what this area needs! - and as we worked SO hard, things started working. I am so completely satisfied with what I've done here. The area has improved. What more can I ask? I've been blessed enough to have made myself available to the Lord here, and have been His hands these past few transfers. This area has improved. There is much work to be done. I was sad right after transfer calls. I'm still a little bit sad to be leaving. But, I know it's time to move on. I'm ready! Because I know I did my part, and it's time for someone else to come in, and I have work to do in Lacey. Honestly, I've never felt so satisfied before. Yes, there were moments I should have worked a little bit harder, but when I recognized those things, I strove to change and improve. I'm not here to be a perfect missionary. I'm here to to the best I can do, and to improve, and to become. I feel like I have achieved that here.
I can't really explain these feelings, so that's the best I can do. I'm just so happy, right now! I feel like the Lord has accepted my work here in the Silverdale 6th ward. I'm going to strive and work hard these next 6-7 months to feel this feeling when Im' preparing to go home. Bittersweet, sad, excited, but, above all, satisfied and confident. It will be a good next 6 weeks I know it!
I love you all! Thank you so much for your support and love! I lvoe it here, adn I know I'll love it in Lacey! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
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