July 1, 2014
Hello to the people I love most,
There's so much to say, always. I'm
going to have to ask Pres if he'll give me a day to write instead on an hour?
But until then, we'll get down to
business. Because the time is ticking :)
I have felt this overwhelming gratitude
in my heart all week. And so much of it because I get to call you people
family.
I spend so much time on my knees
trying to clumsily express my feelings of gratitude to my Heavenly Father.
I'm grateful He understands my heart, because my words don't do any
justice.
Well, I have to say, this area fits
just like my favorite pair of jeans (which probably don't even fit me anymore
;)) but thats besides the point)
What I'm trying to say is that I
love it here.
I love the ward.
the investigators.
the recent converts.
the less actives.
the lessons.
the people.
the people.
my companion.
my companion.
my kabahay.
the ward missionaries.
the members.
and everything else in between.
We taught Noel, a recent convert
last Monday about the Holy Ghost. Sister Osumo told a quote by Elder
Christensen stating that before this life there were two great reasons we
accepted the plan of Salvation and had the desire to come to earth. First,
our knowledge about our Savior and His atonement on our behalf and the second
reason was the knowledge we received about the role of the Holy Ghost- to be
our constant companion. I testified to Brother Noel about the role and
importance of the Holy Ghost. I talked a lot about the importance of our
personal worthiness to receive all the blessings of the Holy Ghost. When
we were finished with the lesson Noel said to me.. woah- you have the Holy
Ghost with you when you teach. I can't look away or stop listening, I
just know, and feel that your words are the truth- coming from Him. (I
wish you knew Noel because the way he said it made us all start laughing so
hard. he was just blown away haha it was hilarious)
I would be just like any other
nineteen year old girl,.. any other teacher.. from any other religion.. if I
didn't have the Holy Ghost with me. If I didn't teach with the spirit and
have the spirit testify through me.
We taught Sister Veronica about
baptism and confirmation. I've never seen anyone with such a sincere and
pure desire to be baptized. She
has the complete faith and knowledge that through her baptism she will become
new. that the Savior will heal and let her start
anew. I, along with her, can't wait until June 21 :)
Just yesterday I sat down for a
lesson with a man and all he wanted to do was tell me all the reasons he didn't
believe in our church and wouldn't believe in our church. for as passive
aggressive as I am..and a hater of contention. ha I had never felt such a stir
in my heart, especially when he spoke against the Book of Mormon.
I didn't argue but I bore a
testimony of what I knew to be true- and I felt that promise repeated in
D&C that the "angels were bearing me up" I had never felt the
spirit as powerfully as I did then. This gospel, the Book of Mormon, are so
close to my heart and I will defend it until the day that I die. I know this
gospel is perfect. and it has all the answers, and any honest seeker of truth
will come to know for themselves that the fullness of the gospel is on the
earth today.
I keep thinking how amazing it is
the rate you are able to truly love people on your mission. I feel as if
I had known all of these people for years. I care so much for each person
we have lessons with each day. Its the coolest feeling and nothing else
compares.
I love the way Sister Osumo and I
teach together. We get one another and always seem to be on the same page.
We have so much vision for our area and are setting hard goals, which I'm
so excited about.
Family I want to tell you about each
investigator, I wish I had time. just know, that I am working with
individuals who have been so prepared! who are blessing my life.
I have already been invited to three
homes to celebrate my birthday.. and its still three weeks away..
Sister Dalalia is an incredible
doctor, she has us over for dinner every thursday and she was talking to me
about how I have been feeling, she has been looking at my MRI's .. she's so
sweet and taking on a motherly role, she started crying when I told her what
has been happening.
My district, without me knowing,
held a fast for me on Saturday.
Sunday I cried because I felt so
good, and it made me realize how much pain I had been in..
I believe in fasting and
prayer..
my companion fasted Sunday as well
for me.. and after her second fast she told me she knew I was going to be okay,
and I had the confirmation as well.
I'm so grateful for each challenge I
have been experienced.. and will experience. I'm learning to rely on my
Savior and His strength. He didn't only suffer for our sins, but for our
shortcomings, our weaknesses, our illness, and our hurt. I have felt His
love and His care with each step.
I know that Heavenly Fathers love
and knowledge is perfect and when I rely on, and trust Him - I have no reason
to fear or feel worried. I am always in His hands, and what better place
to be? :)
I'm curious if these habits I've
picked up here will stick when I return home.. like eating everything with a
spoon.. a spoon in the right hand and a fork in the left to help scoop things
into the spoon. ha
If I'll continue putting baby powder
on my face six times a day
or always walk with an umbrella
or use "po" at the
beginning and end of each sentence, even if I'm speaking in English
guess we'll see?
Well family, I love you!
Sister Norva and Sister Veronica
will be baptized this Saturday, they are so prepared and I know that their
conversion is sincere. I'm learning so much through their
testimonies.
I know that the church is on the
earth today in its fullness. That through the prophet Joseph Smith God
restored His priesthood power to the earth. I am so grateful for the
power of the priesthood in my life. I know that the book of Mormon is the
word of God and that it is another testament of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I love the Lord Jesus Christ, whose
servant I am trying to be.
I love you all!
the church is true, and our God is
one of miracles!
I feel so blessed to know that the
mission I'm on is a lifelong calling :) I love being a missionary.
Sister Welling
