April 13, 2015

so the word is out--

I will be leaving Forsyth..

I will be training and white washing a new area.

I am heartbroken to leave Forsyth.  I have grown so attached, especially to our group.  But I know it is in good hands and that the work will continue to progress.  Shirley's baptism will be this weekend and I am trying to get permission to call her.

We spent the afternoon at lunch with Shirley and Wayne-- Wayne cried.. I didn't even know it was possible for a man like Wayne to cry.  He said that he was so caught off guard when they announced in church I would be leaving.  He said that because of the testimony that I have they need to send me to as many places in Georgia as possible to help the people.  He is so kind.

Our district spent a lot of time together this week- we did a few meals together where everyone cooked something separate and we ate under the pavilion in our complex.

we went and hiked the Indian mounds in Macon and it was the best time.

We had another zone training this week and our trainings went well.  I love learning from the other missionaries and all being gathered together.  There is something so powerful about a group of young people all united in purpose-- all trying to become their best selves and completely lose their selves in service.  it's powerful stuff really, and ah I love being apart of it :)

I spoke in sacrament meeting yesterday on my favorite topic.. living by Faith.  The gift of being a missionary is that speaking doesn't concern you one bit anymore. Faith is my favorite topic- especially living in the world that we do today where there is so much we can worry about or be afraid of.  I love that because of our Savior Jesus Christ we have every reason to have faith-- for He hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  Faith and fear can not coexist.  how powerful.. there is no more solid foundation to place our faith than in the love of our Heavenly Father.. His plan of happiness.  and the capacity of our Savior Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises.  we also got asked to teach relief society.  for relief society because there are so few of us we put the chairs in a circle and it feels a lot more like a discussion. it is so personal and brings the spirit so quickly

 It was a wonderful lesson about Joseph Smith.  What an incredible man he truly was.  I know with all of my heart that He was a true prophet..

It is incredible to think about all of the blessings that I enjoy--

priesthood blessings being given at the hands of my loving father

temple ordinances that make it possible for my family to live together eternally

the Book of Mormon that calms my every fear is the reason for my every happiness and gives peace and direction to a tired missionary and hope in a Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ of whom it testifies.

the fact that I get renew covenants with God and be cleansed every single Sunday as I partake of the sacrament

I get to listen to a prophet of God tell me how to live a life that God would want in today's world.

I have all of these things.. because a fourteen year old boy asked a question.  its incredible to think about, and I worry that I take it for granted at times.

I have so much to tell y'all its always so hard on Mondays to even know where to begin.

It was hard saying goodbye to SIster ANderson- she really wants to marry Stephen.. so you might be hearing from her. :)

We taught S

about the word of wisdom this week.. she yelled-- TEA AND COFFEE?!?!! 

She was freaking out a bit. we taught her the lesson. she stood up and told us to watch her dump all of her tea and coffee out. it was awesome.

Ms. H our investigator-- pulled me to the back during church and started sobbing and asked if I had been keeping it from her on purpose that I would be leaving. .. it broke my heart.

I love this place and it has changed me.

I AM SO GRATEFUL I AM A MISSIONARY.  I am soooooo grateful.  I know with everything I am that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now-- funny how it was so different from what I had planned.  

the church is true.  this letter is very very scattered and I wish I could more adequately express the incredible experiences I have had this past week.. but just know the church is true.

I love yall.