Monday, October 7, 2013

One Year Ago. . . .

Isha
Family

I can’t believe it has been a year since President Monson made the announcement of the age change. I will never forget that day. I was watching conference with Hannah Jenkins at her cabin and we were freaking out. I specifically remember mowing the lawn later that day and wondering where in the world I'd be a year from then. I never would have imagined the D.R. To be honest, I didn’t even know where the D.R. was. 


Conference Breakfast

Conference was wonderful and edifying. In order to go to the Saturday session of Conference, we had to have investigators attend. So we have been inviting everyone and their dog to the Saturday sessions. I was laughing because one of the elders was saying he felt bad because he's been telling all his investigators Saturday is the most important day for them to go. We were able to go to all four sessions! I loved the messages from President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland on Saturday and President Eyring and Elder Oaks on Sunday. Some points that I really enjoyed are:

·         The lord blesses us in significant but subtle ways. You may ask for some trial to pass only to find that you are blessed with resilience. (He pointed out that too often we - -pay our tithing and expect a check in the mail but the blessings are more subtle) 

·         The acorn of inquiry grows into an oak of understanding. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. 

·         Afflictions are a reality of life. We live and chose to live in a fallen world. If the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and hope for better days ahead but don't harden your heart.

·         Stamina is necessary to be in physical and spiritual shape. With spiritual stamina we will have the inner strength and peace to confront challenges

·         The most important thing we should be doing right now is recognizing and using the atonement in our lives. 

·         God sees weakness different than rebellion. He looks at weakness with mercy. 

·         You should teach the gospel and teach the things the gospel has taught you. Don't just be an echo but seek revelation. 

·         Trials can result in growth, understanding and empathy. Rather than solve our problems - the Lord wants us to develop faith and trust. 


 

For me, the over-arching theme was trust in God. It is definitely a message I feel like I needed to hear. 

We had a good week. A highlight for me was we did an awesome FHE and played the game where one person writes a sentence and the next person has to draw it and the next person has to describe it with a sentence etc.. It was really fun and the little kid wanted to keep playing it, even though he was cheating and peaking haha. We also have been visiting this lady who told us she is moving. She got emotional telling us how much we have helped her in her life. I get so attached to people - regardless of whether they progress in the gospel or not. There is so many moments where I just think: “how in the world am I giving life advice to this person who has way more life experience than me??” It’s crazy. 

In other news, my companion has lost over 40lbs since being in the mission field! She looks great. Also, people keep asking me if it’s starting to get cooler. Nope. I most definitely haven't noticed a change yet. Other exciting news is that next transfer our mission will be approaching the limit of 250 missionaries. Also, you have asked about some of the responsibilities I have. We go to the mission leadership meetings and then work with the Hermana’s in our area on the objectives we set at the meetings. We also go on exchanges which is really fun because I get to go back to my old area in Villa Verde.

Thank you for the package! I wore the skirt two days in a row and already went through one pack of gum

Love you all so much,

Meg

 Reunited with my MTC Pals

 

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