umm...where to start?

Probably should have started at this email because I seriously have so little motivation to tell everyone about my week after reading all of my friend's emails. So much drama! haha just kidding. Not like gossip but just things that made me laugh or made me concerned or made me happy. But nonetheless, the white handbook says to write spiritual experiences home to your family... and although I may not be the best writer, or the best person to talk about "spiritual experiences," I will do my best.

Me & Sister Z

Starting off with the funny: Ummm... So we had this one night where it rained soooo hard. Seriously. Luckily we had the car but we were going to house to house to see certain people and it was POURING RAIN! We had an umbrella but it was just too much. But not too much to keep the work of the Lord from progressing! Obviously. So we were so focused on using our umbrella to keep ourselves dry that we were at the porch of a member's house waiting for them to answer the door (even though they didn't end up being home) and I look out and I see that I left the car lights on. Yes, sigh of slight disappointment. Mostly out of pure laziness. Then... I notice something more. I left the whole car running! I don't know why but it was just so funny. And the even funnier paComaprt to me, is that it made all my logical thinking go out the window. Instead of grabbing the umbrella like a smart person would, I sprinted out into the downpour to get the keys out of the car. HAHA SOAKING WET! It was the funniest thing. We were just laughing and laughing. Of course, to me, it made the most sense to get the car keys out of the car THAT INSTANT. It only later occured to me (after Sis Z told me) that I could have just as easily gotten the umbrella. IDK. It was funny to us. Take it as you will. haha

at Zone Conference

 We were allowed to go if we had a recent convert, less active member, or investigator. It took sooo much effort to find a ride for us to all go, but it was worth every effort (just like everything is! No effort is wasted!!!). We felt the Spirit soooo strongly. The sincere and humble testimony of others can really strengthen our own. Two recent converts, and one returning less active bore their testimony first and it was incredible to hear where their journeys had taken them and where they were today. It wouldn't be a testimony (it actually would be) if they didn't do a little missionary shout out but it was so sweet to see how their missionaries had touched them and been just the right person for the "job." The departing missionaries testimonies are always amazing too. They are some of my favorite. Our zone leader gave one of the most humble testimonies I have ever felt. I felt the Spirit yesterday stronger than I have in a long time. And we feel the Spirit (hopefully) every day, in a lot of different ways. It was just amazing how he talked about always turning outward and how missionary work is not about us. And it really isn't. We are working hard. True. But it is for the salvation of these wonderful people. Or it should be.

Another amazing experience I had today was when I finished the Book of Mormon for the second time on my mission. The first time I read it, it took about 3 months. This time it has taken more than double that time. But it's not about the time. It's not a race. It was amazing to feel the Spirit in such a special way. It again confirmed to me the truth of the Book of Mormon. We talked to our investigators a lot about real intent. What was my intent if I prayed to know that it was true? What was I willing to do if I got my answer that the Book of Mormon is in fact the word of God? I got my answer. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It is holy scripture. Simple as that. And because of that truth, I am going to continue to overcome my weaknesses. We all have them. We cannot get past our mortal flesh. But we can choose how we react in this life and we can choose how much we show our love to others.

I love this gospel so much and I love being a personal representative of my Savior Jesus Christ. My testimony is real. My faith is fresh. I love the Lord so much and I'm so grateful to bear testimony to the people here. But it's not about. Lives can change. People change. Hearts change. :) And I'm so grateful for that knowledge.

Love y'all lots!

Zucchini casserole from Sister 's cookbook