"Food Week"

OH MY GOODNESS THIS WEEK WAS AMAZING!!! :))))

But, we will call it "food week" because in the last 10 days, we have been offered two meals a day every day. Boy did we feel sick! And loved! haha so yesterday we didn't have anyone feeding us and it was a nice treat to be able to pick whatever we could eat. haha I LOVE SHALLOTTE!!! :) A few of those meals were also due to the fact that we had missionary meetings in Raleigh and stuff like that.

Moving on...

I wrote this the other day and I really feel like this is what I should share this week. It is kind of a reflection on my mission thus far.

Also, people at this library do not know how to whisper... LOL...

"So goes your mission, so goes your life." From one of my sister training leaders in a district meeting

If that is true, I am absolutely looking forward to to my post-mission life. I've realized and learned so many important things on my mission and it''s hard to relay just what they have meant to me. I share some thoughts in hope that the Spirit will be able to touch your hearts as you read this.

William Palmer, who traveled as a pioneer in the Martin & Willie Handcart company, said the following, "Did you ever hear of a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism. [We] came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities."

He goes on to say, "Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then, nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay and I am thankful I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company."

In no way am I saying that mission is as hard as crossing the plains (but then again, who am I to compare trials?) But either way, the principle is true... I would not trade the heartache I have felt on my mission for anything because that is when I have truly come to know the love and care Heavenly Father has for me.

A sister I serve with once said that her first area and her tiny place they lived in is sacred to her. Because that is where she came to know the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How special to call your mission sacred to you. And I completely agree.

In a letter, my dad said I would soon be at at time in my mission where it would be hard to ignore how little time I have left. I am definitely at that time. He also mentioned how he trusted the Holy Ghost would soon direct my thoughts back to what I could do now for the area and for the people here. I would be inspired about how to focus on the work and enjoy my service as a full-time missionary. That is also true. He said he can still remember the last few months of his mission fondly, but now it's all a memory. That reminded me of a scripture my trainer shared with me. It is  Jacob 7:26. "...passed way like as it were unto a dream..." And I don't doubt that is how I will feel about my mission when I return home... (But for now, I still have a lot of work to do!!!! :))

I am so lucky to still be on my mission and absolutely loving what I am doing. I have been reassured time and time again that I am doing exactly what I have been called to do.

Many times a missionary will feel remorse and wonder if they have accomplished all the Lord wanted them to. It is hard not to get trapped in "supposedly impressive statistics." (Elder Bednar) 

I went on exchange this week and it got confirmed to me (again) that I have done what was supposed to be done on my mission thus far. No, I'm not done yet, but I can trust that I will be guided by the Spirit to feel that way tin two months as well.

President Bernhisel shared a scripture at Zone Conference this past week that really helped me feel even more confident in that fact. It was an answer to an unsaid prayer of mine. He read Alma 26:31. The fruits of labor has been many! I especially love how that can be manifested through the love I have towards others.

At this time, I have truly experienced the Doctrine and Covenants 18 experience (what President calls it), in a way. Although we are hoping and praying for M to get baptized in January, at this time time, I have only helped one person enter into the waters of baptism. (D&C 18:15) I found "the one" (Elder Bednar). But in a whole other sense, I have helped numerous people repent, change their ways, and come closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. And that brings me exceedingly great joy!!!

I have experienced the Ether 12:27 experience . Weaknesses of mine have been uncovered and overcome (and still working on some of them). I have experienced the Alma 17 experience in reuniting with my fellow missionary friends after long journeys away. Second only to my excitement to see and spend time with my family, I am looking forward so much to have that same experience with my returned missionary friends as well as my friends back home who are still living and loving the gospel.