I never know where to start with emails! But Way to Go Ellie-May! Qualifying for State! And DALLIN for being so worn out from working hard! I am so proud of you guys. I love that Mo and Steph were in Orlando! I am pretty sure the rule is that you can't see people when they come to Florida- but I have heard of people just running into them (....?) and it being okay because it wasn't planned. I just like sticking to the rules though- I like feeling confidant that am being obedient- and can expect to see miracles because of it. I loved the package you sent this week- its so hard to keep track of days here, but by the time that the mission office had received it and forwarded it to me, I am pretty sure I received it on Friday or Saturday. Thank you for the camera! I will put it to fast use and be sure to send you pics- I know its something that you look for :) I will be sure to figure it out!
First and foremost- Transfers. We are sticking together! Mom, its funny that you say that there was a lot of "guessing and plotting" when you were on a mission, because nothing has changed. For my companion, this means that she will be in Deland for HALF of her mission because this has been her first area. I know she is frustrated at how long she is here, but at the same time we get along so well, and really have learned how to make up for one another's strengths and weaknesses in teaching. We make a power house pair. I love being with her.
This week our focus going into the week was FINDING. We had 72 contacts!!! (We usually have 30-45) This is usually accomplished through tracting. A very common characteristic of a Florida home is that everyone has a screened garage that is always opened and used as living space. So it's so great to be in neighborhoods with many small close homes, because that is usually how we find people. I love knocking doors- its hard to be frustrated when you expect people to reject the message. And I feel so blessed to live in an area where SO many people want to talk about Jesus Christ. So I think that in this particular part of the world, missionaries receive rejection a little less because generally people want to discuss our common ground and respect our efforts.
We really only have 3-4 Progressing Gators each week, and then the remainder of our Gators rotate a lot because they generally are those who are very new to the discussions and still trying to keep commitments. But lately, with D____ being baptized (!), we have spent much time at her home teaching her daughter (who has a baptismal date now for 2.14.15) and trying to soften up her husband. I love their family, and they love us. We probably got to their home 3-4 times a week to accommodate all the lessons we need to accomplish with D____'s new member lessons and teaching Angelica. Their family is so easy to love (they are a very warm Spanish family) and they have made a point of attending church every week for the last several months so the ward is really getting to know and welcome them. I hope I am here long enough to see them all be baptized- R_____ will be the tricky one because of the changes he will need to make in his life. But he has already mentioned on many occasions (as they attend church every week and he usually ends up standing someone and bearing "testimony" for 10 minutes in priesthood or sunday school) that he feels the truth of this church and loves his family being apart of it.
We got to go to the Temple this week! Man, it was wonderful. All the missionaries go to very early sessions in the months of January and July. We actually got a ride with one of the ladies in our Ward, and she really made sure we had a special day. It was so neat to be in such a full session with my fellow missionaries. Even the temple workers looked especially alert and excited because the spirit was so present. I wish I could go more often. The day was full of inspiration. I was so impressed with the purpose we have been designed for. My relationship with my Father in Heaven has deepened in such a special way out here. I feel like I am just in a conversation with him through out the entire day because we say so many prayers and literally receive revelation for what others should hear and experience as we speak to others. In feeling for His love for me, I feel greater love for those I teach and pass by. I feel so blessed to be His instrument right now!
Until next week familia! Keep reading your scriptures- I feel so powerful when I do every morning! Love you ALL!
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