Wow- there is a lot going on at home!! All the mission calls are so exciting!!! And good ol' baseball- I am glad the events were family affairs! There was a moment when I was trekking through Palm trees and crumbling streets on my bike and thought- I wonder what the scores are?! Haha, I am not homesick (really, I am not and never have been) but at that moment I wished I could have been cheering from the side lines. Loved the package- thank you so much momma!
This week we have seen three of our gators really begin to actually progress to be baptized. We also had an awesome Zone Training Meeting on faith (I was asked to do another music number) and afterwords went out to lunch with all the sisters in my zone (their were probably 12 of us total)! We have also really been helping the ward make some strides by beginning to invite people to be Ward missionaries. It has been an inspired week.
Specifically we have had some very notable and amazing lessons with our progressing investigators Ed and Brenda this week. Due to time, I am not able to give you a full account of how inspiring it was to see situations that as missionaries we cringe at because of the comments or behavior of some members in the church as we are making our first introductions with our investigators, but still see the spirit enter their hearts and testify when true doctrine is taught. It was like angels were plugging their ears at the right times- because their responses to these interactions this week were very positive and enthusiastic about continuing to meet and learn!
One of my favorite things that has happened this week occurred yesterday. 45 min before conference began we took our investigator E (remember E?!) on a church tour. Because our gator B and her boyfriend Bro M were our rides, so they ended up tagging along. The dynamic of this group was very funny, because Bro M (a returning member with a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions with the church) who lives with Brenda (our originally catholic investigator who has a lot of questions but is really progressing towards baptism), were actually trying to impress E on the church tour. Ha! It wasn't just the missionaries' minds turning when E would ask questions or look confused! They wanted him to know that things here are really normal and special. We ended up sitting in between this group of misfits at conference and loved it! We had a couple members that came just to interact B and E, and of-course conference was just amazing. I had complete faith that things would turn out, however I have spent much time, fasting, and prayer this week pondering over their first experience at General Conference. E had to leave a little early, but he texted us a little while later to thank us for the invitation- he even got us Easter gifts. And Brenda was so touched by Jeffrey R Hollands talk that it brought her to tears afterwords. Because E had left, we were able to have a really short but sweet conversation afterwords. The Lord really took care of us all.
We also had a really great contact this week. We were syncing our iPads at our apartments clubhouse and this ultra confidant woman walked by and said hello. We stopped her and complimented her on her big sun hat. She asked who we were, and after giving her a little intro we whipped out our iPads and just showed her the Because He Lives video (for all non missionary viewers- have you watched it yet?!). I love having an iPad! When we watch videos with people, they quickly become engaged. And because this particular video was centered on Christ it invited the sweet spirit and all we had to do was testify! She was in tears. I thought that by now I would know all the tricks to contacting, but actually I have found that every time we just wing it! Haha, but as long as we testify of doctrine and reach out to them in while seeing every contact as an opportunity to talk to one of gods children who need to come back to him, that it's all good. The experience we had with this woman was just one example of not doing something crazy, but just going out of our way to open a conversation and it leading her to feel the light of Christ. I love talking to everyone- it definitely never gets boring :)
Conference was of-course spectacular. We watched all four sessions in the church. Really the 5 sets of missionaries were the only ones there on Saturday, but on Sunday we had 2 investigators, 1 returning member, and 3 larcs attend with us plus some misfits in the back! I loved to see how each person saw different themes all through out the conference, and in particular loved how I received specific revelation for the names I had written down. It was such a peaceful weekend full of anticipation to hear the words from our dear prophet and apostles. As I have looked back on my notes, I have noticed the phrase "act with the end in mind" written down in some form or another many times. I don't want to have any regret looking back on how I used my time in he incredible FOM (Florida Orlando Mission). My journal is filled with notes- I was able to soak up so much good and plan to put it into action!
I love being a missionary. It is so exciting, reassuring, and brings much peace and anticipation. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He can help you overcome whatever may be hindering you ability to hear Him, if you just want to draw near unto Him. I know that our loving Heavenly Father has put into place a plan that is attainable and meant to bring us eternal peace and happiness. I know that this church is true because I have experienced change in myself, seen change in others, and can feel the Holy Ghost purify my heart as it remains with me.
Love you. Stay strong. Please read your scriptures every day- it brings focus and peace into my life and know it will do the same for yours. Love love love you!
Sista' Earl
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