Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Sister Liddle's Welcome to Lovelock: 4/20/15

I have almost no time to write, But I have to tell you about my week.

It's been a change not having Sister Harris here anymore. I've been amazed at the miracles the Lord has blessed us with from being able to fit everything into Sister Harris's suitcase to having a loved investigator progress to making the step of baptism and acknowledging how much her faith has grown. It has been a good week.

My new Companion is Sister Liddle from Texas. We were able to be friends from day 1. Mainly over the fact that we own a blue chair and... long story short.. "Blue Chair" is kinda a missionary joke due to our missionary training videos. We made a name tag for our chair and took picture. And thus we became great friends and the missionary work took off.

The craziest thing: we mucked a donkey and horse stall this week. I also learned how to makea T-Post fence, because I made one. Out of the three girls, I was the tallest and therefore the one to work the device. (What? Your a midget.) Yeah, guess not.

I'll write more and send pictures next week. Love you all!

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Transfer Week: 4/13/15

Sister Harris was pretty convinced she wasn't leaving--gut feeling stuff. We are both in shock that she's heading off to Ely. Sister Liddle is my new companion. She came out right after I was sent home for medical leave. Other than that, I know nothing about her. I'm a little nervous to take over the area so quickly, but I know it will all work out. It's more than I've had for my double transfers! the only difference is this time I don't want to ruin anything the missionaries before me have worked SO hard to create. I know Sister Owen and Sister Harris have worked extremely to get the area where it needs to be. I've been on the other side of handing over Wells and Gardnerville to other missionaries--it's nerve racking. I just hope that I only build on what they have started.

The miracle of this week is much different than the miracle of last week. The miracle was that regardless of various sicknesses (a stomach thing on Wednesday, Sister Harris' hips, a strep like throat from allergies) we were able to get out and still work and see something incredible happen everyday after a lot of empty doors and cancelled appointments. We would get to 5 or 6 at night without seeing anyone. Then we would remember, someone is fasting for us; there will be something at the end of the day. And there always was. Seeing someone we haven't in a long time. Getting in with Less Active families the ward and we have given up on and getting them to commit to church after mentioning that they have a desire to come back. The younger children, Autumn's little siblings, understanding while we teach the lessons using the Children's Song Book. Meeting someone amazing, because they open the door right when you knock at their neighbors door. It's been a SLOW week thanks to Spring break, but it's been a good one.
Hope everyone is doing great! Love you all!

April Showers of Miracles: 4/6/15

Our mission has been starting "April showers of Miracles" Every day one ward member fasts for there to be miracles in the mission field (and, as we added, moisture). We have seen those miracles this week. We had exchanges in Elko-4 hours away. Between being out of town 2 days, Pday, General Conference, Weekly Planning, Studies, and Sleep--I calculated that we had 21 proselyting hours in our area. That is nothing. We struggle to get lessons here. We talk to a lot of people and do a lot of good. Let's just say, I had low expectations of much happening this week. The Lord had other plans. We have done more work, more lessons this week than in most of our full length proselyting weeks. I don't even know how it happened! One night, I was counting up how many lessons we had and that day alone we had five other lesson. With my hand stretched out with five fingers up, I literally slapped myself. We have been busy all week and it is awesome. It's been extra amazing because of the suffering and resurrection of the Savior and all that we have been able to say. I get overwhelmed by this scripture sometimes:

"And whatsoever they (the missionaries) shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." D&C 68:4
It intimidates me because I have to make sure what I say can fulfill that scripture. Then I'm always comforted by the next part:

"Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants. Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come."
It has been amazing to see that fulfilled this week.
This week started with exchanges in Elko! I ended up going to Carlin with Sister Purcell who has been my mission friend since day one. It was amazing. I liked Carlin a lot.



Then this week has been amazing. The icing on the cake: General conference and Easter. We got to hear from the prophet and apostles on the most holy day of the year. My favorite talk was Elder Holland talking about how Christ will NEVER let us go and fall. I feel liike everyone should watched it and rewatch it.

Elder Holland's Talk
I know that Christ will not let go. He is our brother who loves us and sacrificed all. Love you all and hope you all had a great Easter :)







So yesterday! AKA Easter, we were driving this dirt road and had 10 minutes before our next appointment. I look out and see the lovelock L and said "Sister Harris, pull over. I need a picture." Sister Harris's response, 
"Well, you can tell that you serve in the desert!"
Anyway. I like it.



Last pday we took a trip to the lovelock caves. 


Here's right before we started the trek to the cave.