3/17/14

In response to Carol telling Tess about a facebook video of two sister missionaries who changed the words of the Cups song to be about the restoration of the gospel, Tess said, "Haha Mom, that's funny, cause me and sister Sperry always sing the Cups song together and taught some investigators how to do the cups. They are so cute. 

In response to the following question from Stewart, "Some of us at church keep discussing what difference it makes to pray for you , your companion and your investigators, when Heavenly Father, it seems, would already do what is best for them anyway.  Your thoughts?" Dad, that's a really good question. Hmm, uhh, my answer, in short, is that I KNOW for sure prayers do make a difference. They align our will with God's will, but I think we truly do have our own power in prayer too. The Prophets have said that there is nothing more powerful than a mother's prayer and I believe it. I guess the question you have to ask yourself is if miracles are possible, and miracles depend on our faith, then doesn't that mean that our faith has power. Think about the miracles that Christ did. He could only perform miracles for those who had faith. Remember Peter walking on water. Christ's power didn't waver. It was Peters faith and trust. WE have power in faith. Prayer is an expression of our faith. Prayer is literally a conversation with God, our Father. Now, if our faith really does have power, then imagine how much positive energy and power must be headed toward those who need it most. Faith brings prayer and prayer brings faith and miracles are only possible this way. We are not helpless. Yes God has all power and knowledge and His plan is perfect, but do you really think His plans are so rigid that he can't make tiny adjustments to give His children something good that they truly desire.? God makes the plans. The plans don't make God. He wants to make us happy and He gives us things that are most important to us that will bring us true happiness. How does He know what we want? How do we know what we really want? Prayer. Remember we are here to learn. This plan was made for us, so it makes sense to me that we could could have a little influence here and there... lol...Just my opinion.

So, guess what guys? This week was so full of miracles. S, a less active member that I have been desperately trying to get to come to church, came! Also, C, my investigator and Brazilian mother, is getting married and baptized the 29th!!! She hasn't smoked for almost two week and her daughter T will get baptized too. Ahhh, it's such an awesome miracle. Elder J will baptize her, which is even better, because he is probably my very best elder friend in the mish. Also, a contact I made in Ribeirao Preto got baptized. I remember he flagged us down in the street, and we brought him to the mission office to get all kinds of books; then we ran into him again that night and invited him to a family home evening, and he actually came. That night, I got to bear my testimony to him, and later I found out he was going to institute. Now, he is baptized!! Wow, it made me realize that I honestly will never know how much my mission impacts the world. If I hadn't gotten a call from sister Zapata, I would have never known what happened to Anderson, but his life will be changed forever. This work is not about numbers. It is about people, hearts, souls, and smiles. I am working super hard still, but its different. I am working for love now. I walk till my legs feel like jello and my eyeballs are sunburned, but it's not because I'm supposed to WORK. It's because I am walking to those I love.

I'm so happy right now. I love training and I love Sister B. Sometimes I REALLY feel like a mom' and it requires a lot of patience, but I don't mind it at all, because I know I am serving an important purpose. My goal is to help Sister B have the best start to her mission so that she can know that a mission is more of a blessing than it is a sacrifice. Right now, we are still working on that one, lol. But she really listens and remembers the things I teach her, so I can't complain.

Hey guys, this life is a good one. Remember that we never need to despair, because Father is watching. We are in His hands...and prayers really do work. HOPE is the anchor to our souls.

I love you guys more than Hawaiian pizza and cheesecake and Mexican food. ....yeah, i really love you guys :)

Beijoas

sister Hunny