What an amazing week! Hermana Ruplinger and I worked so hard and saw so many miracles as a result! Jorge's baptism is scheduled for Sunday. That means my last day in my area and I will have a baptism. Pray that all goes well. I am so happy!!!! He picked that day because he said he would rather die than have me not be there. hahaha....i love these people.
We went over to this less-actives house to teach her. She is really lonely and she had just gotten finished telling us her mom might have cancer. She cried for a long time. I was really glad we were there because I have a really good relationship with her and could give her a hug and listen. Well, she always loves to give us a snack right before we leave. She asked if we wanted a peanut butter sandwich. I said "ya sure". She then saw the jelly and asked if we wanted peanut butter or jelly. I said "both!" She then laughed and gave me a weird face. I thought she was going to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Well, 2 minutes later I have 2 sandwiches in front of me, one with just peanut butter, the other with just jelly. I almost laughed out loud. She just got here from Guatemala and still doesn't know a lot of the American customs and foods. She didn't know that peanut butter and jelly go together. I just thought it was so cute! I would take a bite of the peanut butter sandwich then a bite of the jelly sandwich. HAHA!!!
It is so weird to me that I will be home next week. It actually doesn't at all seem real. I just love this work so much I can hardly think about not being a missionary anymore. I know that the Lord has other things planned for me and I have other missions to fulfill in my life. It is just hard to come to grips with. I love the people here so much and I know it will be tough for me to leave.
It is often said that the hardest things in life are the most worth it. I have come to find that to be true. My mission has been the hardest thing I have ever loved. And because of that I am so grateful to be a missionary.
God knows us individually. I know that. I have trusted Him and He has lifted me to a higher place. A place where things are clear and joy is found. I know my Heavenly Father loves me because He has stretched me, pulled me, and challenged me, but He has lead me, lifted me, and sanctified me. He knows our trials, our fears, and our deepest desires.
Jesus Christ suffered all so I can be made whole. There never has nor ever will be a greater manifestation of love that of that day in Gethsemane when He suffered for the world that we might live again.
Joseph Smith did in reality, see God, the Father and Jesus Christ in that sacred grove of trees. His prayer was answered and mine was too. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. There is a power within the pages of that book.
I am thankful for you- my family and friends. I have felt of your prayers and your letters helped me. Thank you for letting me have this opportunity to come closer to my Heavenly Father by serving His children.
I am so grateful for every experience I have had here on my mission. Every lesson, every chance I had to open my mouth, every time I had to ride around in the heat on my bike. I firmly believe that my life will be greater because of the decision I made to serve a mission. I am stronger. I am thankful because I have found myself here over these last 18 months. The scripture in Matthew that says "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" takes on greater significance to me because I have experienced it. I love the Lord! For "by small means the Lord can bring about great things."
I love you all so much!!!!! I will see you NEXT WEEK!!!!!
Hermana Richards :)
No comments:
Post a Comment