Transfers 3/24/2014

 

This whole week everyone was asking me if they thought I was leaving. I have been here in Louetta West for 4 whole transfers, 6 months! And have loved every single day. I feel very close to the members here and thoroughly entrenched in the work.  When I would stop to think about it, I just didn't feel like I was leaving, even though all logic dictated that I would be transferred. So I just kept calm and pretended like it wasn't happening. And then last night we found out that Hna Tu'ikolovatu is being transferred and I am staying! I am so happy. If I have learned one lesson over and over again on my mission it is that Heavenly Father grants us the desires of our hearts. My whole entire life Heavenly Father has either miraculously given me the secret desires of my heart or something much better. So I am going to start dreaming big. :) I really like Phill. 4:6 which teaches us to not worry about the future, but realize that you can dream and talk to God about those dreams, and then just wait to see what He deems best to grant you and what how He blesses you even more abundantly than you imagined.

Four transfers, I guess, in the books is a pretty long time in one place, but I still have a lot of fire in me for Louetta West. I am very grateful to still have the privilege of serving these people who I have come to love so much. And that I will get to be here for my birthday! (speaking of which, my address is the same...in case anyone has the prompting to send me birthday mail. Never ignore promptings :))

Our sweet little girl got BAPTIZED! And she got her cake too. I am just so happy that her soul is safe if she continues to live the gospel. And her dad stood and quietly watched the whole baptism and seemed very content and happy. I could tell the Spirit was touching him. I am very happy to see progress with their family. She shared her testimony afterwards, she just got up their and said, "Gracias Jesus por este dia muy muy MUY bonita. Gracias que yo podia ser bautizado. Gracias Jesus" It was so cute. I need to take a video of her because I have never met a child with quite as much charisma.

The miraculous family who we found last week, are all geared up for their baptism next Sunday. The ward threw together a fantastic wedding for them on Friday. It was amazing. Hna Tu'i and I were at the church during mutual on Tuesday and one of the leaders asked us if we needed help for the wedding. All of a sudden 3 other sisters surrounded us and said, "we heard the word help!" We gave them phone numbers and between them all they decorated the entire cultural hall, provided an elaborate dinner, a DJ, and a cake. It was just beautiful. I have never worked with people like them before. It is so endearing. God is so kind to us!

We had a stellar lesson with some investigators last night! The father promised he would be at church next week. It is perfect timing because his one big question of the soul is how we can depend on a prophet in between us and God, and General Conference is going to just spark a fire inside of him. I can't wait! And I get to stay here in Louetta to see it all! Yay!

So that is what is going on in Louetta West. My home away from home. I love these members so much. I can't wait for some of them to visit us in Utah.  Preach My Gospel says that the relationships you develop with leaders on your mission will play a big part in your life, and that is definitely true. I have learned much from serving under these stalwart Priesthood leaders. I am really grateful that Heavenly Father is allowing me to stay here longer and get even closer to them.

I love you all!