Letter #51

Sent:  Mon, 3 Mar 2014 01:06p.m.

Good Morning!

How are you? How is everything going back home? I'm sorry to hear about Uncle Herb and Aunt Gwen :( I sure will miss them.. I remember going to Uncle Herb's when I was younger with Grandma and Uncle Kelly to pick fresh fruits and vegetables. And Aunt Gwen was just the sweetest lady. Let grandma and everyone else in the family know that my prayers are with them.

This past week was kind of slow but it was also really good. On Tuesday we received i-pads and had a 3 hour training with President Young and the AP's. It's so weird to have an i-pad as a missionary but soooo very helpful. I feel very blessed to be serving a mission at this time in my life and very grateful for the tools that the Lord has provided to help hasten His work.

We met with one of our new investigators this last week and it was kind of a rough lesson. We started teaching her about the Restoration of the Gospel and she just completely closed herself off. She wanted proof of everything we were saying from the Bible and then she wouldn't listen to anything we said. Sister Nealy and I bore sincere testimony to her and the Spirit was so strong but she was so closed off that all we could feel was the hardness coming from her. It broke both of our hearts as we walked out of that lesson because we know how important this gospel is and how much it can bless her life but she just wouldn't accept it.. at this time anyway.

I also went on exchanges to Bandon with Sister Stover! Oh my goodness! She is such a funny sister! We had such a blast and because it was my 1 year mark, she took me to Face Rock Creamery and bought me ice cream :) We took lots of silly pictures and laughed pretty much all day.. Don't worry, we still worked hard and had really great lessons with their investigators.

Also, yesterday was Fast and Testimony Meeting at church and I think it was probably the best Sunday I've had so far on my mission. The 4 of us missionaries bore our testimonies along with 3 Recent Converts and other members. I've never heard such heartfelt testimonies in my life than I did that day. The Spirit was overwhelming and in that moment I felt my Saviors love for me and for each of us. We are so incredibly blessed to be apart of the Restored Gospel. I think that we as members, sometimes take for granted just how blessed we are to be apart of the Lord's kingdom upon the earth and to have the knowledge of His great and eternal plan.

So, in your e-mail you said that you sometimes feel guilty for putting us kids through so much growing up. Please don't ever feel that way. The things that we've gone through, have only made us who we are and I know that for me personally, it has made me a stronger person and helped me to see part of God's plan. I agree 100% with Aunt Konnie.  

One of my all time favorite quotes by Elder Richard G. Scott says--
“Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11-12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain."

The trials and challenges that we face in this life, help us to learn and grow. Sometimes we may not understand the reason why certain things happen but I do believe that one reason is so that we can help others who may have gone through the similar experiences. Also, Heavenly Father knows our potential and He knows what we are capable of doing.

I can't even tell you how many times on my mission I've been able to share with people the experiences I've had in my life and how they have helped me to gain a greater relationship with my Savior and in turn help relate it to them and their situation. I know why I am here. There have been so many times where I see clearly my purpose in being called to serve in the Oregon Eugene Mission. It is such a blessing and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I know with all my heart that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. There is not one thing that it does not cover. It is infinite. It is eternal. 

I love you so much and hope you know how much I truly appreciate all that you do for me and all that you have taught me. I am grateful for my mission and the person that it is helping me to become.

I Love You!

Love,

Lyndsie

P.S. Transfers are Monday.. just so you know.