Letter #69

 

Sent:

Mon 7/07/14 4:14 PM

Hi Mom!

This past week was a bit slow but Sunday made up for the rest of the week when we saw some major miracles happen. One of my favorite less actives that we've been working with for some time now, finally came to church after 51 years!!!!!!!!!!!! I literally broke down in tears when I saw her walk in. She has made such great progression over the past few months that hasn't been the easiest and to have her sitting there next to us in the chapel was beyond fulfilling. Our investigator Patsy also came to church for the first time! She is 80 years old and we've been working with her ever since I got to Roseburg. She's one that has been stuck in her ways and not willing to do anything but the absolute sweetest women I've ever met. Both of my companions have wanted to drop her but I just couldn't do it and the Spirit wouldn't allow it either and I know it's because she is one of the elect. Within this past week we have seen so many significant changes in her. She prayer for the first time aloud- which she has never done, she committed to come to church- and actually did, and accepted the invitation to be baptized on the 26th of July!!! I cannot even begin to express how truly grateful I am to be an instrument in the Lord's hand. I have been able to feel Him working through me and there is not greater feeling in the world to know that you are helping one of His lambs come unto Him or one of His lost sheep to come back into His fold. This work is true. I know it and have a testimony of the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ. He loves each of us beyond comprehension and that is the entire reason He came to this earth. I love Him with all that I am and am truly blessed to be one of His representatives. The name tag I wear means so much to me. Not only does it have my name inscribed upon it but His name-- the one who sacrificed all things for you and for me and for every person that has ever lived and will ever live.

We also had the opportunity to meet President and Sister Russell on Tuesday. They are nice people. Very much different from President and Sister Young but still very nice and very inspired. It's neat to see how the Lord prepares each person for the next phase of their life. I had a little breakdown that night only because I had so many emotions going on within me. Most of my mission friends and people I've grown very close to are going home next week, President Young has gone home, I received the one letter from Trevor (which was by far the best letter I've ever received- the growth I've seen within him is my favorite!), my companion is struggling with homesickness, our members are sometimes not very helpful, our investigators are flakey, I saw Brodie Perry, which made me feel a little excited about home, gratitude for my family, and on top of all that, I was drowned in Heavenly Father's love. To say the least, I was overwhelmed with every feeling possible.

I love my mission with everything that I am and wouldn't trade it for the world. It has molded me into the person I am today and I know that it is a training ground for the rest of my life. I am just so blessed.

So, my other favorite less active, is bipolar and is seriously the BEST! She is so stinkin' inspired and asks the deepest questions. She likes to find out every single thing about your life and it's kind of fun because I make it a game for her and feel like I am just my silly little self whenever i'm around her. This past week all she wanted to talk about was Trevor... Haha! She told me that their is a 40 page questionnaire she wrote that he has to take before I marry him. I cannot wait for you and everyone else to meet this incredible women. She has been through pretty much everything a person could ever go through in a lifetime and is still going strong. She wasn't able to have any children so she always calls us her "girls" and spoils us every time we see her. She is setting something up for my birthday as we speak. Lol! Speaking of my birthday.... THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PACKAGE!!!!!! I received it just this morning and Sister Haugen decorated our entire apartment with the things you sent. Then her, Sister Falepapalangi, and Sister Opheim did a surprise picnic and took me to the train tracks! They even made me a birthday rap! That's probably my favorite part! Haha! It seriously is the best! I'm going to try to send it to you! You've got to show the whole family cause it's just that good!

I love you so much mom and really am so appreciative of all that you have done for me. Sometimes I catch myself saying or doing things that you do and I just smile because I have truly been blessed with the greatest mother. I love our family so dearly and am grateful for the things that I have learned from each of you. I hope that you had an enjoyable 4th of July! Have a wonderful week and know that you're in my prayers always!

Love You!

Love,

 
Sister Hall :)