Greetings from Stardom!
Well it has been quite an eventful week for a first week here in Star. The first few days were kind of taken up as we welcomed the new missionaries, went out tracting with them and received our new assignments. The tracting was fun since we don't really do that on our mission. This is my third time doing this activity with new missionaries but my first time getting to go to downtown Boise to do street-contacting. We got to talk to lots of interesting people and share messages of hope with them. It was such an eye-opener to see different life situations. The last person we got to talk to was a man named "Tiny" who was in a wheelchair. He explained to us that he got his nickname because he "takes big problems and makes them tiny"! So cute!
So Wednesday, I got to officially meet my new companion, Sister Archuleta (no, she doesn't know if she's related to David Archuleta). So get this, she's from ESCALON! For those of you who don't know where that is, it's right next to Modesto and also where my uncle and aunt live! This is my first American companion. It's sounds so funny as people ask where we're from and we chime in unison "California". She's great though. She is one of the new 19 year olds (my youngest companion) and full of fire and spunk. She's super funny, we're laughing ALL the time, and very bold. I think this is going to be a great companionship as I will sweeten people up and she'll lay it down ;) haha.
We have been busy as we are getting to know the area, meeting leaders and members and looking for teaching and service opportunities. One family we met were the Smith's. Brother Smith joined the church about 9 years ago and chooses to kind of do his own thing. We were cracking up as we walked in and he was there drinking a glass of wine and "warning" us that he's a rebel. He's definitely got his own interpretations, but is still a fun man. He's going to teach us how to can this week, we'll help out weeding in his garden and along the way we'll be serving him some "humble pie" ;) He's great though and his family is super sweet.
Sister Archuleta and I were able to teach our first lesson together yesterday to a lady named Kelly. She has met with the elders a couple times now and her husband is coming back to church. As we went in, we prepared to teach her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and extend a baptismal invitation. The lesson went great and we could feel the Spirit very strong. Both opened up a lot to us and we were able to bear testimony of the things they've witnessed in their life. At the end Kelly accepted the baptismal invitation and I almost had a deja vu with her response to the date. We offered October 19th and she turned to her husband asking if he had told us. We inquired what she was talking about and she said that if her husband wouldn't be ready to baptize her, she'd want her father-in-law to do it and he just happens to be coming into town from California that very weekend! It reminded me so much of my first baptismal invitation with Holly back in Twin Falls. Once again the spirit was so strong and we were able to bear our testimony of the opportunity we have to receive personal revelation. That this is not our work but the Lord's and He is aware of all of us! What a wonderful way to start off the area. We're so excited to help her along the way.
I feel that I am continually growing every day on my mission. Whether it's getting over shyness or learning to love everyone, no matter how little I've known them. I know that this Gospel is true and that's the only reason I'm able to do the things I'm doing. I can't do this alone. I have my Savior beside me every day to help me to fulfill His work. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I am grateful to have the knowledge that I do. This gospel is simple and it just makes sense. Life is tough, why make it harder by trying to get through it alone. Heavenly Father is there. We just need to turn to Him.
I love you and all am continually grateful for you!
Love,
Sister Wightman
No comments:
Post a Comment