Transfer 11 Week 1

Hello everyone!!!!

This week was crazy. Lots of stuff happened. One of the highlights of
my week was the opportunity that I had to go on an exchange in Etna
California. That happens to be the lowest point in our mission. I
drove down with another sister who also gets to do exchanges and we
drove the hour and 45 minutes. When we crossed the state line we both
kinda had a spaz moment because we were leaving Oregon and that was a
weird concept. Anyhow, we drove down and it was incredible because we
talked about the Atonement pretty much the entire time. It was amazing
to think of the instances, the experiences and the gradual moments in
our lives when we gained our testimonies of the Atonement. I have got
to be honest, I had no idea what it was, how it felt and what it meant
to use the Atonement in my life. I am so grateful for my mission in
large part because I have come to understand a tiny bit more about the
Atonement. One of my favorite things of a mission is seeing how others
can completely change. While we were in Etna I had the privilege of
meeting their 2 recent converts. This is an area that has not seen a
baptism in years and years. These two men were so incredible as I
listened to their stories I was overcome with the spirit as they
testified of how they had come so far because of the savior. It is
indescribable how one of them looked as he explained how he was going
to receive the priesthood the following day. It was amazing to say the
least. I didn't even really know these two men but it was amazing
being able to talk with them! Loved it. And on the drive home, my
companion, Sis. Taualii who had stayed behind in our area, called and
told us that one of our investigators had agreed to be baptized in
April on the 26! It's awesome! That woman is so prepared it is nuts!
Michelle is a single mom and listening to her story there is no doubt
that God has been leading her path to this moment. She is amazing! I
love missionary work! I love it so much because it's not about how
many doors we knock, or about how many book of mormons we hand out.
It's not even about how many lessons or baptisms we get. It's about
the prayers that are answered, the hearts that are changed and the
lives that are touched by the Savior. Missionary work should be
renamed. In all reality its about being Christlike. It's letting the
light of Christ shine through, whether it be through example or
through our words, it's about doing what Christ would have us to and
when he would have us to. It's not being afraid to share a testimony,
it's following the prompting to call a friend, it's smiling at someone
in the parking lot. All of these things make a difference especially
as we follow the spirit. They will come at the right moment in time
when that smile in the parking lot is needed and the one who receives
it wants to come back to church. Or when the words we speak are from
the spirit and are able to speak directly to someones heart. Or our
actions are an answer to someones silent prayer. I have seen these
things happen. It fills my heart. I love being a missionary. I love
belonging to this church. I love learning more of the Atonement. I'd
like to challenge each of you to learn about the Atonement in between
this time and Easter. Really focus on the how we can come to know
Christ more. As we seek to learn more of the Atonement and Christ we
will be blessed to see with spiritual eyes and a greater love for our
Savior who has done everything for us. I know that he did suffer out
of love. That he is our ultimate example. He lives. I say this in his
name, Amen.