"Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different--in happy ways--from the women of the world... Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church in the last days" President Spencer W. Kimball

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Soaking Wet!

It is pouring rain outside and has been a hot mess for the past week almost! And I mean that literally. It is hot outside, too hot for a jacket but it has been raining all week long, ugh! Absolutely the worst.

Anywhoo... so this week was the first week of the Trifecta:
trifecta (traɪˈfɛktə)
— n
1. a form of betting in which the punter selects the first three place-winners in a horse race in the correct order
2. any achievement involving three successful outcomes...so obviously we have been named after the latter, that or "The Tenacious Trio", and I have to say it was nothing less than marvelous. I think people are still wondering how this companionship was ever chosen. Well no need to think about it, what's done is done. Moving on, haha!

Just kidding! We have combined the two wards Harlem 3 and Morningside Heights so we are a busy bunch of bees on Sunday. It is a little weird being in a family ward now. There are children and adults and families, it was a bit overwhelming, but it was only a matter of time. I think this is President's way of easing me into the idea of only serving in a family ward in the future...that will be a very different mission than it has been, yet still a great work to do.

In all honesty there hasn't been that much going on this week. That's not to say that the work isn't exciting because let me tell you, we are preparing recent converts to receive the Priesthood, get Patriarchal blessings and go to the temple. So great right?! There is always room for progression. Intern season is officially here (what do you like more...? ha!) so many people from the Valley are joining us, a few of which I know, Josh! Such a delightful time. Oh wow I'm so scatter-brained today. I have to apologize.

It's been a good week though for sure! Run, run, run... I have to go, but I love you all and wish you well this week. Love you love you!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

What's Going On Here?!?






Oh heavens, what a week it has been! I have to say I had been packing my bags (in my head that is cause I was too lazy and busy to actually do it), nonetheless it would have been for no reason because the good Lord has blessed me with one more cycle in Harlem 3!!! Haha, and yes it is with Sister Fuimaono... Now introducing our new addition to the family, Sister Babb (she's dying this cycle so we will so honorably be killing her, mission style that is, haha!) No other word to describe it but EPIC!

I guess I should have saved that news to the end because it would have been great to leave you wondering but in all honesty this email is like eating a slice of pizza backwards, crispy, delicious crust first baby! Not to say the rest of the pizza isn't grand because heaven knows it is... so let's get to it!

This last week was a week of miracles! So, a baptism that we had planned for the 30th didn't happen and we were so sad because we had lost contact with our investigator who was committed. He is a really shy kid and has the testimony like you have never seen but he was so afraid that he was not up to par. Sister Fuimaono and I were devastated. We had no idea where he was or if he was ok. On Tuesday we had a dinner appointment with a member of the family ward in the area that introduced him to the gospel. He was there!!!! As we met with him, we expressed that he was our friend whether or not he was going to be baptized, and that we just worried that we hadn't heard from him. He agreed that we could still see him and hang out in the usual spot (Central Park) and talk about the gospel. Elated, we scheduled an appointment for Thursday. Long story short, Thursday as we were sitting in the park eating ice cream, terrible life I know!, he said, being usually a man of few words, "sisters, I have something to tell you...I want to get baptized this weekend." We were dumbfounded but so touched by his honesty and spirit. So guess what we did this weekend? Baptism!!


What a fantastic service it was too. He was surrounded by friends and family alike who lended their support and love. What an awesome day it was. Aside from that it was Mother's Day and a great one too! Congratulations to my sister and brother-in-law on their new baby, Jakobe last Wednesday. He is adorable! Communicating and visiting with family and friends was such a great summary to the week too, preparing me for what was supposed to be a somber week of moving, changing companions and packing. Jokes on me again...oh I don't know what to say besides I am truly blessed. My work must not be done here in this great ward and I am happy to be at their service for another 6 weeks. Before I part ways with you all this week I would like to share with you an amazing quote I found while studying this week;

" Conversion is the greatest miracle. It is even more wonderful than healing the sick or raising the dead. For a while a person who is healed will eventually fall sick again and ultimately die, the miracle of conversion can last forever and affect the eternities for the convert as well as for his or her posterity. Whole generations are healed and redeemed from death through the miracle of conversion."

What a great work to be a part of. I just love all of you and am thankful for your support. I feel selfish sometimes being out here and feeling of the love that I do while at the Lord's call. I pray that you may all have a great week. Thank you once again for your love! I love you love you, and so it is...