Where
to begin, where to begin... The work here is kinda crazy at get moment.
Things flip flop all the time, and I am trying to keep up with it all!
Haha
On
Thursday Sister Clarke and I had the opportunity to go and interpret
for a funeral. We interpreted for a woman named Jade, who's stepmother
died. She was very grateful for our service and we are happy to be able
to help. Her home teacher drove her to the funeral and he was quite
possibly the happiest part of my week. He is a sweet 82 year old man. He
flew planes when he was in the Air Force, and loved it. The funniest
part, though, was when he randomly looked down at his watch, his face
dropped and said, "I think today is my 60th wedding anniversary."
Hahaha, oh that poor man. He was so funny.
Bonnie
is doing amazing! :) We went over last Monday for FHE with them, and
she had memorized all the components of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! She
did soooo good! And when we taught about the Plan of Salvation, we had
her copy her own outline of the Plan onto a piece of paper so she can
remember, and boy was she in tune that day. Often, because of her
autism, she has a hard time understanding everything, but she was very
in tune with the spirit that day, so she was very teachable. We set her
up on a baptismal date for August 23rd. I can't wait! What a wonderful spirit.
Peggie,
Bonnie's mother, is doing awesome too. I just love her so much. She
loves coming to church and feeling the spirit. She loves the teachings
of the church, although she has concerns about Joseph Smith. We know
that through our example, and through Bonnie's example, she will be
converted in her own, and God's own, time.
We
finally were able to contact Nancy again! Yay! Because of some family
members, we were not allowed to see her, but because of some recent
events, we have been allowed to is it with her. She is still not allowed
to come to church, but still reads the Book of Mormon. She promised me
that although she is going on vacation for a few weeks, she will
continue reading and praying.
Ashley
is doing well. She had quite an experience last week which influenced a
strong feeling in her, and she was not quite sure what it was until we
came over and we explained to her that that feeling she had was the Holy
Ghost. I have never seen a lightbulb go off in such a magnificent way.
The understanding that filled her eyes showed at least a small
conversion. She finally understands how the Holy Ghost works and how it
protects her in her life. She was glowing all through the rest of the
lesson. She has still lost a lot of motivation for baptism and coming to
church, but we are confident this experience of understanding will help
her gain a testimony further.
Nadia,
oh, Nadia. She's a hoot. I love her. We are now able to have more
focused lessons with her now that it is not all together with the elders
and Conrado. She is very interesting investigator. She asks very
random, yet insightful questions. We taught her two lessons about the
Holy Ghost now and she has been very interested how it applies to her
life. At the end of the most recent lesson, she asked about temples, so
this week we will be teaching her about temples. She wants to have her
children with her forever. I know this lesson is going to be interesting
for sure.
Other
investigators are doing well, but these are just the investigators who
are progressing right now. I have really come to know, especially
working in this north area, that I can only do so much in aiding in the
conversion of others. At times I become very frustrated with decisions
made and desires that are lacking. Sometimes, I even wish to deny all
agency and put them at the edge of the font and push. But it has been a
real teaching experience for me about the plan Heavenly Father has for
each of His children. This is His work, not ours. This is His timing,
not ours. He knows His children the best, and He knows what nourishment
in the gospel they need before entering into the important covenant of
baptism with Him. As I continue to trust Him and have faith in His
divine plan, I know I will have the wonderful opportunity to become a
spectator and participator in His magnificent work.
A
few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go with the branch to an ASL
session in the temple. Words cannot describe how amazing it is to see
the people you love most doing their Father's work in the temple. And
the ASL session was amazing too. Heavenly Father truly does love all His
children, no matter what conditions of life they are in. As I sat there
marveling how even these people are able to do His work, Heavenly
Father helped me feel even greater love for those I serve. I am everyday
grateful for the opportunity to serve my mission amongst Heavenly
Father's most beloved children.
I
love you all, and pray every night for Heavenly Father to present you
with opportunities to do your own missionary work. I pray that you will
all take advantage of these opportunities presented to you, and be able
to be a part of this work.
Love,
Sister Smyly Crawford
Sister Crawford and Veronica
