January 7, 2018
Funny: As some of you may recall, when I first came to Hot Springs,
we had to stay in our branch presidents barn for a couple of weeks. We do a lot
of driving in our area, and we will often spend the night in Custer when we
have a lot to do there. We often will stay the night in the barn. To get to
this barn first you must drive out to basically the middle of nowhere, then
drive into the woods, and finally you drive up a relatively steep hill. This was
our first attempt to get to it in the snow. The Branch President is out of
town, but he told us we could still use his barn. So, we were driving to it and
you will never guess what happened.... we got stuck. Luckily being from Utah I
know how to get unstuck from the snow. Whereas my companions being from Tonga
and New York (neither of which have a license) didn't know quite what to do. We
had a shovel in the back and we shoveled the snow from under our tires and we
got a bunch of branches and broke them up, and stuck them under the wheels for
traction and we got ourselves out! We definitely learned our lesson to be
careful not to get stuck in the snow. That is until the next day of course when
we got stuck again! Don't worry all is well the Lord is always there to help us
out!
Spiritual: Another miracle happened this week. As a
missionary, we spend a fair bit of time searching for those who are prepared to
accept the gospel into their lives. So, when those people find us, it is always
such a great blessing! A girl named Hannah who is my same age, was able to get
a hold of our number and started messaging us saying she wants to meet. This
Sunday she came to church, and told us she has been investigating the church
since she was 12 and she is ready to get baptized! The work that we do as
missionaries has absolutely nothing to do with our strengths, abilities, and
talents. It is entirely the Holy Ghost that confirms to people’s hearts the
truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It gives me comfort to know that
whatever my shortcomings or weaknesses may be, it doesn't matter because the
Lord will be able to accomplish his work regardless.
Where I'm at: New Year’s Eve last p-day was fun! They made
it an all-day p-day, and since we live out in a tiny town, we pretty much get
to hang out with each other all day. My companions and I have gotten very
invested in cross-stitch, and friendship bracelet making. Anyways 2018 has been
one of the best years of my life. I have a strong feeling that 2019 is going to
be even better! I am so excited, and grateful for all the Lord has blessed me
with in my life! thank you to all of you as well.
ofa' lahi atu!!! (Tongan for I love you very much!)
