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!)