Guess what- today's not Monday!
So today, Sister
Leifson and I, as well as the other sisters we live with, had the opportunity
to go to the temple today. So- I'm emailing today!
The temple was
amazing! It was officially the longest time since I've been to the temple (6
months!!) so the trip was much needed! I felt so at peace in being at the
temple of the Lord, quite literally the closest place to heaven on earth.
Tender mercy: I got
to see some of the sisters that I went to the MTC with! I saw Sister Gould and
Sister Jentzsch there, and I flipped out when I saw them- it's been months
since I've last seen them! I love them both a ton and it was a tender mercy
from God to see them again.
This past week has
been crazy...as every week is!
I went on exchanges
with Hermana Smalley this past week. We came out on our missions together, but
this was the first opportunity I had to really get to know her. She's an
awesome missionary and she was a great example of boldness! I find myself still
hesitant or awkward to talk to people sometimes (10 months out and I still cant
completely get over it!), but man- she is so courageous! She was more than
willing to talk to anyone in sight and she never hesitated a second to be bold
in what she teaches and testifies of.
On Saturday, a
little girl got baptized and Ashley came with us and loved it! She was crying
during the program, and she said multiple times that she was excited for her
own baptism and was just really happy.
The next day, she
came to church and it was her first official time to our ward. She got to meet
many people and she loved them all! After church she said, "I've been to
many churches, but I have no doubt in my mind that it is the Spirit is the
strongest here."
Ashley is so amazing
and so prepared to soak up the gospel in her preparations for baptism!
Easter was also this
past week and it was super fun! We had three people that we are teaching come
to church and they all had really good experiences.
We had a short time
to walk outside that day, but in the few people we did have a chance to talk
to, one conversation has stuck in my mind!
We were walking home
and we decided to turn down a road that we usually don't go on. As soon as we
turned down the road, there was a guy walking toward us. He was actually a
little hard to talk to because he had headphones in, but Sister Leifson stepped
right in and got his attention.
We had a good
conversation with him about the gospel, but sadly, he ultimately wasn't
interested. But before he left, he said, "But I appreciate what you guys
do, and it really helped me today."
It's stuck in my
mind how much the gospel can really help us, no matter who we are or what stage
of life we may be in. Even though the guy didn't accept the gospel at this time
in his life, he had a positive experience with missionaries and he knows our
message can help him.
The gospel is for
everyone. It doesn't just apply to one specific group of people, or just people
who have a specific background. It is for EVERYONE! We can all be blessed by
the restored teachings of Jesus Christ. As we learn more about Jesus Christ,
our faith and trust in Him grows.
I love this gospel
and I love being a missionary! There is seriously no other place that I would
rather be at this time in my life. I've learned so much since being on a
mission and I'm learning more each and every day. I know that this life is all
about progression and the gospel encourages and praises it! I love all that I
have experienced and I'm excited to see what else the Lord has in store for me!
With spring coming
in full swing, the streets are bursting with color and life! There are so many
times that I get distracted by all the beautiful flowers on the edges of the
sidewalk- I don't think I'll ever be able to get over the beauty of Oregon!
Sincerely
Sister McCown
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