Boom, pow, punch them with the Spirit!

Hello everyone! How has the past 7 days? What has been hard, and what miracles have you seen! It's crazy to think how much has happened within the past 7 days! More than I could write in an email!

Okay, to explain the subject line. I was talking to my companions about how we could have the Spirit more in lessons and conversations we have with people, because it is so crucial! We talked about a ton of different ways so I said, "Boom, pow, punch them with the Spirit!" They laughed really hard at me, and I was like, "Wait, no we probably shouldn't punch them!" It was pretty funny, so now it's a big joke in our apartment.

I've felt such an increase of the Spirit throughout this past week and it has been amazing. I know that the Holy Ghost has guided me in every footstep I make and every word I say. How else could I hope to do His work effectively?

Last Monday we saw the Wildes and it was soo fun! Sister Wilde (the mission Presidents wife) and Brecklyn, their daughter, joined us to do tie dye shirts and it was the funnest thing! I love spending time with them and to top it off, they treated us with frozen yogurt!

On Tuesday....I SAW MY TRAINER and first companion in the field....drum roll please- the legendary SISTER SCHMOEKEL! She went home back in December and I haven't seen her since then. We met her and some of her family at a Mexican restaurant and despite the short time I was able to talk to her, it was so fun!

On Wednesday, Sister Christenson and I went to Newberg for MLC, the monthly council between missionaries of the mission. It was super good and we discussed adapting practices of the mission and how we can help struggling missionaries.

Because of that, President and Sister Wilde felt inspired to compile scriptures and quotes from modern day prophets focused on hope. They asked all of us missionaries to do the same thing, and then they will compile it all and then distribute it to all the missionaries. Just think of it...150+ people combining together to put together pieces of hope to help one another.

I got so excited and began dedicated time each day during my personal Study to search for scriptures and quotes, and it has already helped me beyond comprehension! I have felt the peace last throughout the day and I know it will help so many missionaries!

Here is just one quote that I found that I love.

This is from Jeffrey R. Holland: "If we give our heart to God, if we love the Lord Jesus Christ, if we do the best we can to live the gospel, then tomorrow—and every other day—is ultimately going to be magnificent, even if we don’t always recognize it as such. Why? Because our Heavenly Father wants it to be! He wants to bless us. A rewarding, abundant, and eternal life is the very object of His merciful plan for His children! It is a plan predicated on the truth “that all things work together for good to them that love God.” So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."

HUGE miracle that Sister Christenson  and I saw this past week:

Last weekend during a lesson with an active member family, we asked them to pray about a street for us to go tracting on. This is another way we wanted to get the members involved in missionary work.

After the dad said a very sincere prayer, he picked Ginger St. when looking at our ward boundaries.

On Thursday we went to this street before a meeting, and while we are going door to door, it begins to rain. The weather app did not forewarn us, so we didnt think to bring coats. We begin getting pretty wet when we knock on a door. A man opens it and his wife behind him yells for us to come out of the rain. Of course, we obey!

We end up staying a half hour after Erica gives us towels to dry off and teach her about the Restoration. She was so open and it was so cool to see that because we didnt have coats, she was willing to have a longer conversation with us. Hmmm... maybe we'll go without our coats more often!🤣

By the time we got out of that impromptu lesson, we had a meeting in 10 minutes but it was more than a half hour walk there....so- we run!

We probably looked so funny as we were running, but what else were we supposed to do?? Luckily, the rain caused many of the people to stay inside.

When we were running past the park, this van pulls up beside us and a woman yells out the window, "Sisters! Get in, we know you're late somewhere!" Without saying anything, we hop in the car and tell her how much she was an answer to our prayer!

She was actually a member in a neighboring city and she said that she knows if she ever sees two girls running in dresses and holding purses, it has to be Sister missionaries late to an appointment! So...if any of you see running missionaries- stop and offer a ride! :)

This past week I also had exchanges with Sister Child and I slept in the neighboring room of our apartment for the night. It was funny being in a "different area" for a day, but also not really.

I love Sister Child though! She is an amazing missionary and an amazing person. I've been able to live with her in the same apartment for the past 5ish months and man- do we always have the best time! I love her to death, so I felt like I was just with another one of my greatest friends for the day!

One thing I have been working really hard on this past week is focusing on having more charity for people as we talk to them in the streets. I've had this nasty habit of seeing people more as "another TTI" and just as a number, rather than as a child of God. I've honestly forgotten to count people now and it has made THE WORLD of difference! I've noticed that I have a greater desire to talk to people, I'm overall so much happier and the quality of my teaching has improved! even if they don't accept what we say at that time, I feel the Spirit so much more strongly when I talk to them with love and I know they feel the Spirit too. It gives me more comfort to know that I tried my absolute hardest and more hope that we will find people who will accept the gospel in the near future.

I love this gospel and I love being a missionary. I love being able to help others learn more about Christ, because there is no one else that could provide us with more peace, love, guidance and assurance in our futures than Him.

Thank you everyone for all your love and support! I would love to hear from anyone!

Sister McCown