It's been a pretty
eventful week for Sister Teters and I, with lots of meetings and lots of
driving!
Other than that, we
have been doing a lot of finding, with lessons and such falling through.
Definitely not as crazy as last week, but I'm okay with that.
On Tuesday we had
our zone conference in Keizer, so we drove for half an hour each way. There, an
area authority, Elder Hamilton, spoke to us about different ways to find
prepared people to teach: through our own efforts, with members help, and
family history!
We focused also a
lot on having JOY in the work! I think it's amazing how God's whole purpose is
to help us have joy, both here and after this life. He knows that the best way
we can have true, eternal joy is through the gospel of Jesus Christ and He
gives us every resource we could ever need to feel of His love for us.
I think that is one
of the main reasons why I love the Book of Mormon so so much. It, for me, is
the key to feeling of His love for me and for others. I truly feel like a
better person when I read it because I know I am doing what He would have me
do, and I am learning about Christ as I study and ponder about it. It is so
amazing!
On Thursday we also
had the leadership conference where we received even more instruction, specific
to how we can apply these things into our areas and be examples to those we are
with.
One of my favorite
parts of the conference was when we focused on breaking down the barrier of
expecting ourselves to be the "perfect missionary". At many
conferences, we talk about all these different ways we can be better
missionaries, and I end up leaving with a HUGE list of all the things I need to
improve on in every aspect of the work.
But we are NOT
expected to be absolutely perfect! I'm so glad that is one of the reasons why
there are always two of us. I have many weaknesses that my companion can help
me with and then Christ truly does make up the rest! As long as we're willing
to put our full effort forth, He will make more out of us than we could on our
own!
I know I am not a
perfect missionary; I'm actually quite far from it. At the beginning of my
mission, I thought I would make less and less mistakes because I would become
more "experienced"...but really, I just make different kinds of
mistakes. I'm sure the actual amount of mistakes I make are more or less the
same. But hey- that's what life is for! To make different kinds of mistakes and
then LEARN from them!!
At one point in
time, I really got down on myself for all the mistakes I was making. I wasn't
happy and I only saw myself for the mistakes I made, and it would soon overrun
the good times and little miracles.
Someone challenged
me to start doing 2 things each day: Write down 5 things you find beautiful
that day, and 5 things you are grateful for. Some days were harder than others
to complete these 2 tasks, but I know that it has helped me SO much!
A missionary at the
conference said something I really liked. As we were talking about having joy
in the work, the missionary said, "A joyful missionary is a successful
missionary!"
HOW TRUE IS THAT!
Sometimes I can get
down on myself for not having great numbers to report on, or when I compare
myself to another- but that will not help you to be happy! It is the little
things that help you push through and keep the sunshine in your life!
I got to see so many
wonderful sisters this past week that I just LOVE! It was so good to see all of
them and see how they were doing. So many of them are huge role models to me
and have helped me so much throughout my mission. I love them all so much!
This past week, we
also went on our first exchange of the transfer! I stayed in Albany and Sister
Lake from Salem came to join me for the day. We had a lot of fun together and
guess what...she has a TALENT in family history!
I told her what
little knowledge I had in doing it, and within 45 minutes, I learned all the
basics of how to prepare a name to take the temple! I found out...that it is SO
FUN!
I am low-key
addicted to it now, and with every opportunity I have during dinner, lunch, in
the mornings or at night, I am doing more and more work!
My testimony of
family history has grown so much the more I have been doing it and my love for
my family has grown as well. I have found a lot of joy in doing it, especially
if we didn't have a ton of success during the day.
Because...family
history is missionary work too! I mean, I of course focus on the people that we
are teaching and that are actually alive, but I've found a lot of peace in
doing work for those who have passed away and can't do it for themselves.
Sister Lake told me
that every time I attach a record or merge records and people, it is one more step
towards helping them to be baptized. In comparison to those we teach, it is
like watching them read the Book of Mormon, feel the Spirit for the first time
and come to church. They are small steps, but all very necessary.
I am so very
thankful for the opportunity I have had to be apart of this work so far, and
also to add my efforts to the work of family history! I am so excited to see
what Heavenly Father has in store for us this this week and all the things I
have yet to learn!
The rain is coming and
I am excited! Yes, proselyting outside will become a little harder because
overall, there will be less people outside, but I am excited for all the
changes and all the potential that the future holds.
That's the really
cool thing about joy: the future! The things ahead of us is literally a huge
question mark.
A little scary and
unpredictable? yeah, I can't lie and say no.
But nonetheless
thrilling? YES!
There is so much
potential and promise ahead of us. One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of
Mormon is Ether 12:4, which the first part says, "Wherefore, whoso
believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world...".
And you know
what...I think that promise extends past the hope for a better world, but also
a better tomorrow! You don't know how tomorrow will be, but you CAN choose to
be excited for it, because even if you are at rock bottom right now, the only
way you can go is UP! And no matter how low you may feel, you can always find
comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ descended even farther below that, and He
will know exactly how to lift you and support you. I have felt the power that
comes in that promise!
I love this work and
I love my Savior Jesus Christ. He is the only reason why I am still out here on
a mission, because it is HARD! But being able to represent Him and serve His
children- that gives me purpose and hope! I love this gospel and the peace that
it brings, and the life-sustainment it gives to everyone who acts in faith.
I love you all and
hope you have a wonderful week!
Sister McCown
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