But as always, I
will do my very best and give at least the the highlights!
As September comes
to a close, I am wondering if it is November, because it is SO cold here! I
mean, it really isn't that cold yet, but for September, it is pretty chilly!
The rain started and as we have been walking in the streets and talking to the
native Oregonians, many have told us that the early rain is a sign that it will
be a BAD winter....great...!!!
It is fun though
wearing lots of layers. I officially pulled out my tights this week and I am
PREPARED!!
Anyways, for the
real updates of this week!!
I had the
opportunity this week to go on TWO exchanges, which I have never done before,
so it was so so fun!! It made the week pass by pretty fast!
One of my exchanges
was with Sister Atwood and she is currently serving in a cute little town
called Sweet Home. She is super fun and I loved getting to know her. She was a
super good example to be of being sincere as she talks to people and also the
importance of using short, powerful statements.
As we were driving
to Sweet Home, we had to pass through Lebanon, which is the first area in which
I served from July-October of last year...so it has been almost a full year
since I've been there!! I was crazy distracted as we were driving through (it
was a good thing Sister Teters was driving!). Down each street I could pinpoint
specific experiences that I had with Sister Schmoekel, biking and talking to
people. So fun!
I also went to a
meeting on Sunday and got to see one of my favorite members from my ward in
Lebanon! I walked in and as soon as she saw me, we both freaked out! It was a
tender mercy for sure!
I also got to be
with the legendary Sister Gould in Brownsville for a day and it was a BLAST!
Walking through the rickety roads in the rain with pretty much no street lights
reminded me so much of my days in Amity last winter! It was super fun though
and I love Sister Gould a lot. She has such a huge heart for others and she is
quick to show her love and concern. She lifted me up and helped me so much in
just having a pure appreciation for the work!
Here's a miracle of
the week for ya!
On Wednesday, Sister
Teters and I were walking and we saw this guy working on his car. So of course
we go up to talk to him and we could tell pretty quickly that he had no desire
to talk to us. We tried our best to keep the conversation going, but he wasn't
having it. Our last attempt we invited him and his family to church. He takes a
card and then casually says, "Thanks. My daughter has actually been
bugging me to go to church."
My head snaps into
focus. "Really?!"
Only a few seconds
later, his young daughter Abby comes out and I start introducing ourselves to
her. As soon as we said the word "church", her eyes grew wide with
excitement!
It was amazing to
see how her dad, Tony, softened as we set up a time for us to come back. He was
so supportive of her and the desire she has to come to church!
And not only did she
come to church yesterday, but also her dad and her grandma! It was so beyond
cool! I got to sit next to her during sacrament meeting and several times I
leaned over to and explained what was happening, why we were doing it, etc.
I had the feeling
that she liked crafts and stuff, so before church, I printed some coloring
pages for her and she LOVED them! She also loved Primary- all the singing and
crafts- and I am so excited for her! I'm really looking forward to teaching her
more about this amazing message of Jesus Christ. I love teaching kids more than
anything and I am so excited for the fun lessons we will have with Abby!
This past week, I
have also had many opportunities to share verses in the Book of Mormon more in
the streets. I've had the goal for a long time to use the Book of Mormon more
into what I do as a missionary, and it's amazing how much the Spirit has guided
me in doing so.
As we talk to new
people, verses will pop into my mind to share with them and I've seen that when
I do, more often than not, we are able to get a return appointment!
My testimony of how
the Book of Mormon softens hearts has really grown! I love standing right next
to the person, showing them physically the verse on the page, and then reading
it to them as they follow along with me. I think it's in those moments when the
Spirit enters their hearts to help them know that the Book of Mormon is special
and should be read. Then, as they read it for themselves, the conversion of the
Spirit takes place and they can receive that witness for themselves that the
Book of Mormon is the word of God. Isn't it amazing how we can ALL receive that
witness for ourselves??
I've also noticed
that the more verses I share while street contacting, the more confident I
feel! It's one thing to teach people doctrine and testify of it, and then it's
a whole different thing to use the Book of Mormon to bring validity to what you
say. The Book of Mormon is my sword and shield, and I know that I feel the
power of it just as I hold it in my hands!
I love this gospel
and I love the Book of Mormon. It is the convincing evidence of everything I
teach as a missionary. Without it, I know I wouldn't have any reason to be here
in Oregon, spending every moment trying to bring others unto Christ. It is
because of the Book of Mormon that not only am I here, but also how I have been
able to have the energy and peace to be able to endure everything.
I love my Savior
Jesus Christ. I love His example and I am forever in debt to Him and all He has
done for me. I hope and pray every day that I can make Him proud.
I hope you all take
the wonderful opportunity we have to watch General Conference this weekend. It
is the THE MOST LOOKED FORWARD TO holiday as a missionary and I am beyond
stoked!! I know that if you all go to these sessions with questions and
concerns, they will be addressed and answered by not only the speakers, but
more importantly, the Spirit that can give us specific promptings.
I love you all! Have
a wonderful week!
Sister McCown
No comments:
Post a Comment