Monday, October 7, 2019

Busy Bees Buzzing around Albany

Hello everyone! I hope everyone's weeks has been fantabulous, and especially that everyone was able to watch General Conference this weekend! Did everyone love it as much as I did??? I hope so...because it was AMAZING!

But before I get into the miracles of this weekend...let's talk about the days in between from the last time I emailed!

We've been pretty busy this week, which isn't super normal, but it's been really fun! On Wednesday, we were basically in Newberg all day at a leadership meeting, and there we received instruction on the revised rules of the mission. It was really exciting being with other missionaries and putting forth your personal input on things.
On the way home, we had a super cool opportunity! We actually had to have a senior couple drive us up to Newberg (car problems, haha), and on the way home, they suddenly stopped on the side of the road to buy a huge bag of oranges from a cute little truck stand.

He helped us carry the bag to our car and just as we were about to get in, Elder Williams told me that he had a Book of Mormon in spanish (the vendor was hispanic), and so Sister Teters and I got right back out of the car to talk to him again. We got to know him a little bit and by the end of the conversation, he had accepted the Book of Mormon! It was super cool and such a good witness to be that we can help people learn about the gospel, no matter where we are!

We've also seen a lot of cool miracles with Abbie, the 7 year old we have been teaching recently! She is so cute and loves us so so much!! During one lesson, we talked to her about the Plan of Salvation. She calls us her "church sisters" and while we were wrapping up one of our lessons, a friend of hers walked in the door and asked if Abbie would like to play outside with her. Abbie turns to her and said, "Okay, well right now I'm having church practice, but we're almost done, so I'll come out soon."
Haha, a 7 year old said that! It was so cute!

Also during another lesson, we told her that we would come at 6. We got there right on time, and it was pouring rain when we did. When we got out of the car and started walking towards the house, we looked up to see Abbie outside, in her rain jacket and standing underneath an umbrella...waiting just for us!
It was so adorable; she ran towards us and gave us the huge pink umbrella. I just love her so much!

Okay...now back to conference!

This weekend we spent each session with different members in the ward. I love them all so much and it was so fun to spend more time with them.

There was so much food though...especially cinnamon rolls! Holy goodness, it was all so good!

I think my favorite session of them all was the women's session on Saturday evening. So many of those talks hit me straight to the heart and answered many of my questions.

And hey, if you didn't have the opportunity to watch it...you still can! I know that taking the opportunity to watch it will bless your life so much.

General Conference was a good reminder to me that it is a privilege for me to be on a mission. That I need to work my absolute hardest with the time that I have here. I won't be a missionary forever unfortunately, so I can't waste a moment!!

I know that Heavenly Father is aware of us and our needs. He loves us endlessly and knows us perfectly. He has a plan for us and He is in every fiber of our lives. I am so thankful for the revelation He wants to give us and every day I hope to gain more and more of it.

One of my favorite talks from conference was from Peter M. Johnson. He focused on the importance of reading the Book of Mormon and praying "everyday...everyday...every day." I know that that will be our greatest source of strength and protection from the increasing efforts of the adversary. Satan wants us to be miserable, but Heavenly Father only desires us to be happy. The greatest happiness I have felt has been in the gospel and when I know I am doing absolutely everything I can to follow Him and be obedient. Of course, I am far far from perfect, but I am trying, and He sees our efforts.

I love this gospel and I am thankful for the life I have to study and apply it. I love being a missionary and being here in Oregon. I know there is no other place Heavenly Father would rather have me be.

I love you all. Have a great week!

Sister McCown

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