Dear Family,
We
picked up our third companion! She is the most incredible missionary ever! Her
name is Sister Ripplinger and she is from
Driggs Idaho. She was called to serve in the Nauvoo mission but
will be here for six months. Man she is just READY to go! She is such a hard
worker. I have been thankful for that because we are SO busy. Busy in the best
way. The couple we are teaching are doing great. They are both still set for
this Saturday, and Muang's baptism will be then as well. It will be quite the
frantic week with all the new investigators we have now too.
With
all these incredible changes happening in the lives of those we have been
teaching... I have been reflecting a lot on deterrents that get in our way when
we are trying to do what is right. I have seen MANY of them in one family’s
way. In fact, one of them was in our lesson with them just last night. The
process of conversion is not easy. It takes faith and work. But if we hang onto
those tender feelings that we have felt... we can overcome doubt and disbelief.
I see the wife do that every day. When we teach a gospel principle, the first
reaction is always questioning why. "Why would we do that? That doesn't
make sense?" Then we see her heart soften as she listens to the Spirit.
The Spirit will help us to better understand our Heavenly Father and His
purpose. Muang and her family are the best. We asked Muang the other day how
she has felt that living the gospel has changed her life. She said in her sweet
simple words, "Because I feel clean now. I don't have to worry." We
asked her if there was anyone else she knows that needs to feel that feeling in
their life and after she sat there for a while she said, "I will go find
someone!" I chuckled and just couldn't even put into words how grateful I
am to see this gospel changing lives. I see it spread like wildfire to the ward
and to family members and friends. Visibly everyone around me is being lifted
and strengthened.
We
had Gabriel and Melody at church for the first time yesterday and my heart just
swelled to see them walk through that door. I was looking around the chapel to
see who all was there. We had Gary who we met a month ago on the side of the
street. Muang. The Tupou's. Ronnie & Eric. Ericka. Scott & Cindy. My
eyes kept darting around the room and I just felt this overwhelming peace. We
had kind of a rough week. It’s been a difficult transition from Sister Rupp and
I having a third member of our companionship and transfers looming over our
head. But Sister Rupp leaned over to me and said..."Do you remember what
you said to me on my first Sunday here?" I... being the very forgetful
person that I am... did not. But she smiled knowingly and said, "You told
me that by the end of our companionship these pews would be filled."
Looking around all the pews were filled with people that we have been teaching
and I just got the biggest smile ever. It was such a good feeling to sit there
with Sister Rupp and to look back knowing that we have done all we can. The Dry
Creek Ward will forever be my favorite. I am so thankful for this opportunity
to be here and see miracles. In fact! One quick miracle before I go. A while
ago, we were teaching a woman who was no longer active in the church. This was
when Bishop Culp was our Bishop and he invited us to her funeral. There they
taught the Plan of Salvation and we went by a few times after she died to check
up on her husband but were told not to come back. The other day on exchanges we
were planning for the next day and his name came to my mind. We went to his
house the next day and my jaw dropped to the floor when he saw us and
immediately said, "Come in." He is hurting and questioning and needs
the peace that comes from the atonement. We taught him the plan of salvation yesterday.
I knew him before... but there was something different about him. I know I was
supposed to be there that day. Even just for him to see a familiar face. He
will now be able to find that "peace" that is so foreign to him. He
goes to her gravesite every day wondering if he will see her again. I love this
gospel! I love being here! Next time you hear from me you will know what’s
happening with transfers! I love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Mitchell
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