Happy 4th of July

Hello everyone that I love and care about!

This week was a very eventful and fun week. I got to go shopping on Monday last week which I can say started it out on the right foot haha. Yep, this girl hasnt changed in that area one bit! :) But Tuesday, I talked to my mission President, President Van Komen still and I received permission to ride a horse!! Whoop! So in a week or 2, you will see the picture proof. I also asked him about possibly switching over to learn Spanish. There have been multiple situations and opportunities where I have studied Spanish. He told me to get a Spanish PMG and start studying for a few weeks and then decide. If I still want to switch, call up President Keyes and tell him! So. I am getting my Spanish PMG on Friday and will start my adventures :) I already answer the phone for our 1 Spanish member who calls for reading assignments in the Book of Mormon and have a short convo with him. So I'm practically fluent. Haha.

Wednesday night, we had dinner with the Reid's. Todd is the husband and he is one of our investigators. It was such a good time, after we went out the Applebee's (where they had music playing like "I whip my hair back and forth" and I may had a little shoulder shimmy as I sat at the table), we went back to their house and watched the Restoration movie. The spirit was SO strong and Todd just kept saying how he wished we could watch the longer version and how he wants to learn more! I am so excited for him. He came to church on Sunday and said he FELT THE SPIRIT!! He said he hasnt ever felt the spirit there and I was floored when I heard that! So cool!! We will probably be inviting him for baptism tomorrow night :) Pray for us and for him to accept! :)
Friday night we went to the park for Tina Kellogg and her family. Her son Matthew passed away a year ago on June 28 and his birthday was this past Friday, July 1st. So she put together a group of people, bought lanterns like they have in the movie Tangled and we all lite them off in memory of him. It was such a cool and spiritual experience. Tina's daughter in law was pregnant and had her baby on Friday and they named their son Matthew. It was an INCREDIBLE experience. I love this family more than I can say and they have shown the town a true example of how the Savior can help you through EVERYTHING.

Sunday at church, testimony meeting was so spiritual. One of our recent converts Sheila got up and bore her testimony! She wouldnt even PRAY in front of us so when I saw her walking towards the podium I was shocked!! She spoke beautifully and said how she really felt and knew that this church was true. It was amazing. Then 3 other converts bore their testimony. I loved it.

Yesterday, July 4th, we had our zone prep day! I seriously LOVE them!! The Elders in my zone are so awesome. We went to the student rec center at University of Central Missouri and played inside at this big gym. We got like 4 or 5 games of ultimate frisbee in, I was in heaven haha. We also played volleyball and threw around the football. Talking with some of the elders, I got to hear why they came out or their stories which were awesome. These elders are out here for the right reasons. So cool.

Looking back on my week, I have to say how grateful I am for my personal testimony of the church. Although I didnt have some huge or big experience where I was struck with amazement. I know that I have grown to have a huge love for the scriptures and for the strength they give to me. I have found so much comfort in different sections and I wish that everyone could have an experience where they can turn to the scriptures for answers. Adversity is hard and challenging but its good to know that the gospel brings a beautiful hope into our lives. As we face towards Zion and work our hardest to stay on that path, the Lord will continue to poor blessings upon us. I love you all SOO much!!! :) Hope you had a fabulous 4th of July! Miss you all too!! :)

Love

Sistaaaa Larson