This past week was a very good week and it included a baptism! Woohoo! But before the baptism on Saturday, it was an eventful week. On Wednesday we were asked to help out with activities night for the little girls teaching them how to wrap presents. I love the little girls in the branch so much and it was a blast to have an activity with just them :) The highlight of the week was on Thursday. I had some major stomach pains for most of the day, I am pretty sure I am some what allergic to pistachios just like peanuts. But that night our member made bratwursts for dinner, who we told we didn't really care for sausage type meats but made it anyways. Well it took a hammer to my stomach but we had an appointment with our investigators Alexis, Jimmy and Becky that I knew we had to visit. Sis Barnum prayed before we went in and prayed my stomach pains would lessen while we were in there and sure enough, that's exactly what happened! Their appointment was awesome too and a much needed one. Jimmy had been taught by the senior couple who was here awhile ago so he had progressed a lot before us. He had a very strong impression one day praying after he read the Book of Mormon and it brightens his face when he talks about it. Alexis had no real interest until we came here and lately she has shown a bigger desire to learn. Becky is Alexis best friend from like 9 yrs ago who just moved in and is showing a little interest in the gospel so far. On Thursday, we had a break through with both of them. Jimmy opened up about how he really wants to have a peaceful home and feels very overwhelmed by his financial situation which was causing him to not want to focus on his relationship with God. Alexis told him he needs to put God first because ever since she did that with us, its changed her attitude which is VERY true. We had a little therapy session with them as they talked about their relationship and their communication between them. By the end, they commited to set goals for themselves and in their relationship! Alexis text us that night saying they finished their goals and house standards and was excited to share them with us. Her next text was that her and Jimmy were going to be praying before bed. It was amazing. We went back on Friday and their house was cleaner, they were all happier and their kids were even nicer! I was so happy to see them ALL wanting to have a peaceful home and willing to do whatever it takes.
Many other highlights of the rest of the week were miracles and surprises. We actually were able to give a Book of Mormon away on Friday to a lady who had no big objections to accepting it! Her husband is a preacher too but she was very interested to see what the book was about and really liked the scriptures I shared with her from it. I was so happy, I haven't had that feeling in far too long. I'm praying that the town continues to open up more to us and that some of the other churches around here don't bash us like they have in the past.
Margaret's baptism on Saturday went really well. Her dad came and lots of the members in the branch as well. We of course dropped the ball on a few of the random small things but luckily our ward mission leader is a boss and took care of it very smoothly. Margaret chose her songs to sing and her closing song was "Spirit of God" which was perfect. This 18 yr old girl had waited 2 yrs+ to be baptized and tears were streaming down her face as we all sang that song. It was a sight to see and to always remember. I love that girl and she is such an example to me in many ways. She has the attribute of patience like no one else I have seen.
Sunday we had dinner at the Deardeuff home which is always entertaining. They have a total of 12 kids but most of them are older. The youngest boy Stephen is 18 and reminds me of my brother Logan its kind of crazy yet hilarious. I love being in their home and just laughing with a good family. I feel like being on my mission has really opened my eyes to how many ways families are brought up and how they all work in their own ways. I am very grateful to be out here in Chillicothe and to feel of their strength. It is not an easy place to live and still live our religion. Although things here are pretty tough most of the time, I was filled with such gratitude this morning as I realized how much I really do love being out here. I realize that I am approaching my 1 year mark here this week and it really blows my mind. Looking back I love alll the people I have met, the places I have been, the testimonies that have changed my life, some of the gross places I will never forget, the heartache I will never forget, the strength I continue to build, the lives I hope to change/impact for the better and the deeper happiness I continue to feel every day. Thank you everyone for the letters you send, the packages I receive, the prayers you say for me and my companions and the love I feel. I love you all so very much and cant really express how grateful I am!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Love,
Your Sistaaaaa Larson
No comments:
Post a Comment