April 5, 2012    April is Almost Over....?!?!

This past week went by so quickly, with the temple open house schedule we have, we stay very busy every single day. On Wednesday last week, I got to see my sisters I love deeply, Sister Dodd, Sister Hall and her comp Sister Kavea. I talked to Sister Hall and Kavea in the hall for about an hour, just laughing and catching up. They're so awesome. Sister Dodd and I didn't have nearly enough time, like always, to catch up but I truly love that girl. I met a Baptist couple from St. Joe that had just gone through the temple and had TONS of questions. I sat at their table for almost an hour and a half chatting about their numerous questions. It was a lot of fun talking to them! At first I didn't know if they were asking me questions just to antagonize me but as I talked with them longer, we developed a really great friendship. We exchanged information and the husband said I must be one smooth talker cause his wife never gives out her info haha. What can I say, I'm good! ;-) After our shift, we were waiting for our ride out by the main street to come pick us up and were approached by a guy who was walking down the street. He had scriptures from our church in his hand and was quite friendly. We continued talking and quickly realized he was one of the guys who has been handing out information that goes against our church. I asked him questions, kind of bantered back and forth while Sister Barnum was mainly quiet because she couldn't stand what the guy was saying about our church. She did say a couple of things to him but I did most of the talking. I truly was interested in why this guy would take so much of his time and energy to preach against our church. He could quote scriptures, past general conferences, books....he was very intelligent. One sad thing he believes is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints doesn't fully understand the Atonement. I laughed as I asked him if he had ever read the Book of Mormon because that book is FULL of teachings about the atonement. He said he'd read it, he did admit to reading all his literature with a totally skeptical view to use against the church though. I just hope that one day he has a change of heart and really opens that book only to see how much MORE we understand about Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. It really helped me deepen my testimony after talking to him, I thought that was pretty funny too since he was hoping to weaken it :) What doesn't break you only makes you stronger!

Friday while working at the temple, it was Odessa Ward all day!! It was so fun seeing old friends and members I haven't seen in forever. Although people did keep saying to me, "you're still out?? I thought you went home by now!" haha...thanks....haha. One member went on about when he got home from his mission and his challenges he went through, gave me all this advice/tips. I didn't really know what to do about it cause I have been in denial that my ending mark is coming that quick. It may have rocked me a little bit on Saturday but it is okay, i have to face reality some day right? I also saw a friend Dusty and his cute family, from the Liberty 1st ward that I would just randomly talk to in the halls in church when I was in Liberty 2nd. He moved to Tennessee when I left Liberty and was in town for the weekend! It was so fun, he is such a good guy and always felt like a brother. Gotta love little run ins like that, the temple brings people together that is for sure! That night we went on a tour with our Tuesday night family, the Hamilton's. Catherine and her two oldest girls came with their kids and then her husband Neal came and their other daughter Kenzie with her boyfriend. I just love this family so much and they all were excited to be at the temple. In the Celestial room, Neal was lingering and truly looking around. His eyes were a little teary eyed and took a moment to look in the eternity mirrors...his heart is so ready to accept the gospel. Now it is all about timing for him and the rest of the family. Kenzie said that she really liked the baptism room and the "chandelier" room the most. She was glowing and so happy afterwards. I am excited to see what comes of the temple trip and how they will continue to change.

Sunday one of our investigators Michelle felt sick during church and went straight home with the Leonard's. We ended up going over there later because she felt better but it ended up being a rough afternoon. She opened up about her 2 twins that passed away 11 years ago and went through all of their stuff that she had from when they were in the hospital. They were born at 6 months pregnant and didn't survive. After she showed us some pictures and other little booklets she had for them, she had a breakdown and started getting scared. She has such a weight on her shoulders from this event and when she talked about it, it was like the dam broke and the water came rushing down. We tried to help her, calmed her down a bit but really just wanted to show her we care about her. It was a needed experience since she hasn't really let us in her heart at all. The Lord will be helping her so much and I know that she will feel a change in her life soon.

Lastly, yesterday was Liberty 2nd day at the temple :) I just love that ward! I see Sister Biven a lot while working and she just makes me smile all the time. She gave me an Easter basket last month when we had our zone conference, she just has a heart of gold!! Love that woman. I have gotten so close to some of the people working at the temple and others who have come through. I am sad that this is the last week of the temple open house....I will miss it. I cant even believe that I am a missionary here at this time! I am so blessed. I don't know what I did to deserve such blessings but I am grateful.

I love you all and cant express my deep love for everyone who supports me! Thank you!!! :)

love,

Sistaaaaaa Larson