another week passed. I am still so boggled on how time works. I've been in Morristown for the past two months and it's been the BEST two transfers of my mission!! I've learned more than I ever thought I'd learn and worked harder than I ever thought I could possibly work. Last night we had our first ever transfer conference call..and yes, you guessed it..I'm getting a new companion BUT I will be STAYING in Morristown as a sister training leader !! LOTS of tears shed last night and I'm one million percent sure that New Jersey is only going to flood with more today and tomorrow. I have been changed for the better because of Hermana Virgin!! I don't know what I'm going to do without her..Although, I'm sooo excited for my new companion..we are literally the same person!!! Which could either be good or bad. We will see.
These past two weeks have been a test..a really hard one too. Ever since we waged our all out war against Satan we've seen and been through unimaginable things. We are on the front lines against the adversary. Little does he know this is only making our testimonies soar. These past few week we were suppose to have five baptisms. Unfortunately, they all fell through. Hard things came up right before they were about to take an amazing step and they chose to choose the easier left rather than the harder right. One of our investigators asked us " why do hard things have to come right before we take our next step. " my first thought to myself was "well that's just life" but then I realized yuh know what, no. We are being tested! I thought back to the good old days when my biggest worry in life was defeating bowser and saving princess peach on my gameboy. I also remembered how right as you're about to go to the next level you have to make your way through the castle avoiding all the little obstacles (i.e. the Venus fly trap monster things, the ghosts and all the fireballs) and in the end you face bowser! The closer we get to going onto the next level the harder it gets. The more correct path Mario takes the harder it gets. Sometimes you die and have to go through the castle multiple times..but it gives you experience so that next time you know what you can do better.! It can be frustrating and super crazy annoying..sometimes we even set the game down and give up..but we always pick it back up! Eventually you beat bowser and you move onto the next level. Never did I ever imagine myself using Mario to describe my thoughts..I guess playing video games do help you out in the end after all ;) Anyhoo, It's a test!!. Are we really ready to move on? Do we really trust our Heavenly Father in this mortal journey to get us through hard times? Do we really understand that He only tests us to make us stronger..to give us experience?
Mosiah 23:21-23
21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
22 Nevertheless--whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.
23 For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God
I've been learning a lot about agency..and how hard it can be as a missionary to watch someone use their agency. Although, I am learning to find peace in it..because I know that we did all we could for the people here in Morristown. As much as it pains my soul when someone gives up the good fight I know we did our part to try and help them. I think agency is quite a beautiful thing..we were watching the restoration video and how Joseph smith was tarred and feathered but he still chose JOY. He sacrificed more than we know just to do the will of God. He went through things I can't even imagine and yet he still chose to keep pushing forward, to smile and to love!!! CHOOSE HAPPINESS!! .we can choose to be happy..we know our Heavenly Father loves us. We know we are not alone in this journey. The atonement is absolutely beautiful. The gospels is just WONDERFUL. Are we choosing to be happy even when times are hard? Do we know that God can help us overcome everything? Do you know he's by your side?
I can testify as a representative of Jesus Christ that He is by our sides. He never leaves. He is patient and loving. Never do we need to feel hopeless or alone. I love this gospel and the joy it's brought into my life. I'm grateful for our prophet today. I know he is prophet chosen by God!! I love you all!
Have a great week!
Xx.
Lots of pictures this week.
+ exchanges in Newton with sister Charles! (We got an investigator by
asking him to take this picture!)
+ dinner with Edgar from Guatemala
+ my favorite family from El Salvador
+ making s'mores over our stove right before transfer calls
+ Polaroids with Josúe
+ listening to transfer calls. :(
