15 months.
Hey! I love you all. I think you know that, but thought I should remind you!
This week has been crazy. So, Monday we visited Tracy, and we tried to be bold and firm with her, making it clear that the purpose of the lessons is to prepare her for baptism. She prayed to know, but didn't get a lightbulb moment. She hasn't lost hope that she will, but its a little discouraging, because she's had some health issues recently that she doesn't feel He's answers those prayers either :/ So keep her in your prayers that she can break through the blocks she has up from receiving her firm and clear answer.
We focused on being happy and hardworking missionaries in District Meeting, and one of the sisters said this: "If you're not a happy missionary, you're doing it wrong!" Which left an impression on me--it makes me evaluate what I can do to change my attitude, my obedience, my diligence, my circumstances (as far as my efforts can extend). I thought about today how we can offer a dandelion (our missionary heart and efforts) to the Lord and He will treasure it forever--even if its only a dandelion, not a full-bloom rose.
President Donaldson joined us in our area on Wednesday--we met him at Dave Stead's (his convert) house and had a lesson with him and Dave's son Mark, who is also less-active. It was so good, and I loved the opportunity to watch President Donaldson teach!
He gave a fireside that night as well, and Beryl and Douglas came (and brought a friend named Irene, a Russian girl). President's presentation was so bold and clear and filled with the Spirit, I was in awe! He had no clue about Beryl and Douglas' situation, but he hit the nail on the head! He had a really good conversation with them afterwards, totally invited them to just make the jump and be baptised--even volunteered to do it himself! He's invited them and Sis. Maxton down to the mission home for dinner and a conversation about the temple--because that's truly the blessings that the Whites are yearning to know and realise.
I just love President Donaldson :)
Oh, and Irene had many questions! She was raised Orthodox, but is estranged from the church--Sister Maxton took her home and they spoke about the gospel till midnight in the car! She asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon! So an English one got to her the day after, but we're hoping to make a rendezvous with her to give her a copy in Russian :) She's so sweet.
We had the crazy experience of trying by this potential investigator, who let us in at first contact, but we haven't been able to contact her since, until Friday. And we were barely in the door when she started saying that her neighbor was Christian and was missing attending church, because of her health condition, and was like, "Wait, you should meet her!" so she leaves us sitting in her lounge, goes next door and brings back her neighbor! That's how we met Ada, who has more written on her soul than on her skin. She has endured years of abuse, and now suffers from fibro myalgia because of it. She is the most sweet, genuine person though, and I just felt how much she needs and yearns for the closeness to God she used to have. She told me ('cause actually, I was pretty much teaching her on my own while my companion taught the original potential in a separate conversation in the same room!) that she had prayed to rekindle that feeling and the spirit she used to have, and she felt that we were an answer to her prayer! I love her so much already! Its amazing how Heavenly Father can help you instantly love someone--He helps you to feel a portion of what He feels for them.
I love you all so much--I haven't the time to say anymore, but you are all amazing! You have the makings of greatness in you--because YOU are a CHILD OF GOD!
Love always,
Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick
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