7.22.13

So we received transfer calls on Saturday. I am staying in Parma with Sis Aamodt. Our area has split and we are losing the Vale wards as well as the Owyhee ward and they are placing elders in that area. This makes me pretty sad because I really have grown to love the people of those wards. Glen is a member of the Owyhee ward and I am really sad that I will not be able to see him through to baptism. Sister Aamodt and I were discussing Glen and his progress the other day, however, and were saying that we felt that we were not "his missionaries" and that it would take a different set to help him to finally be prepared for baptism. We visited with him for the last time yesterday and shared Matthew 16 with him. He is very inspired by the Apostle Peter. We also showed him the Bible Video that goes with that scripture. It was a really neat lesson. He is very in tune with the spirit and I know that he will be a wonderful member and participant in Christ's Gospel. 

This week we also visited with a 90 year-old gentleman who recently lost his wife. He is not a member (his wife is) and will not listen to the lessons but he enjoys the spirit that we bring. He loves his wife dearly and wants so badly to be with her, but he will not accept the gospel. He is very sweet though and my heart just hurts for him. He has told us countess stories of his life growing up during thee depression and serving in WWII and marrying his sweetheart and building her a house from scratch. I love little old men and I especially love Karl. 

Overall it has been a pretty good week. We also started teaching a 13 year-old boy named Brandon. Brandon decided a few months ago that he doesn't believe in God because there is no evidence. SO last night we began teaching him about our Heavenly Father and His love for us. we will be going back tonight to teach about faith. As we taught and shared our personal experiences, we could see his little heart softening and seeking the truth. This is the miracle of missionary work. It is amazing to see the spirit touch and change hearts and lives. 

I am so blessed to be serving the Lord and serving his wonderful children here. I know that hard times come. Believe me, I know. But I am learning to let go of my stubborn need to always be in control, and allow the Lord to take the lead in my life. I know that he is mindful and he is blessing each of us in ways that we do not even realize. This week at district meeting our zone leader shared a quote "there is no growth in the comfort zone and there is no comfort in the growth zone" and that is the gospel truth! I know that the Lord is helping me to become who he wants me to be.