July 13, 2011 What a wonderful week it has been...

and so many miracles! Our mission has decided to keep track of the number of people we talk to and invite to read The Book of Mormon to come to church with us. The mission has asked us to contact at least 15 people each day. I thought I was talking to everyone and making the effort to reach out to people even if it required some awkward situations and going out of our way. However, this week I realized that I am literally talking to everyone. This one time I saw someone across this busy street to talk to them and I just ran across, leaving my companion behind. ha ha! Of course my companion could still see me and possibly hear me. We had met some really awesome, prepared people to hear the Restored Gospel and of course some really interesting people. It's always fun!!

Sister Lauren Kimball

with President and Sister Blanchard. He was the Puget Sound Branch President but was released because of their call to serve a mission in New Mexico at the beginning of July. We also lived with them for a couple of weeks when I first came to Lake Forest Park.

Letter dated July 12, 2011

Sunday night we went to what our mission calls," cottage meetings " at our mission home. There are speakers that have recently joined the Church and they share their stories of their conversion. We brought Jessica. It was awesome ! The speakers were wonderful and so full of faith and happiness. The common theme that drew them into the Church was the Churchs' emphasis and importance on eternal families. The teaching of our children correct morales and principles and the knowledge that families can be eternal through ordinances and covenants made in our Temples. Jessica really enjoyed it. We had a lesson with her yesterday and it went so well. She told us that she can now say with conviction. She knows the Book of Mormon is true and that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. The Spirit was so strong as we listened to her and then testified to her over the power of the Atonement. She is moving along beautifully.

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER

I am so grateful for eternal families. I know the Church is true. I know that families can be together FOREVER ! Obedience is true happiness !

4th of July

Later that day Sister Eaton and I went to the bishop's house for dinner. They shot off a few fireworks but nothing too big cuz it was still light out and we (missionaries) had to be in by 6:00 p.m. Around 9:45 p.m we went to our roof and watched fireworks until bedtime! Don't worry, the roof has tables and chairs and such. It was an awesome view, especially since we live in Seattle and everyone was shooting them off right by us! It was cool! I wish pictures could capture it... Well I hope you all had a great fourth of July!! I sure did !! I am so grateful that our nation has the freedom to choose religion. I have been reflecting over and over again this past week about Joseph Smith and just how prepared our nation was for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a prophet, Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that he was prepared and called of God to restore Christ's Church to the earth once again. I know that we all can gain a witness of this for ourselves through prayer, pondering and reading of The Book of Mormon. I KNOW IT IS TRUE!!!
I came to find out that mostly all fireworks are illegal in Washington, however, there is a huge Indian reservation which the police have no control especially in Marysville and that's where I was last year.

Just a little soccer with our district

Yesterday was a great day! We have been having excellent weather!! We have a high of 75 which was perfect for a day with our district...we played soccer and ate pizza. We had more things planned but everything was closed( 4th of July weekend ).

Oh, more exciting news!

Merhawi, the recent convert in April, passed the sacrament for the first time on Sunday. As I saw him pass the sacrament, I was so happy! Tears just filled my eyes. I thought to myself, if this is the ONLY REASON why I came out on a mission to be a witness to this-----I've fulfilled my purpose!

Sister Eaton and I are staying together.

WE are companions through 3 transfers! But Hey, we aren't complaining, we love each other and we are doing great here. We love the people and we are still able to do sign language. We're so excited for another transfer together.

It's all worth it !

Later I reflected on the day and how much we helped people. I know my days eventually won't always be like this but I am so glad to be on the Lord's errand, to lift others' burdens and to teach His true and everlasting Gospel.

IT'S ALL WORTH IT! It really brings the greatest joy !! Words just cannot describe it. It feels so good to serve!

Attitude, love, understanding and compassion for the people and the Gospel makes all the difference.

Crazy Week !

Well this week was crazy for us! Seriously crazy! We are so busy and so many people need our help and the Spirit guided us to be in the right place at the right time. Despite the craziness of the week and the exhausting days, I am filled with JOY!

One day we were consistently going with meetings, teaching Ben and Jessica, serving, helping people move, and finding. I felt overwhelmed Wednesday morning as I thought about all the people that were in need of help. All at once ward members were turning to us for help. I wasn't sure how we were going to do it all and on top of it all, my companion was not feeling well. I prayed to Heavenly Father for help and then I sat and listened. I felt this subtle peace come over me and a soft voice whisper to me," Do what you can. I am with you. I will be your strength." Often we receive answers to our prayers that way and if we aren't listening for the answer; we miss it.I know we were able to do all that we did that day was because we both put our trust in our Heavenly Father.