The storms aren't going to stop us...we're going to stop the storms!

Hello again!

I can't believe another week has gone by!  Sister Meek and I decided that we were going to have an awesome week and were stoked to get out and work!  Well we had some "storms" hit - meaning hard times.  People were canceling appointments everyday, the weather did get a little fussy, and there was time that turned out to not be as productive as we had planned or hoped.  However, mid way through the week I decided we weren't going to let the storms stop us anymore!  That's when I said, "The storms aren't going to stop us!......We're going to stop the storms!"  Sister Meek laughed at me, but I laughed too.

Friday night was interview night with the mission President and he'd previously asked every missionary to set two goals and pick a Christ-like attribute to work on.  I came out of that interview with 3 goals and 2 Christ-like attributes to work on. :)  Yes I have a lot to work on, but I was excited about it because they were exactly - and I mean exactly - what I needed.  One of my goals is to write down 10 blessings or "gratitudes" in my journal every night.  I've been doing that and have been amazed at how easy it is to get to 10!  As I look over the past week, I realize that there were WAY more blessings and miracles than hard times.  Those storms turned out to produce more flowers than mud.  I can't tell you how many times Sister Meek and I have gone to visit a less active and have instead found a non-member who let us share something about the gospel with them. . . .

Also, I got a phone call from my district leader on Wednesday and ended up talking with the first councilor of the bishopric in our ward.  Guess who gets to speak on the recent World-wide Broadcast about missionary work this next Sunday??  Yes, I do.  They figured out I was there for the Broadcast so they decided they wanted me to speak.  I'm excited and nervous, but overall humbled and hope that I can express what the Lord wants me to.  It's just interesting because a lot of the feelings I got during the broadcast were about things I want to do when I get home or things I wish I would have done while I was home.  Hopefully that means I'll be able to relate to the members as I talk to them.

So many experiences happen out here and I've re-learned once again that you CAN'T judge the heart of a person by their outward appearance.  Another thing I've learned is that helping those who are less active become active again is just as important as helping people join the church. . . .  Things are going well so far, so hopefully they continue to!  Also, I hit my one month mark since leaving home on Friday!  It's amazing to me that I'm already one month in!

Well, time flies when you're having fun, and when you're working hard. :)  . . . Keep the faith and remember that the Lord loves you!