Wow...learning lots and watching time fly

Good news!  This Saturday we have three wonderful people getting baptized!  I think one of the highlights of last week was meeting with them, the Bishop, and his daughter . . .  Saturday night.  We showed them the baptismal font and went over details for the baptism.  We also taught them about fasting, tithing, and keeping the Sabbath day holy, and invited them to fast as the next day was fast Sunday.  They all accepted and two of them made it the whole day!  . . . . I love seeing the faith of the investigators as they try their best to do the things you teach.  This family doesn't have very much, but they are good people trying to follow the Lord.  I love them with all of my heart and am so excited for them to get baptized on Saturday!

Sister Meek and I have also increased our number of lessons again, and have done better every week!  We ended up with 22!  Sister Meek said that that was the first time she's gotten over 20 lessons so far, and I'm so happy I could be a part of that with her!  I hope we can continue to improve our work!

I also can't believe that it is already almost transfer time.  I will find out this Friday or Saturday where I will be next transfer and who I will be with.  That also means that next week p-day will be on Tuesday.  (That will happen every week that is transfer week.)  I have mixed feelings about leaving and staying.  I think at this point I would be happy either way.  There is so much work to be done here, and I love the ward and the area, and my companion has been good.  I also know there are a lot of new areas opening up and it is exciting to start somewhere new too.  Also, my district leader has been teasing me that I will start training next transfer.  I really don't think that is going to happen, but I will let you know all the details next week!

Things are going well here!  It's definitely not peaches and cream, and there are hard times, but the work is moving forward.  One more thought... it's been impressed upon me multiple times since entering the mtc how important it is to be active in reaching out to the members  - both active and less active.  I have seen how important it is that the "inner vessel" is strong before you can strengthen and increase the "outer vessel."  My invitation, encouragement, and plea to all of you is to reach out to those around you, especially the less active.  Be a visiting and home teacher.  Be a friend.  You will change multiple lives by reaching out to just one, I promise you that.  Find one person to talk to, invite, and love this week.  One of the greatest missionaries I've met out here is a mother in the ward.  She is a great example to me of reaching out.  I'll end by quoting the words of one of my favorite songs: "How can I keep this gift to myself when I could lift somebody else.  I am a witness of His miracles and His mercies.  I put my future in His hands, knowing He's made me all I am.  I put my faith in Him and truth begins to speak.  His power is real.  It moves me until I will not be still."

Shine your light and reach out, and may The force be with you!