This last week has been one of adjustment. It's interesting how even though I know this is where I'm supposed to be right now, I'm still having to work hard and struggle a little to find what my new purpose is for Jackson. I was in Shreveport for so long (7 months), and was surrounded by a good number of missionaries who went home at the end of the transfer, that I guess that "going home" mentality really hit me. It kind of felt like I was thrown into a storm or a fog. Like I know that I'm supposed to take this journey, and I know in the big scheme of things what my goal is, but I'm just unsure of what specifics I'm supposed to accomplish along the way. It seriously has felt like a preparation for what I might feel when I come home haha.
That being said, I have had so many blessings in coming here. Ranging from a softer bed and a study desk (haven't had one of those on my mission yet), to having outgoing mail at our apartment complex (don't have to go to the post office), to living about 7 minutes away from President and Sister McDonough's home. I know those things sound funny, but I really feel so blessed!
I also have a great companion who has strengths in things I've been praying about improving on, so that's also a blessing! I also found out that we get to help with the new missionaries that come in on the Monday they come before transfers on Tuesday. What a blessing!
Another interesting thing about Jackson is that there is both a ward and a branch here. The ward is called the Madison ward, and then there is the Jackson branch. Our area that Sister Keyes and I cover is in the Madison ward, but it is also right next to the Jackson branch. The Jackson branch currently has two sets of Elders serving there, but no sisters. They want sisters SO bad. So, Sister Keyes and I are kind of guinea pigs to see if there is enough work there for a set of sisters to be called there. I've never lived or served in a branch before, so this is kind of an answer to a secret bucket list item of mine :) Sister Keyes and I still are trying to figure out to what extent and in what ways we should be involved with the Jackson Branch, but we both feel that there is a role for us to play in helping those people. So I'm excited to see what happens!
As far as teaching goes, we are currently teaching a wonderful family! [The mother and father] are both from Mexico, but [the mother] grew up here in the US. They have two adorable girls [ages 4 & 2]. They are seriously the cutest, best family. I feel like I'm on "The District" movies sometimes when we are teaching them. They are great! They came to church for the first time two weeks ago before I got here and loved it. Yesterday they came again and I had so much fun sitting with them and helping with their girls. It totally took me back to my growing up days...being with my Mom and helping with my younger siblings. I loved it :) [The parents] fit right in and have a baptism date for August 9th. It's exciting! [The father] had never gone to church before meeting [the mother] so basically has no religious background. [The mother] grew up Catholic but she didn't agree with some of the things she was taught. They both love how they feel in the lessons and at church though, and I know that they have been prepared for this gospel. :)
Well that's about it for this week. I am still learning and working on figuring out my purpose here at this time, but I know that there is a reason I am here now. I know that the Lord has prepared something for me to do , and prepared me for something to be done. I know this is His work and that as we move forward with faith and hope, trusting in His promises, we will find that purpose and grasp the joy we all are striving to have.
No comments:
Post a Comment