Love :)

This last week was filled with lots of things - lots of good things! :)  Here's a little break down:

Monday night - Tuesday: Sister Keyes and I got permission to go on exchanges with the Richland STL's, so I got to go back to the area I started in!  They're even still in the same apartment I was in while I was serving there!  It was crazy to go back.  I never thought I would have the opportunity to go back to my first area while on my mission.  I got to see a young man and his family that I helped prepare for baptism while I was there.  I also got to see a couple of members that went out with us, and the mother of a recent convert family that the sisters there just baptized a few weeks ago!  It was great!  That recent convert really inspired me.

Wednesday: Zone Conference!  Blessings came in multiple forms at Zone Conference.  First of all, the people.  I got to see Sister Walker (who I trained) and all the Sisters in our zone!  Love them all!  I also got to see more members from the Florence Ward because they provided and served us our lunch!  It was so wonderful to see them again! :)

Second of all, the spirit and topic.  The theme of Zone Conference was "The Book of Mormon - Key to Conversion."  My testimony of the Book of Mormon and the power it has was renewed and refreshed.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that with out it we wouldn't have a lot of the answers we have today.  I know that if we read it with a search for good and truth, we will be touched and strengthened. Our ability to stay firm in our faith in the Savior and His gospel will increase.  Our love for Him will grow.  We will want to do better and we will be happier.  I have felt this difference as I have committed to reading from the Book of Mormon every day, and to finish it by the end of the transfer (next Tuesday).

Thursday: We had the wonderful opportunity to meet some wonderful members of the Jackson Branch.  They are less active, but they are great people and hopefully we will see them back at church soon!  We also found some new investigators!  Hopefully they will go through with their return appointments next week and we will be able to keep teaching them!

Friday - Saturday: We went on exchanges with the Sisters in Brandon!  Sister Booth came to Jackson with me.  We had an awesome couple of days!  I learned a lot from Sister Booth.  She goes home at the end of this transfer, but you would never know it.  She is one of the most calm and peaceful, really peaceful, missionaries I have ever seen in their last couple weeks of their mission.  When people ask her how she feels about going home she says, "I'm excited to go home, but I'm more excited to see what I can do with the rest of my mission."  Sister Booth is younger than me, but she is such an example to me.  I hope I can have that attitude and spirit as I continue serving.

Sunday: [Our golden family] got back from vacation Saturday night and came to church Sunday morning!  They had been gone all week to Florida, and when we asked if they were going to make it to church they didn't respond because they wanted to surprise us.  Unfortunately we went to the Jackson Branch since we thought they weren't going to make it, but then they went!  So we missed seeing them at church since they go to the Madison ward, but we were still so happy to hear that they went anyways without us!

We also found out that they obeyed the Word of Wisdom the whole time they were on vacation!  We taught it to them right before they left, and even with family offering them coffee, they didn't drink it!  And [the husband] got lemonade instead of tea!  Wahoo!! We were so proud of them!! :)  AND they usually go shopping on Sundays, but because we also had taught them about keeping the Sabbath day holy, they just stayed home! Wow!!  Talk about faith and immediate obedience!  [This family is] the most prepared people I have ever met!  They're amazing examples, and will be totally ready for baptism on August 30th! We love them! :)


So that was the week!  I have been greatly inspired and recommitted to serving with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.  I know that we really do have to serve with all of those things. The scripture is so true that says, "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt 16:25)  Service heals.  I know it heals.  It is the key to having our hearts love.  President Uchtdorf said,"As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Chris-tlike love, something wonderful happens to us.  Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger."  I know that's true.

I love you all and hope that you will feel of that Christ-like love in your hearts this week!  Love you!