What...a...WEEK. So many emotions and so many blessings and I don't even know what to say first. As I said last week, I have a new companion and I am now senior companion in this area of Bethel, Maine! Her name is Sister Black and she is from Provo. She has 9 siblings and man...she is a hoot. We get along very well and she just understands me and my humor which makes things so great :) oh, and she's been telling me a lot about the Topsham ward and the Bath area which has been lovely. I LOVE to hear about the fruits of my labors in that area! She's filling me in on so many different people and how the people I found/taught are progressing and are still being taught! It's amazing to hear those things and to be told that my efforts meant something. But sister black has been in a bit of a culture shock since she's coming from Bath where everyone lives close together and the members live around you. Ohhhh how I know what she's feeling...whew! This area truly is a doozy.
You should all be shocked that you're receiving an email from me this week due to the devastatingly low temperatures. HOW did I not get frostbite. How did I not have to amputate a limb. It was -30 degrees with wind chill which made it even colder. Then we go to church where the heat was broken so everyone had their winter coats on and we all sat there shivering smiling through the pain :,) I went up to bear my testimony and pointed out that "if we all didn't have a testimony of Jesus Christ, we wouldn't be sitting here. We would be in our warm beds. We are all freezing to death, yet here we are in church because it's where we need to be." It's amazing to recognize the faith of these members and of the saints here in the Oxford ward! They all live quite a ways from the church yet they know the importance of coming to church. My testimony of church attendance has grown so much...Man.
Can I just remind everyone of something? We are so loved. We have a Heavenly Father who watches over us and loves us and helps us and strengthens us and comforts us and reassures us and protects us and WOW we are so blessed. I have seen all of these things given to me just this past week...I have relied almost completely upon Him this week as I've struggled adapting to my new companion and my new responsibilities and all that fun stuff. I am so thankful for this challenge and for the variety of things I am learning! I could NOT do it without my Savior and I could NOT do it without the prayers and uplifting words from you all at home. #iamblessed
Here is the miracle...every day this week has been so full and so good and we've stayed so productive and it has been glorious. I was so stressed and nervous about leading a new sister around but I have felt the hand of the Lord help me every single day! I am so thankful! We taught the plan of salvation using the Bible at our bible study at the nursing home. We are so sneaky...and they loved it!!! It is so rewarding to see them learn and listen to us in amazement as we talk about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!
Brother and Sister McLaren are getting sealed this Wednesday in the temple! Holy guacamole I can't even explain to you how exciting this is. Sister McLaren has come SUCH a long say since I've been here and I have admired her growing testimony and her desire to grow closer to our Heavenly Father. She is so giddy and excited about getting sealed this week! I wish I could go with her but President Stoker said I live too far away from the temple. :( I can't wait to hear about their experience!!!
Well, that's really all I have to say this week. I love you all and I hope to hear from you soon! In case you forgot, people still write letters.
Postal mail is still a thing. 750 North Road Bethel, Maine 04217
.....WOW these are the only pictures I have from this past week. Fail.
Don't ask. This was our first picture taken together sorry sorry sorry
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