But this week we really did see some exciting things happen! First off, we have been working with Jasmin, a less active member who hadn't come to church in YEARS. The Bishop's wife, Lauren, is her visiting teacher, and hadn't been able to contact her for like two years, so having our first lesson with her was a miracle. Lauren came and just boldly let her know that she should be at church and her life will be blessed. And Jasmin and her 10 year old daughter, Natalia, came for the first time two weeks ago! Anyway, Natalia wants to be baptized! So we went on Saturday and set her with a date! August 28th! She's so excited! We explained what baptism means and asked what she thought and she said, "I just really want to do it! I'm excited!" It was so tender! :) She's reading in the Book of Mormon with her mom every night and saying her prayers. Yesterday they went to the temple visitors center with some of the other members and she didn't want to leave :) Jasmin texted us after and said, "I made a new friend!" It was so cute. I love them!
Another miracle. Rosio Ayala. She and her husband have been investigating for a while and her husband isn't super interested right now, he's sort of hot and cold. But he's very supportive of his wife and kids learning, he just feels pressured by commitments, which is lame. Anyway. This week we were able to take a member and her
We did service this week! We cut food and helped a member cook for a big project one of the YW is doing! It was so fun! We really bonded with the member and then yesterday at church she came running up to us and gave us huge hugs, I'm telling you, it's like going to church with your best friends. I love it. While we were serving she also offered to host an FHE at her house, so tonight Rosio and her husband and their kids are going over :) It's awesome!
Hermana Huey is great. We are both trying so hard to do our best and things are getting better and better. It's been an exhausting couple of weeks, but I'm grateful for them. The Lord challenges us to help us understand who we really are. I feel like I am discovering more of who I am and who the Lord needs me to be this transfer, and it has been a huge blessing.
My testimony this week is about the song "Because I Have Been Given Much". We were listening to it on the way to church yesterday and I just started thinking about lots of things. Primarily, that I have been given much. And I am so grateful. Second, that I, too, must give. I have found myself fall to my knees so many times on my mission asking what more I can give? Haven't I given my all already? I have nothing left! Everything is already Yours, Father. What more can I give? And the next day, BAM! Another challenge. Another struggling brother or sister, someone in need of love and comfort and the message of the Restoration. And from somewhere deep down, I find more to pull out and give. I don't know how it happens. But the Lord gives us more. We spend so much time waiting on the Lord, to feel full again, and really, we are never empty. The Comforter fills us with all we need. I am so grateful for that. The other day I was driving and I felt that familiar tired-ness behind my eyeballs and thought, man, this is never going to go away, is it? Answer: probably not. But you keep going anyway. This week I received many tender assurances that I am where I need to be at this time. Come what may and love it. Live simply and love fully.
I know that this church is the true church, that it has been Restored though Joseph Smith and that we have a living prophet today. I know through the Holy Ghost which teaches the truth of all things. It's as simple as that! :)
much love!
Hermana Clark