Week 54? (although i'm not
sure because my blog hasn't been updated in a few...) \
Hello friends. This was a
really wonderful week. It was colder, we moved apartments, i got to see
president, recovered from my cold, had many revelations, and had some really
great spiritual experiences with my companion that built our unity.
First: Moving apartments.
Saturday was probably one of my top 5 best days on the mission. The morning of,
we had interviews with President. Then we booked it back to Tayabas from Lucena
City to get ready for the move. Sister Bennion and I were right there helping
the elders move the desks and beds and everything. As we were moving, we were
laughing and really just having a great time. So i thought to myself- what is
it about being around GREAT friends that makes me that happy? I thought about
times in the scriptures when friendships have been centered on love for Jesus
Christ. That was us while we were moving- disciples of Jesus Christ working
hard and staying busy and just uplifting each other. So i went hunting in the
scriptures for an answer to my question. Then i stumbled upon the story of
David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel. They were such good friends, that it says their
"souls were knit together." And they proved valiant in doing what was
right despite the persecution of King Saul. They delighted greatly in seeing
each other. I really felt like that the other day. I am so grateful for the
influence of good friends I have been blessed with here on the mission. It was
such a tender mercy to just laugh all day!
Second:
Revelations/Companionship Unity: So. The first week in a new companionship is
always interesting. Because you have to take time to get to know each other. I
was super sick on Wednesday with my cold that came back, so Sister Bennion and
I were ordered to stay in. And while we were in, we began packing up the house
for the move. We got to talking, and I just felt impressed to open up to her
with some things I have been struggling with personally. So as we talked, i
opened myself up to her. And i felt her opening up more to me. We talked about
the things we have been learning, the things were are struggling to learn, and
the things we hope to learn. It was such a good conversation. After that, she
encouraged me to pray for peace and hand over my trust to my Heavenly Father.
She felt like that would help me feel less anxious. So in preparation for my
prayer, I listed and thought about all of the things I can't control about the
work and other current circumstances. Then I had a very sincere conversation
with Heavenly Father in which I was receiving answers during the times I was
listening. It was such a neat experience. After the prayer, I felt like a huge
burden had been lifted off of me. I could think more clearly, and I felt peace
in my heart like my work was acceptable to Him. I am so grateful for how
inspired President Mangum is. Especially that he put me together with Sister
Bennion. Turns out we are very similar(: And now that we know that, we have
been working to help each other overcome weaknesses as we enjoy these last few
months. I love her.
Third: Interviews with
President: He is so inspired. He began the interview asking me about insights I
had received from conference. We talked about that for a while and as I was
sharing with him questions that I received answers to during conference,. he
taught me some things. He thanked me for my love for Heavenly Father. He talked
about how he felt from knowing me and hearing from me and the sisters that work
with me that I have a great love for him. Then he taught me something very
valuable. Satan twists very good intentions in very subtle ways. For example:
my love for my Heavenly Father drives me to work hard and want to do everything
I can. But in doing that, I often feel overwhelmed at what still needs to be
done and get lost in the doing, so much so that i begin not to enjoy doing His
work as much as I should. President asked me to take a few steps back and just
have a really good last few months. He shared with me a personal experience
about His Father that really touched me. He also prayed that As i was climbing
this mountain, looking towards the peak, if Heavenly Father would please remind
me to look back at where I came from and how far I had climbed. I love him. It
was such a powerful spiritual experience that is helping me overcome my
weaknesses.
This was just such a perfect
week. I feel so different now. One of those times where you feel that you have
changed in a big way and it's having fast results. I feel so at peace and happy
with just the smallest things that we are blessed with. I hope you all have a
great week filled with insights like mine from last week. It has made such a
difference! This is my new favorite scripture:
33 And ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen.
Love
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| one of the senior couples came to help us move and he has a CAMERA! I was so happy. |
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| Buying some stuff at SM( the malls here) for our apartment! The workers just follow the foreigners around asking to help and wishing we would buy more stuff. So actually, we feel that the SM's are so convenient. They have everything! You can get a haircut, go to the doctor, buy mangos and pay your water bill in the same place! |
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| Lunch with the office Elders. They are so much fun! |
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| at interviews with President and Sister Magnum and my new companion sister Benion |
Sister Gaspar de Alba
