On November 18th Emma wrote: The Lord is Hastening His Work and we are going to rise up. This week at Zone Conference, we committed to new mission goals. Hermana Quinn and I are fully committed to keeping these goals. We know they are the Lord's vision for the Washington Spokane Mission. We get to teach 3 lessons every day, have four investigators in every Sacrament Meeting, find people everywhere, and (the most exciting part), baptize every week!
I know these goals are from the Lord. The Lord has asked all to "Come Follow Him." We are the instruments in helping others to hear those 3 simple words and help them start their path of following Him back to our loving Heavenly Father.
When we first opened this area I remember getting excited when we had 7 lessons in a week. When we were told we are to have 21 lessons every week I knew we would need some Heavenly Help! I thought it would maybe take some weeks to work up to 21 lessons per week, but I prayed and told the Lord I would do all I could to make it happen now. With the assurance that the Lord helps us as we do our best, we went to work.
Looking back at this week I know it was the Lord's hand that made it all possible. Somehow, through His help we had 21 lessons, 4 investigators at church, and a baptism! I can hardly believe it. This week was a LOT of work, but it was also guided by the spirit. I know that each lesson we were able to have was what the Lord wanted us to be doing! I can see it on the faces of those I teach when they feel the Spirit and when they learn the Truth. To have been able to have that happen 21 times this week is a miracle beyond all other miracles.
M.I.L.A.G.R.O.S (Spanish for Miracles) That is the only way I can explain this week.
Miracles are happening here! President Oaks visited our area and told of the miracles that would be coming. I saw it on Sunday! 97 people at church!!!! When, before they split the branch it was a huge day when they approached 60. MIRACLES!
I can't wait for more and more miracles to unfold. I wish I could tell you all about them! But it would take hours upon hours. Please pray for me that I may concentrate all my time to help others receive the boundless joys found in the Gospel of Christ.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!! THANKS FOR CHEERING ME ON!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
BAPTISM :D
Oftentimes I daydream about the Baptisms of my investigators. It is hard for me to call them my investigators, because deep in my heart I know they are truly and completely the Lord's. I can see the joy bursting from their hearts! I remember the JOY I felt on my Baptism Day and the undeniable power I felt come over me while being confirmed. A power that only can come from a Divine Gift from God. I remember the days when Kezi and Erika were baptized. Without a doubt, I knew that they were feeling the exact same feelings from their Heavenly Father.
On November 18th Emma wrote: This Saturday I get to watch Jorge enter the waters of Baptism. He has been preparing for this day for months! And the Lord has been preparing him even longer. I wish everyone could watch my investigator's conversion process. I wish everyone could see the miracles I have seen in the eyes of my investigators as peace was restored and their joy was expounded by the Gospel. It is simply breath-taking and my heart is racing.
I now am counting down the minutes and miracles until I get to watch Jorge's baptism. Then the next week Fernando will follow the same path. I can't wait to share with them the amazing experience they will have of making their first covenants! I can't wait for them to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to bless their lives in every moment. To be able to help others to receive this essential strength in life is something I am so humbled to be part of.
On November 18th Emma wrote: This Saturday I get to watch Jorge enter the waters of Baptism. He has been preparing for this day for months! And the Lord has been preparing him even longer. I wish everyone could watch my investigator's conversion process. I wish everyone could see the miracles I have seen in the eyes of my investigators as peace was restored and their joy was expounded by the Gospel. It is simply breath-taking and my heart is racing.
I now am counting down the minutes and miracles until I get to watch Jorge's baptism. Then the next week Fernando will follow the same path. I can't wait to share with them the amazing experience they will have of making their first covenants! I can't wait for them to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to bless their lives in every moment. To be able to help others to receive this essential strength in life is something I am so humbled to be part of.
JORGE IS NOW A MEMBER OF
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
I really do not believe I could feel much happier and blessed. When he received the Holy Ghost, the Spirit was so strong. I can hardly believe how blessed I am to be a missionary! His journey has been amazing and I feel so blessed to have walked a bit of it with him.
Fernando had the BIGGEST smile in the world during Jorge's baptism. As I taught the Gospel lesson his smile reassured me. He is so supportive! He is working so hard to help his friend Ramiro take the steps of conversion too.
Jorge was Baptized. That is what really matters! He was so happy and so grateful. On Sunday we taught a lesson to Jorge, Fernando, and Ramiro. Jorge was our member at the lesson. Best moment of my life. They were all giving the best of answers and sharing their thoughts about the Gospel. How can I explain to the world the essential value of Christ's gospel? I wish I could show the world the blessings it brings. Watching others grow closer to Christ and learn His teachings is the greatest miracle there is. It is indescribable.
What a completely perfect and beautiful and wonderful in every way week!!
BAPTISM DAY MIRACLES:
EMMA DID WHAT???
At the baptism I got to do a WHOLE LOT MORE than I ever thought I could do. Let me say, I depended on the Lord that day. Because of some confusion, the pianist for the baptism was told the wrong time... So, guess who was the pianist?! Hermana Phipps! WHAT?!?! I know, I never in my life would guess I would play the piano at a baptism. Wait a second, you are probably wondering how I played the piano... Must have been the Gift of Piano Interpretation or something? NO...it wasn't. I actually only played the first note for each song and the rest was acappella! All is well. Then, somehow, and I really am not sure how, Hermana Quinn decided it was a great idea to have me and her sing a song. UM WHAT? I don't do that! When was the last time I sang in front of people! Well,... she signed us up for that and then we only practiced 5 times (CRAZY WEEK). Then suddenly, it was time for me to be up in front of everyone singing harmony which Sister Quinn had written to "Come, Come Ye Saints" in Spanish. Again, I only practiced that 5 times! Well, that is one place where the Spirit really did help me. I couldn't have remembered the harmony without it. We hadn't even practiced it the day of the baptism! Well, I don't know if we sounded good, but I actually hit the notes I had not been able to hit! So that is something. Then... some other things happened that I had to depend on the strength of the Lord to get me through, (like having to impromptu teach the whole Gospel of Christ to everyone in Spanish at the Baptism). Whelp... I know that without the Lord, I AM SO WEAK!
LOVING AND SHARING -- DO IT!
On Sunday, we went to Yeimi, our 12 year old friend who is part of a part member family. We came to bring her English Scriptures to help with her Personal Progress. When we got there, her family table was jam packed with every Personal Progress and Youth Church material you would ever want and need! I LOVE THIS BRANCH!! The Scriptures just topped it off.
In other news, go help those who are less active. This is my simple plea. Because of the great love of one Visiting Teacher in our Branch, we are seeing doors opened that would be sealed shut without her. I can testify of Member Missionary work.
In other news, go help those who are less active. This is my simple plea. Because of the great love of one Visiting Teacher in our Branch, we are seeing doors opened that would be sealed shut without her. I can testify of Member Missionary work.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
MIRACLES!
I am starting to realize just how much MIRACLES are part of every day of a missionary's life. It is amazing. I have no doubt that the Lord's hand has been guiding me and Hermana Quinn daily. It is amazing!!!
Let me share with you one small but definitely stellar MIRACLE that happened yesterday. One of our investigators left for Seattle for the weekend and so we weren't able to see him for several days. We called him yesterday and he told us the most wonderful news I have ever received. While in Seattle he found the Spanish Speaking Branch and invited, and then took, some of his family to church. He told us this story with more excitement in his voice then I have ever heard. And let me tell you, Hermana Quinn and I were equally excited to hear every word.
This is no small MIRACLE to me! This is a manifestation of the Lord's way of guiding them and changing them forever. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL!! I am humbled by the idea that in some small way I might have helped our investigators on their way.
In other news... I gave a talk on Sunday, along with all the 8 other missionaries in the Branch. Whoooeee. I do not think I will ever be scared to give a talk in English ever again. I am still praying that those who listened could understand me!!
I have a lot to do to be better. But I'm 100% okay with that fact. That is what this life is for, to be more like my Savior. And it is "poco a poco" that we get there. I LOVE YOU!!
Love, Hermana Phipps
Let me share with you one small but definitely stellar MIRACLE that happened yesterday. One of our investigators left for Seattle for the weekend and so we weren't able to see him for several days. We called him yesterday and he told us the most wonderful news I have ever received. While in Seattle he found the Spanish Speaking Branch and invited, and then took, some of his family to church. He told us this story with more excitement in his voice then I have ever heard. And let me tell you, Hermana Quinn and I were equally excited to hear every word.
This is no small MIRACLE to me! This is a manifestation of the Lord's way of guiding them and changing them forever. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL!! I am humbled by the idea that in some small way I might have helped our investigators on their way.
In other news... I gave a talk on Sunday, along with all the 8 other missionaries in the Branch. Whoooeee. I do not think I will ever be scared to give a talk in English ever again. I am still praying that those who listened could understand me!!
I have a lot to do to be better. But I'm 100% okay with that fact. That is what this life is for, to be more like my Savior. And it is "poco a poco" that we get there. I LOVE YOU!!
Love, Hermana Phipps
TEMPLE TIME IN SPOKANE!
SPOKANE TEMPLE
I LOVE THE TEMPLE!!
On Tuesday November 12th Emma sent the following: This morning I went to the Temple. It was the perfect day to go too! While in the Temple I remembered that it was my 5 month Temple Endowment Anniversary! I loved going to the Temple. It has been four months since I have been in an English Session. But after doing it all in Spanish, I know I didn't need to worry much! The Temple here in Spokane is REALLY small. But I love it so much! It is a beautiful and powerful temple.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
ZION GROWS!!
My first Sunday I arrived in the Branch they announced the splitting of the Branch. I will never be able to forget that moment, that is when I first began to realize that the Lord has some amazing plans for this area. In the eight weeks since that Sunday so many amazing things have happened! I know the Lord is preparing this area for some amazing miracles and somehow I AM LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE PART of them!!
On Sunday, I was able to attend the dividing of the Branch. The Spirit was so strong. This coming Sunday each of the 9 missionaries left in the Indiana Branch will be giving talks on how we can answer the Lord's call to help His work grow here in Spokane. There is no doubt that He is expecting us to rise to this call. He has made it apparent in so many ways. He has given us members who are undeniably excited to do their part. Every activity they plan they have a focus on how it can help each member be stronger and how it can build the branch by inviting others to join in. He has placed 13 missionaries who do full time Spanish work where only 2 months ago, there were only 4 Spanish speaking missionaries and only 2 of them did purely Spanish. Where there used to be only one Branch the Lord has called for two! (Which is a very rare act indeed. Rarely ever do they divide a Branch, they would rather have it turned into a Ward.) I know these are all signs that these Branches are bound to GROW! Can you feel the Power?! I know I can.
During the dividing, the Stake President gave us a statistic that I could hardly believe. In 2004, the Mission President at that time had the thought to invite 4 Spanish speaking missionaries to his mission. This is when the Spanish work all started! The Branch wasn't even established until a few years later. The Branch began less than 10 years ago! I had no idea!! It has become so strong and grown so much in such a little time. I doubt I could ever dream of just how much more it is going to grow!!
Well, I am humbled. And oh, so very excited.
[Emma sent us two links with the message to "Please Watch This Video!" I did and loved it and cried. It reminded me of a favorite phrase that Rob Smith in our Ward says, "This Is Who We Are, This Is What We Do!!" Yes, some of us do not do these things, but as a whole, many do and much more. It is the goal of most Mormons to be part of this Great Work in any way that we can. Enjoy Emma's Video Link!!]
http://www.mormonchannel.org/introduction-to-the-church?v=2639016663001
[Emma wrote: "Here is a Talk I LOVE!" Emma has a favorite speaker and talk that she has loved for several years. She even bought his book! "Yearning for the Living God." Who is this wonderful speaker? F. Enzio Busche! There is a YouTube video of a talk he gave that has the best steps for growth and goodness that is all encompassing. Emma used to share it with me. Somehow Emma found this other talk of his. It was given in Emma's birth year. You can link up to this address below. I love the title: "The Joy of the Penetrating Light." I think that Emma is thoroughly enjoying sharing the Gospel Light and watching as it penetrates into the lives of others!! Enjoy this talk and search for his 10 (maybe more) Steps on YouTube if you get a chance. GREAT STUFF!! (These bracketed paragraphs were written my Mary Phipps to share added info.)]
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1984/10/the-joy-of-the-penetrating-light#watch=video
On Sunday, I was able to attend the dividing of the Branch. The Spirit was so strong. This coming Sunday each of the 9 missionaries left in the Indiana Branch will be giving talks on how we can answer the Lord's call to help His work grow here in Spokane. There is no doubt that He is expecting us to rise to this call. He has made it apparent in so many ways. He has given us members who are undeniably excited to do their part. Every activity they plan they have a focus on how it can help each member be stronger and how it can build the branch by inviting others to join in. He has placed 13 missionaries who do full time Spanish work where only 2 months ago, there were only 4 Spanish speaking missionaries and only 2 of them did purely Spanish. Where there used to be only one Branch the Lord has called for two! (Which is a very rare act indeed. Rarely ever do they divide a Branch, they would rather have it turned into a Ward.) I know these are all signs that these Branches are bound to GROW! Can you feel the Power?! I know I can.
During the dividing, the Stake President gave us a statistic that I could hardly believe. In 2004, the Mission President at that time had the thought to invite 4 Spanish speaking missionaries to his mission. This is when the Spanish work all started! The Branch wasn't even established until a few years later. The Branch began less than 10 years ago! I had no idea!! It has become so strong and grown so much in such a little time. I doubt I could ever dream of just how much more it is going to grow!!
Well, I am humbled. And oh, so very excited.
[Emma sent us two links with the message to "Please Watch This Video!" I did and loved it and cried. It reminded me of a favorite phrase that Rob Smith in our Ward says, "This Is Who We Are, This Is What We Do!!" Yes, some of us do not do these things, but as a whole, many do and much more. It is the goal of most Mormons to be part of this Great Work in any way that we can. Enjoy Emma's Video Link!!]
http://www.mormonchannel.org/introduction-to-the-church?v=2639016663001
[Emma wrote: "Here is a Talk I LOVE!" Emma has a favorite speaker and talk that she has loved for several years. She even bought his book! "Yearning for the Living God." Who is this wonderful speaker? F. Enzio Busche! There is a YouTube video of a talk he gave that has the best steps for growth and goodness that is all encompassing. Emma used to share it with me. Somehow Emma found this other talk of his. It was given in Emma's birth year. You can link up to this address below. I love the title: "The Joy of the Penetrating Light." I think that Emma is thoroughly enjoying sharing the Gospel Light and watching as it penetrates into the lives of others!! Enjoy this talk and search for his 10 (maybe more) Steps on YouTube if you get a chance. GREAT STUFF!! (These bracketed paragraphs were written my Mary Phipps to share added info.)]
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1984/10/the-joy-of-the-penetrating-light#watch=video
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Harvest Picture of Emma
EMMA AMONG THE FALL LEAVES IN THE FIELD!
Winter is coming, but it was nice enjoying a walk in the leaves!!
Wonderful to be in the Mission Field during Harvest Time!
HARVESTING SOULS!
[As Emma's Mom, I decided to make an editorial decision since I do all of these blogs. Emma is busy being a Missionary, so I do the blog site. I decided to go back and re-print here all the comments Emma wrote about Fernando so we could watch his progression on the gospel path.]
On Monday October 7th Emma wrote the following to us:
Want to know how amazing of an adventure I am on? First, I get to see the miracles of conversion unfold right before my eyes! Fernando, after saying His first vocal prayer on Sunday Oct. 29th has been growing so much! I feel so blessed to watch him change. The next appointment we had with him was Tuesday and he had kept all his commitments and even gone back and completed ones he hadn't fully finished. He is gaining a testimony and is ACTING on it! He is helping one of our other investigators keep the faith! It makes me want to cry and pray to Heavenly Father with all my soul giving thanks to Him. Being part of this process is CELESTIAL.
On Monday October 21st Emma wrote:
Well, Fernando is doing amazing! We are teaching him and his two Friends, Jorge and Ramiro too. They are all on different levels and all have very different personalities, so we are trying to find ways to let them all feel the Spirit and help them all on their way to CHRIST.
On Monday October 28th Emma wrote:
Fernando is AMAZING! Sometimes I wonder if he is a member in disguise! I sometimes find myself suspecting that the MTC might have sent him for me to learn how to be a missionary with such a golden investigator. He has accepted the baptism challenge! His testimony shines. He really takes seriously all his learning in the Gospel. He inspires me. I know the Holy Ghost is truly teaching him. After all Hermana Quinn and I have said and done, it would be nothing if it was not for the Holy Ghost. I know he has been guided by the Spirit on every step of his journey.
We have also been teaching his friend Jorge for the last few weeks. Jorge has been taking the discussions with missionaries multiple times each week since the beginning of this year. He comes to many of the Church activities too. He is so great! He has learned every bit of the discussions and understands them all so well! He was actually the one who referred Fernando to the missionaries and now they both live in a member's house in our area! We are so lucky!! Things couldn't be better. I know the Lord's hand has been in of all of this. Fernando and Jorge have been helping each other on their way to discipleship! It is so amazing to watch.
Then one day out of nowhere, Ramiro walked in! He seemed to know bits about our Church. We don't know how long he has lived with Fernando, but he came into a lesson and has been joining in ever since. We are now teaching 4 people at the Lopez home! I am convinced that we just need to live at the Lopez home and teach all day! Investigators appear out of nowhere there! I know that those who live at the Lopez home feel the spirit and watch the examples of the members. They can feel the truth of the restoration so strong in those walls.
On Monday November 4, 2013 Emma wrote:
Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with two of our investigators. They both expressed their desires to be baptized and they both put themselves on date! Jorge is preparing to be baptized November 23rd and Fernando will be baptized the following week, November 30th. I have seen the Lord's hand in their lives as He has walked with them on their road of conversion. I have seen the light grow in their eyes as they find the truths of the Lord. There is a reason why the Lord is calling to "Come Follow Him." As we live His gospel we will find a life more beautiful and rich than we could ever believe. He is moving His work forward and calling us to join with Him and His teachings. Come be blessed by all He has to offer.
FERNANDO'S FAITHFUL STEPS TOWARD BAPTISM
On Monday October 7th Emma wrote the following to us:
Want to know how amazing of an adventure I am on? First, I get to see the miracles of conversion unfold right before my eyes! Fernando, after saying His first vocal prayer on Sunday Oct. 29th has been growing so much! I feel so blessed to watch him change. The next appointment we had with him was Tuesday and he had kept all his commitments and even gone back and completed ones he hadn't fully finished. He is gaining a testimony and is ACTING on it! He is helping one of our other investigators keep the faith! It makes me want to cry and pray to Heavenly Father with all my soul giving thanks to Him. Being part of this process is CELESTIAL.
On Monday October 21st Emma wrote:
Well, Fernando is doing amazing! We are teaching him and his two Friends, Jorge and Ramiro too. They are all on different levels and all have very different personalities, so we are trying to find ways to let them all feel the Spirit and help them all on their way to CHRIST.
On Monday October 28th Emma wrote:
Fernando is AMAZING! Sometimes I wonder if he is a member in disguise! I sometimes find myself suspecting that the MTC might have sent him for me to learn how to be a missionary with such a golden investigator. He has accepted the baptism challenge! His testimony shines. He really takes seriously all his learning in the Gospel. He inspires me. I know the Holy Ghost is truly teaching him. After all Hermana Quinn and I have said and done, it would be nothing if it was not for the Holy Ghost. I know he has been guided by the Spirit on every step of his journey.
We have also been teaching his friend Jorge for the last few weeks. Jorge has been taking the discussions with missionaries multiple times each week since the beginning of this year. He comes to many of the Church activities too. He is so great! He has learned every bit of the discussions and understands them all so well! He was actually the one who referred Fernando to the missionaries and now they both live in a member's house in our area! We are so lucky!! Things couldn't be better. I know the Lord's hand has been in of all of this. Fernando and Jorge have been helping each other on their way to discipleship! It is so amazing to watch.
Then one day out of nowhere, Ramiro walked in! He seemed to know bits about our Church. We don't know how long he has lived with Fernando, but he came into a lesson and has been joining in ever since. We are now teaching 4 people at the Lopez home! I am convinced that we just need to live at the Lopez home and teach all day! Investigators appear out of nowhere there! I know that those who live at the Lopez home feel the spirit and watch the examples of the members. They can feel the truth of the restoration so strong in those walls.
On Monday November 4, 2013 Emma wrote:
Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with two of our investigators. They both expressed their desires to be baptized and they both put themselves on date! Jorge is preparing to be baptized November 23rd and Fernando will be baptized the following week, November 30th. I have seen the Lord's hand in their lives as He has walked with them on their road of conversion. I have seen the light grow in their eyes as they find the truths of the Lord. There is a reason why the Lord is calling to "Come Follow Him." As we live His gospel we will find a life more beautiful and rich than we could ever believe. He is moving His work forward and calling us to join with Him and His teachings. Come be blessed by all He has to offer.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
FALL DAYS IN THE FIELD!
On Monday October 28th Emma wrote:
Well, I am a bit miserable...But only the tiniest bit! I tore a ligament or tendon (I can't remember which one), in my foot last night. Tripping over a rock! As always, I hurt myself in the most ridiculous ways!! Walking has been quite...well, let's say odd the last 24 hours. But walking is overrated anyways!! I have decided that I am just going to fly everywhere this week.
But in reality, don't worry! There are so much great goings on that I hardly care about my silly foot. And the doctor said it should be getting much better over the next week. Each week here just keeps on getting better and better, so in spite of my bad foot and all, this week is going to be the BEST WEEK EVER!!
We met a new family about a week and a half ago, and I am not sure why or how but from the moment I met them I LOVED THEM! I want them to have the Restored Gospel so badly!!! (Now we just need to let them know how many blessings Heavenly Father has for them on the earth right now!) They have a pet rooster named Cornelio (Spanish for Cornelius) that lives in their house! I got to pet it! Even the red hangy down part! The children are precious. I asked one if I could teach her how to pray, and she responded, "You want to teach me how to purr?" So sweet! The parents only speak Spanish, but the kids speak English. As we left their home the last time one of the children said, "You guys should come around more often, PLEASE!" I quickly responded, "Podemos! We can!" WE REALLY WANT TO! Well, I can't wait to work more with the Lord and work with the Spirit to get the Gospel into their hearts!
Well, I love you all so MUCH!! Thank you for all your support and love. I can't wait to tell you more and more each week! Hermana Phipps
Well, I am a bit miserable...But only the tiniest bit! I tore a ligament or tendon (I can't remember which one), in my foot last night. Tripping over a rock! As always, I hurt myself in the most ridiculous ways!! Walking has been quite...well, let's say odd the last 24 hours. But walking is overrated anyways!! I have decided that I am just going to fly everywhere this week.
But in reality, don't worry! There are so much great goings on that I hardly care about my silly foot. And the doctor said it should be getting much better over the next week. Each week here just keeps on getting better and better, so in spite of my bad foot and all, this week is going to be the BEST WEEK EVER!!
We met a new family about a week and a half ago, and I am not sure why or how but from the moment I met them I LOVED THEM! I want them to have the Restored Gospel so badly!!! (Now we just need to let them know how many blessings Heavenly Father has for them on the earth right now!) They have a pet rooster named Cornelio (Spanish for Cornelius) that lives in their house! I got to pet it! Even the red hangy down part! The children are precious. I asked one if I could teach her how to pray, and she responded, "You want to teach me how to purr?" So sweet! The parents only speak Spanish, but the kids speak English. As we left their home the last time one of the children said, "You guys should come around more often, PLEASE!" I quickly responded, "Podemos! We can!" WE REALLY WANT TO! Well, I can't wait to work more with the Lord and work with the Spirit to get the Gospel into their hearts!
Well, I love you all so MUCH!! Thank you for all your support and love. I can't wait to tell you more and more each week! Hermana Phipps
Monday, November 4, 2013
FIRSTS!!
Monday October 21st marked the last day of my FIRST transfer out in the field! Um... that went by way too fast! It is crazy! I have had a lot of first experiences... which are always fun, a bit awkward, and amazing!
Here are some First Experiences I had this week:
FIRST time I had someone give me a commitment back. As a missionary, if you haven't committed the person you are teaching to do anything, then that is the only way you can fail. Success is in the inviting. We preach this and we live by this. Well, one of our member families really took this lesson to heart and gave US a commitment back! They challenged Hermana Quinn and myself to invite 60 people this week! We had challenged each of their family members to invite 3 people. Well, we took the challenge they gave back to us. IT WAS HARD!! But it was the biggest blessing! So many miracles happened this week because of this challenge! Including the fact that we ran into one of our potentials and invited her to do something. After we invited her, she reminded us that we had met her before! Then we set up an appointment to see her again. We have an appointment with her on Wednesday! And...we wouldn't have met her and talked to her if it had not been for the challenge from our member family!!
FIRST confusing of an investigator! :( ... We confused one of our investigators in a major way for the first time. We asked her to read Moroni 10:3-7. But when she went to read the scripture she got confused and read Moroni 9:8-10!! These are probably the most intense verses in the Book of Mormon...(read it and you will understand how scared we felt when we learned she read that as her FIRST introduction to the Book of Mormon). Not exactly what we wanted her to start with. But she admitted that the Book of Mormon is still beautiful and interesting and she is excited to be reading it some more! She also says she knows it is the Word of God!! [This is a Mama Mary comment: The Book of Mormon is for our day...are there not people and organizations that feed on others and their weaknesses?!! But still, what a way to be introduced to the Book of Mormon!!]
FIRST transfer calls!! Transfer calls are scary! So Scary!! At transfers they let you know if you will change companions and if you will change your area. You worry about what the next chapter will be. Luckily I am so blessed to be staying in the same area with Sister Quinn!! I AM SO HAPPY!! Also, transfer calls mark the time for a fresh start! I have learned a lot these last six weeks and I know lots of places where I need to be improving! And now is my chance to do it with the people and area I LOVE!!
Here are some First Experiences I had this week:
FIRST time I had someone give me a commitment back. As a missionary, if you haven't committed the person you are teaching to do anything, then that is the only way you can fail. Success is in the inviting. We preach this and we live by this. Well, one of our member families really took this lesson to heart and gave US a commitment back! They challenged Hermana Quinn and myself to invite 60 people this week! We had challenged each of their family members to invite 3 people. Well, we took the challenge they gave back to us. IT WAS HARD!! But it was the biggest blessing! So many miracles happened this week because of this challenge! Including the fact that we ran into one of our potentials and invited her to do something. After we invited her, she reminded us that we had met her before! Then we set up an appointment to see her again. We have an appointment with her on Wednesday! And...we wouldn't have met her and talked to her if it had not been for the challenge from our member family!!
FIRST confusing of an investigator! :( ... We confused one of our investigators in a major way for the first time. We asked her to read Moroni 10:3-7. But when she went to read the scripture she got confused and read Moroni 9:8-10!! These are probably the most intense verses in the Book of Mormon...(read it and you will understand how scared we felt when we learned she read that as her FIRST introduction to the Book of Mormon). Not exactly what we wanted her to start with. But she admitted that the Book of Mormon is still beautiful and interesting and she is excited to be reading it some more! She also says she knows it is the Word of God!! [This is a Mama Mary comment: The Book of Mormon is for our day...are there not people and organizations that feed on others and their weaknesses?!! But still, what a way to be introduced to the Book of Mormon!!]
FIRST transfer calls!! Transfer calls are scary! So Scary!! At transfers they let you know if you will change companions and if you will change your area. You worry about what the next chapter will be. Luckily I am so blessed to be staying in the same area with Sister Quinn!! I AM SO HAPPY!! Also, transfer calls mark the time for a fresh start! I have learned a lot these last six weeks and I know lots of places where I need to be improving! And now is my chance to do it with the people and area I LOVE!!
LUCKILY EMMA WILL BE ABLE TO COME HOME EACH NIGHT
TO HER FUN FRIENDS FOR SIX MORE WEEKS!!
Oh, and Emma had another FIRST...Her FIRST SEAFOOD MEAL!! Read on to enjoy the story!!
More Festival Pictures & Emma Ate WHAT?!?
The FESTIVAL was wonderful
and we keep enjoying the rewards
from working diligently to make it happen!
EMMA AND THE COUNTRY FLAGS!
BEAUTIFUL LATIN AMERICAN DANCING!
MORE DANCING -- AND EMMA DID NOT HAVE TO DANCE!!
This RED & WHITE flag has a Llama on it! It is the PERU flag!
I love Peru because they love Llamas!!
I ate "SHRIMP" -- No Big Deal!
I ate Shrimp! Make sure Lisa hears about this! She has been waiting for the day. We were fed by this wonderful member family in the branch. Sister McLauchlin is from Peru and she made us a homemade Peruvian Soup with big pieces of Shrimp! Not only that, she left the outside shell thingy on it! With the legs and all! But I saw how much work she put into it and I knew it must be wonderful. So I prayed that I could eat it. Only problem, I am so clumsy at eating it! I have never shelled any food before except for peanuts! Brother McLauchlin ended up laughing at me as I splattered soup everywhere for the ten millionth time.
Well, it has happened. I have eaten my first seafood meal! Only the gospel, loving members, and beautiful looking Peruvian soup could have persuaded me to do so. I really am thankful for Sister McLauchlin and her loving meal she served us!!
Also, I NOW LOVE PERU!! Sis. McLauchlin told me all about the Llamas there! I WANT TO GO SEE LLAMAS IN PERU!! I love Llamas. Peru has a beautiful culture.
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