Reflections

I am not good at keeping a journal. This blog is an attempt to record feelings and events that happened while we are serving a mission. Today, however, are things I am writing to myself. So please feel free to stop reading. These reflections are things my heart is feeling that I personally want to remember.

This morning, I said to Elder Lund that I was feeling like it was emotionally hard to attend Jefferson 1st ward. Sometimes, I just feel exhausted because there are so-o-o-o very many needful people. I sometimes come home from church just feeling exhausted, both mentally and spiritually. Somehow, I also felt that I just needed to go and give whatever little I have to whomever.

Stephanie, the sister that Elder Lund went and taught, who was recently baptized, came back to church today. I was thrilled to see her. Stephanie was converted in a different ward and when she was baptized, she had to start and  attend her home ward, which was Jefferson 1st. She didn't know anyone in the ward. You can imagine how difficult it was to just be baptized and then start attending a new ward all on your own. But today, I was able to introduce Stephanie to several church service missionaries. They made an appointment to go visit her as well as set up New Member lessons in her home. I was happy this happened. I think Stephanie will be OK with a little support.

Hortensia was there. She is awaiting permission to get baptized. Because she was found guilty, she has a felony on her record, so now awaits the 1st Presidency giving her permission to be baptized.

Hazel and Isaac, newly baptized, were there today also. As we drove in the neighborhood to go to the chapel, we saw Elder M. and Elder O. working to help bring people to church. They are good, hard working missionaries.

Two new investigators sat by Elder Lund and I. They seemed very interested in knowing more about the church.

Ruth Reese, an 85 year old, with a walker and many ailments was there today. As she walked down the hall, she started gasping and I thought she was about ready to drop over dead, literally. I ran quickly to find a chair for her to sit on. I don't know how she got to church or how she was getting home. Steve, the blind man, with back problems and I think a few mental issues came today. I've never seen a ward with so very many needy people and at times, I wonder just how I can help them.

Anyway, tonight was the Christmas fireside put on by the missionaries of the southeast zone of Ogden. About 24 missionaries planned the program, using scripture and music, to tell of Christ's birth. President Olson was the main speaker. It was such a lovely program and the spirit was so strong. I am so touched to feel of the greatness of these missionary men and women. By the time it ended, the Spanish missionaries serving in Ogden, about 20 of them, came and attended also. Pres. Olson asked for all the missionaries attending to stand up. I felt honored to be standing with such great spiritual giants. He was very touched as he looked at the missionaries and he said the greatest thing about being the mission president was the associations he had with everyone. Both Elder Lund and I have felt that same feeling, that associating with these wonderful people has been such a blessing to us.

As Elder Lund and I were driving home, we couldn't help but reflect on the days events. We feel that even though Jefferson 1st is such a needy ward that both of us are being so incredibly blessed to be serving a mission. We both reflected that we are not sure why our lives have been given the opportunity to be in the situations that we are currently in, but we truly feel that the windows of heaven have been opened up and the blessings of God are descending upon us personally and collectively. It seems our spirits have been invigorated and our testimonies and love of our Savior has grown immensely. I will truly cry when this mission is over because of the relationships that I have developed with not only the missionaries, but that which I have developed with my Savior. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be doing what I am doing.  Right now our family seems to be undergoing a variety of problems. Brett just had surgery on his wrist. Emily just had her surgery. Mike is needing a root canal. Abby is having issues with some sort of cellulitis in her leg. Logan is having issues with a tooth and filling. I just underwent oral surgery and had a tooth removed. Dick broke a tooth and will go to the dentist tomorrow. Money is very tight in everyone's home. Yet, through it all, the gospel shines bright in our home. We are being blessed. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that Jesus is my Savior. I look forward to this holiday season and the opportunity I have of being a missionary and being able to serve him. It always amazes me that when you try to do the right thing, the Lord is always there ready to bless you. And he has greatly been blessing us.