Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Lani's Letter July 22 2013 Week 12

DRIVE HOME SAFELY! It's good to hear that you have a wonderful/crazy time! That must have been fun doing to Salt Lake together. Did you get to talk to any of the sisters at temple square?


so...no big deal, but KIM WAS BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY! It was such a great experience. So many of the ward members were there to support her! You all need to go to convert baptisms. The spirit is so strong and the person getting baptized is so genuine. They are beyond excited! Kim was SO funny! We couldn't open up the front of the font for a few mins. The bishop and his counselors were all up there hacking at the key lock thingy. ANYWAY, Kim steps out of the font area and announces while we are all waiting that, "I AM GETTING BAPTIZED WHETHER THAT THING OPENS OR NOT!" Can you say YES! Everyone busted up! Funniest baptism of my LIFE!
It doesn't end there. Bishop baptized her. Imagine this. She is a big woman. Bishop is a short little fat guy (that is what he calls himself so no offense). They get into the water. He says that prayer then turns into a sumo wrestler person! It was amazing. He brings her back up and she pauses...wipes her eyes...then says, "I DID IT!" I loved it! Baptism are exciting! I love Kim and am beyond grateful that she made this decision to follow the Saviors example.
The spirit was incredibly strong at the baptism. Kim wanted some of the woman to bear their testimonies while she was getting changed. It was powerful because usually the missionaries teach the restoration, but just listening to the testimonies, I realized that they were teaching the restoration themselves. Members really are everything. President keeps telling us that this mission needs to catch the vision of working with members. Slowly it is happening and I know the Lord will bless us as we follow His direction and focus on member missionary work. It's nothing new, there is just am incredible push for it now. Simple put, It's the last days. No time to waste.
Sister Jasper and I are trying this new idea where we go over to a future missionaries home, lesson plan with them...have them choose the lesson and the commitment then we come back over and teach the lesson to their family with them. The future missionary extends the commitment
. We are praying that this will help these families have a greater enthusiasm for keeping the commitment because it is their daughter or son who extended it. Do you think that is a good idea? We aren't sure yet, but we are excited to test it out.
I am sorry if I am being pushy. I just know that now I wish I had done more missionary work before I came out.

Transfers are this week and I am scared to death to be completely honest. Sister Jasper is incredible and I learn so much for her, but I know change is necessary. She goes home next transfer and thinking more about it. She is going to be an incredible missionary when she gets back to utah. This is good for me though because it is an opportunity for me to learn how to just trust in the Lord. Be calm and carry on. Heavenly Father did not set us up to fail...even though we might feel we are failing at times, just remember that the Lord has a plan for each of us and a lot of that includes growing experiences to make us better. Right? RIGHT. Phew!
Well, no camera yet, BUT DON'T WORRY! I will send you all pictures of Kim soon. Pray for opportunities to serve and share what you know to be true. You are all incredible examples to me. Seriously, thank you.
2 quotes from bishop townsend (the bishop of Fairview ward).
"We are not a church of volunteers. We are a church of assignments"
"The gospel is true, don't fight it by being quiet."
I know that is true. Love you all! Have an fantastic week!
Love,
Sister Call

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