Hey,
This past week was so crazy. It's flying by so fast! Okay,
just to clarify, of course I know the investigators at the MTC are not
real (except for the one we got that actually was...) I'm smarter than
you think. I miss the MTC so much! It was pretty much my favorite thing
in the world.
Anyway, I have a trainer named Sister Randall and
she is awesome! She is exactly the type of person I need at the
beginning of my mission because I tend to stress a lot and she handles
stress really well and is very supportive. So we are whitewashing the
Medicine Lake Area. We both just arrived and don't know anything and the
sisters before us whitewashed in 6 weeks prior as well. It's been a
crazy few days... But, we met the ward yesterday and they are so great!
The bishop is getting released next week but they have such a great
missionary minded ward. They have these things called Family Mission
Plans that are so wonderful because most investigators come from
referrals anyway. So they enact these plans and strive to invite people
to come to different activities in the ward or to a baptism or just
simply pray for missionary experiences. Its really neat. Our whole
mission does it I believe. The members are awesome. There are quite a
few Liberians who are so great and give good referrals. We haven't
really taught a "real" lesson yet just because we just got here and
don't really have many investigators. We've mainly focused on less
active members and new members the past four days which has been good. I
love them already. But, we are going to exercise a lot of faith this
week and pray really hard to find people as we work with the members and
are diligent and obedient to our mission president and the guidelines.
I know He is very aware of us and knows what we need and as we are
diligent, willing, and humble, He will show us the way. Every person I
see I want to share a message with but I get so NERVOUS to speak its the
weirdest thing. I can totally have a normal conversation with people
but when I start to bring up the gospel I freeze ha I'm working on it
though. Sister Randal has been very patient and loving and has helped
me overcome my fears. Deuteronomy 31 "Be strong and of a good courage."
Tracting is pretty much the hardest thing for me to do! All the people
we talk to believe in Jesus and already have their religion. They read
the bible and don't need anything else. They have families and are
already happy. They don't want to learn more blah blah blah blah blah.
It's so annoying. But, sister randall is really good about saying if we
are diligent then the fruits of our labors will come and maybe not right
away. We've been practicing our door approaches to better get a convo
going when we talk and I think one of the best ways is to testify
briefly of the restored truths and invite them to learn more. But you
also have to make it apart of them which is hard cuz some don't even
give you 5 seconds to say anything. Some are very nice and will chat
with you and ask questions but thats all they want... It's a work in
progress. I just need to get over my fears I guess of talking to people.
The bishop has mainly asked us to visit a lot of the
less active members and build trusting relationships with the new
members and members so that when they have referrals they can trust us
to talk with them and such. It's been hard because I guess I expected
to get here and be teaching a whole bunch of lessons to people already
and just dive right in but essentially Sister Randall and I are both
starting clean. It'll come I know it will I just have to learn patience
and trust in the Lord. I feel like I've been here for a while but it's
only been 4 days! Weird. So yesterday at church I went with a few
questions and totally received revelation concerning answers. Church is
amazing that way. We go to be uplifted and feel the spirit and to
renew our covenants and become clean again, but it's amazing how much
the Lord is aware and gives us answers to our questions when we get
there. I feel so humbled. I am having a hard time deciphering between
my humility and confidence, but I think it mainly is having confidence
in Jesus Christ and His Atonement that brings that humility. As I study
more about Him and His sacrifice it brings me such comfort and
overwhelming love... I am still trying to make that apart of my
conversion because in order to teach and testify and truly convert
people, you have to be converted yourself. It's a work in progress.
Love is so strong in missionary work. I love this gospel and my Savior
and the people here. Sometimes it is hard to love them when they reject
you and slam the door in your face but I just have to remember they are
children of God just like you and He loves them just as much. And then
I think of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross... all
those people that rejected Him yet He still forgave them and loved them.
Oh man its simply amazing and sometimes hard to comprehend.
I think my greatest weakness is my confidence in my
teaching ability. but, as I read a talk it just said to study and
ponder and understand the principles taught so that I can become
confident in what I am teaching.. Man I feel like I should be this
perfect missionary already but I have to remind myself I've only been
here 4 days and mistakes are necessary I guess in order to learn. I
just want the members to trust me even though I am straight from the
MTC! haha But I need to trust in the Lord more and be more humble.
that's my goal this week humility. so any advice? ha jk
Anyway, It is absolutely beautiful here! The area
kinda reminds me of Alpine except more green! :) there are a lot of
lakes and mosquitoes but thanks to that bug spray I should be okay :)
And yes, we are staying with the Wilsons who are the best people ever!
They are like our parents. They have given us so much! And I know their
daughter Liz a little bit through Brittany and her friend Katie. It was a
fun and interesting connection. there have actually been a few
connections like that with people I have met here. It's been really
cool. I love it here. I am ready to work and obey and be the
missionary God wants me to be. I can't remember what other questions
you asked exactly... sorry I'm not very good at answering them... But
that story of had's made me laugh! haha I love her! Tell her Minnesota
says she can bring Opie with her :)
The people here are great. It's very diverse, but so
exciting and I feel this love for every single person I see. God knows
what is best for us and I know as we continue to work hard, He will
bless us. So anyway, Jess and Britt that is so exciting you get to
speak! They will both do such a wonderful job I just know it and Jess is
going to love the MTC! :) Emily!!!! YAY! Tell her she better tell me
ASAP when she finds out when she is leaving for the MTC! I can't wait
for her to get out and work. It's the best feeling in the world.
Everyday is amazing and the people are so great. We've met some
interesting people actually ha some are not so hot on the LDS church but
most people love chattin with you. Anyway, I hope all is well at home!
Keep up the good work and I will continue praying for each one of you
:) I LOVE YOU and will talk to you next week! :) I've almost been out a
month!?! WHHHAAAAT?? Crazy.
See you soon!
Sister Owens
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