The rest of the day was spent giving service and teaching a few lessons. I loved it. I laughed so much and just felt so much love. I have really found that being able to help others is when I am honestly the most happy. I love seeing other people light up when something we say has helped them. Or be able to give them service that they desperately needed. I love being able to say I am a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It brings me so much pride to be a representative. However, I know that the pride and joy I get from being a missionary won't be just while I am a missionary. Once called to the work you are always called to the work. We are all missionaries getting the chance to spread the love of God. The only difference is right now I am doing it full time. But I plan on being a missionary for the rest of my life. It's simply the best.
So being on a mission on your birthday is just a blessing! I wouldn't have it any other way!
As for the rest of the week. we were finally able to meet with a less active in the ward named Ann. She is very sweet and going through a divorce and depression. I felt inspired to tell her about my personal experience with depression. She was surprised on the emotions and thought that we had or have in common. Then she opened up to why she had been so hesitant to meeting with us earlier. She shared that she has in the past noticed that the times she starts making better choices and going back to church. Things in life get harder. Never in the past have I shared the full experience that Joseph smith has had in the sacred grove. But I felt like I should share that with her. We taught what had happened and then shared the first vision with her. Compared it to how satan doesn't want us to succeed, he wants to pull us away from all that is good. However our father in heaven will always save us in the end if we just hold out a little longer. If we have the patience and the faith to stay strong. I teared up as the words came out. She just sat there silent for a minute. Then said " wow I have never heard it taught like that". She knew it was what she need. My companion was also able to bare a a great testimony. She was very appreciative and committed to start attending the arp class with us. (Not because she addicted to anything, more for the emotional support)
The spirit was so strong in the room it was hard to want to leave, but I know that Ann is loved and watched over by God. I felt a glimpse of that love for her. It's amazing that when we want to we can feel gods love. However, we have to want that and do things like serve others or pray to feel it. But it's always there for us. It never runs out and it's the best medicine.
Saturday was our ward Halloween party. I loved being able to help set up and watch the kids come in ready to show off there costumes. I got to help one of the Spanish investigator little girls go around and play the games. They were so cute and loved it there. I think my favorite thing though was just having the kids say "look missionary, look at what I am wearing" none of them know my name but they like me and give me hugs. It's adorable. But also made me miss my niece and nephew.
At the end of the party we had a trunk or treat. My companion and I handed out candy from our bikes. Then looked up and were surprised to see Katherine (our investigator) and her family there. We yelled for them to come over. He kids had a blast and her husband who was anti-us in the beginning, enjoyed himself there. Then we found out her sons soccer coach was there who's actually an active member. Her son was like cool I want to come to church now that I know my friend go there, it was such a miracle. I loved seeing the ward members come and introduce themselves to Katherine's family. They felt so welcomed.
Also at the party was kaylee our 13 year old investigator, she is adorable and taller then me. But she enjoyed herself there and just expressed how much she loves coming to church and meeting with us. I know that one day she will be able to join the church like her grandma. I hope it's soon so she can enjoy all the blessing the young women's program has to offer.
Sunday was also a lot of fun because we got to take our recent convert Geraldo and his family to the Spanish ward. They were curious to see church in there native tongue but had been scared to go on there own. I heard about this and explained to them I would love to accompany them there. That I love the Spanish ward and actually got to attend one in high school. So we all went together. The elders translated the service in English for my companion and I along with the pianist. And afterwards literally the entire ward came up and introduced themselves. Geraldo loved it and so did his family. They plan on attending there at least once a month. Exciting news with them is that a few weeks ago we talked with his wife. Sharina was struggling with coffee, she's a returning member. Well we had suggested a different drink to her which she loves now. Because of the switch they are now preparing to be married in the temple for all time and eternity. It's so exciting. While talking to her about her experience, she shared with me something that touched me.
She said "now looking back my challenge was really not that hard. I had to choose my family and God over coffee. I don't know why it was so hard in the moment and took so long. But now I know what's most important. Now I can go to the temple." I was so touched and agreed with her. Our trial in the moment always seem so un bearable. But I know that God would never give us something we could not handle. But he does allow us to struggle because he loves us. He allows us to have our agency and wants for us to choose to follow him. He will never forcer, trick or persuade. He simply just invites. While looking back we are able to better see the times we were being helped, love, and supported. Keep that in your mind as your going through a new trial, "I am being helped, I will overcome, and I am loved!" I know this to be true. Trials are meant to try us not break us. Have faith, love, and endure to the end.
I Love each one of you thank your for your love and prayers.
Sister Johnson
