Thursday we got to drive out to Taunton again, we had not been for a while and it was more than wonderful to see Sister McKay and Sister Mott again. We hurried back for a scheduled teaching appointment with the Elders. The lady scheduled to be taught did not come but Alex and Fran did and we had a nice visit with Elder Davis and Elder Lamb (Zone leader).
Friday we again had an appointment for a missionary
discussion at our flat. This time the Downend Sisters brought a Chinese girl
that has been meeting with missionaries for some time. She had previously been
to our Institute class and enjoyed it so wanted a sort of mini institute
lesson. We taught from Nephi 11 on the importance of baptism. For the first
time she accepted baptism which was great! Her goal is May. Vera a student here
in town from Maine who was first approached on the street about two weeks ago also
attended. Vera has a baptism date of April 19 and is very enthusiastic and
loves the gospel!
I always enjoy watching this missionary machine move
forward. Most of the time if the missionaries are doing what they should to prayerfully
be in the right place at the right time, success comes in many different ways.
I am sure it is because all people have such individual needs and back grounds
and the spirit is the great discerner!
Friday evening a young man named Jake was baptized at the
Wells Rd. building. This was his second attempt because a week ago there was no
hot in the building so they had to put it off for a week. Guess what it was
still broken but he went ahead anyway and braved the shock! That is dedication!
The whole service was very sweet as such occasions always are. One of the Stake
YSA, a member of Wells Rd Ward gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and did a superb
job. As he was speaking I again realized how important this age group is to the
future of the Lord’s Kingdom here on earth.
Most of the schools and universities are on spring or Easter
break right which ends up being a slower time for us. Georgia, Francine and
Alex have all gone home and will be back in about 3 weeks. We miss them but
text them often. Hanna is still here and working hard on school work. It has
been hard but she continues to press forward. We really enjoyed having her
watch the Sunday Morning Session of General Conference with us Sunday evening.
Conference! Loved every minute of it. Because of the time
difference it doesn't start here until 5 pm. Morning sessions are 5 – 7 and
afternoon 9 – 11. We just stayed up and watched it all, at least we get a whole
day in before we listened. Priesthood session was rebroadcast at the Stake Center
on Wells Rd. at 10 am Sunday. Bill went there to watch it and gave the Elders a
lift. I stayed home and watched it here. I must say that I enjoyed that session
very much, something about listening by yourself with no distractions made it
so easy concentrate; no distractions.
I really enjoyed the reaction of some of our new converts as
they listened to the words of wisdom and inspiration for their first time after
being baptized. It think it made me listen with a more open heart. One of the
most rewarding things about serving in this capacity is learning to not take
for granted the things I know and believe to be true. Everything is new and
fresh and precious through the eyes of someone who so recently obtained their
testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel.
There were so many wonderful messages from the Brethren and
Sisters. Many themes. It has been my experience that we each take away our own
theme. The idea that today’s world is sometimes like a tornado was powerful,
that we probably will not just glide toward the Second Coming! Elder Holland
kind of laid it out when he reminded us that we may need to know how to defend
what we believe. We need to leave ‘an inheritance of hope’, be willing to lift and bare our own burdens with the Saviors help and always act in
the attitude of complete gratitude to God. I am beginning to sound like the
pages of Face Book and Pinterest. I am truly thankful for the time spent in
spiritual renewal this past weekend and glad that through the gift of
technology I can again listen to and reread these words over and over and allow
them to enrich and change my life.
Good news from home over the last few days has added to my
feelings of joy. Two of my family members who have been out of work are now
employed and my daughter who relocated to Arizona has found a place to live.
Many of my children have been spending time together at our
house, which makes me happy. They love
being together even when we are not there with them! Thank you Mimi for holding
down the fort. I love pictures of the kids romping and enjoying each other and
the parents visiting happily together. When I think of all that joyful
noise I am kind of glad to be here.
Life is good! Sometimes we just need to be reminded! Love
you all!!
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