Chapter 71: Bamboo

Hi y'all! There was so much to this week! We saw so many miracles! We were able to find so many new friends to teach! And it was literally all God! 

We started the week with mlc. Made some changes, so we no longer do zcm. I didn't initially like the idea; I can see the pros and cons to both having zcm and not. But for right now that's what the mission needs and I know we'll see lots of miracles as we make the changes we need to. 

There was a day this week that was mega hard. It was a gloomy weather day and I felt like I was fighting and dragging myself the whole day. I really don't know how to describe it other than walking through chest high molasses with weights on when all you want to do it float on a tube down the river. I prayed a lot that day for endurance and joy. And even though it was extremely difficult and exhausting, I'm glad I kept going. Because while I was reflecting that night in my journal I was able to see the miracles God placed before us. And I know I would have felt much worse if I had sat in the apartment doing nothing all day. Plus! We got some amazing chocolate ice cream from Andy's and I found some bamboo! Totally pulled the car over and broke off some bamboo. Now we have a bamboo tree in the middle of our apartment. It brings me joy haha.

Sunday we had an amazing lesson with our friend Tenisha! She is literally so cool! We gave her a Book of Mormon last time we had a lesson with her and she started reading it and had questions for us! She even was telling her mom about how Joseph Smith was a prophet! One thing that I admire so much about her is her ability to recognize the Spirit testifying truth to her! 

Sunday I also got to watch Twiss' homecoming talk. He talked a lot about the principle of change. He talked about how change is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is about. We can't partake in the Gospel if we're not willing to change. That's been something Sister Ward and I have been talking so much about the past few days. Just how important change and repentance are. And what a joyful thing they are too! We literally have the opportunity to become more like our Savior as we rely on the enabling power that comes through His Atonement! How amazing is that!? 

I'm just super grateful for my Savior. Grateful that even on my hard days where I just want to sit and cry, He holds my hand and helps me to keep going. And I'm especially grateful that He's there in the joyful moments too. 

Always remember God loves you, Jesus loves you, and I love you!!

-Sister Ray

I got bamboo!

Ice Cream!