This was probably one of the faster weeks I've had #gettingworkdone.
Transfers were Tuesday. Our investigator, Jessica, wanted to drive us down so she could say bye to Hmna Deleon and Stassforth (my two mission moms) before they left for home. Ah. Miss those two already! Feels like it was just yesterday that I came here- and they were dreading the idea of going home in 6 months. Well that "someday" finally came. Crazy!!!
Hmna Kennedy is the new companion! I think I mentioned this last week- but she was baptized just over 2 years ago. From what I can tell of her story, defs a "golden investigator". Her best friend in CA was a member, and kinda introduced her to the missionaries- and then got her a Book of Mormon...and then it just went from there. Ha. She told me she had a pretty stern conversation with her friend about why she hadn't given her a BOM sooner. Goes to show....gotta share the message with everyone! Even with those friends, you might not think would be interested.
We were pretty busy all week with lessons and such- but nothing too crazy/out of the ordinary.
We plan on sharing this talk with Jessica tonight- "In His Own Time, In His Own Way", by Elder Dallin H. Oaks (it's in the newest Ensign). Anyway. I won't make ya'll read the whole thing...but I loved this part especially...
About 35 years ago, when I was president of Brigham Young University, we were making plans to persuade the president of the United States to speak at the university. We had particular times that would suit our convenience, and we had in mind some things we wanted him to say and do while he was there. But all of us were wise enough to know that we could not contact the highest authority in the United States and invite him to come to the BYU campus—even to speak to 26,000 people—and put conditions on his appearance.
We knew that in inviting the president, we had to say in effect, “We will welcome you whenever you can come and for whatever time you choose to be here and for whatever you choose to say and do while you are here. We will accommodate our schedules and our arrangements entirely to your visit.”
Now, if that’s the way a community of 26,000 people must approach the highest authority of a nation, it should not be surprising that one person—however important—is in no position to put conditions upon or to impose personal timing upon a visit or communication from the Highest Authority in the universe.
Ah. So good. Never thought about it like that. Really though. Who are we to tell God when/how to answer us? All we can do is recognize that He truly knows best, and that it'll all come in His own time. I invite you all to read it! :)
One thing I forgot. Antonio...or should I say, Hermano Guzman (the newest member of our branch!!!) received the Priesthood yesterday. I had to sit up on the stand, because they needed me to lead the music. Anyway, they asked him to stand- while they made note that he was going to receive it later in the day....but when they asked for a vote of support, I was sure to throw my arm up a little higher than usual..and this man just had the hugest smile on his face. Ah. Bless his heart. ....on another note, we taught him about temples on Saturday, and he's more than excited to go and do baptisms sometime soon. And to make it even better, our new mission president told us on Friday that we're allowed to go and do baptisms with our converts for the first time. YES! Can't wait to go with him :)
I love you all so much! This work truly is amazing. Catch the wave!!!
Hermana Mortensen
We knew that in inviting the president, we had to say in effect, “We will welcome you whenever you can come and for whatever time you choose to be here and for whatever you choose to say and do while you are here. We will accommodate our schedules and our arrangements entirely to your visit.”
Now, if that’s the way a community of 26,000 people must approach the highest authority of a nation, it should not be surprising that one person—however important—is in no position to put conditions upon or to impose personal timing upon a visit or communication from the Highest Authority in the universe.
Ah. So good. Never thought about it like that. Really though. Who are we to tell God when/how to answer us? All we can do is recognize that He truly knows best, and that it'll all come in His own time. I invite you all to read it! :)
One thing I forgot. Antonio...or should I say, Hermano Guzman (the newest member of our branch!!!) received the Priesthood yesterday. I had to sit up on the stand, because they needed me to lead the music. Anyway, they asked him to stand- while they made note that he was going to receive it later in the day....but when they asked for a vote of support, I was sure to throw my arm up a little higher than usual..and this man just had the hugest smile on his face. Ah. Bless his heart. ....on another note, we taught him about temples on Saturday, and he's more than excited to go and do baptisms sometime soon. And to make it even better, our new mission president told us on Friday that we're allowed to go and do baptisms with our converts for the first time. YES! Can't wait to go with him :)
I love you all so much! This work truly is amazing. Catch the wave!!!
Hermana Mortensen
Sis. Mortensen. Really enjoy your mission postings. Loved this thought about putting conditions on the Lords timing. Keep up the great service you are providing to the Spanish (and English) people in the Chicago area.
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