February 07, 2013

“These are the times that try men's souls.” 

Thomas Paine

I know that I am on a little later than normal, and that is because we held our own Winter Olympics this morning! It was so much fun! There were only 4 zones there, but we had a lot of relays and played a lot of games, volleyball being included. Sister Ure and I woke up at 6 this morning to go to the church so that I could play volleyball. (I just got my brace in the mail, so I needed to use it). Little did I know that we were playing volleyball as a Winter Olympic sport. SOOOO I got my fair share in today, and my back is paying that price. But it was worth it!

At the Stake Valentine's Day Party

Some highlights for this week were that we had a busy day going to investigators, and we had a member that was going to spend a lot of time with us (5 hours to be exact). Well, the morning of, she cancelled because her husband was sick. We had to make a call quickly so that we could get some member present. We called Janece, who is a sophomore in high school, and asked her if she wanted to go out with us. We took her out with us for 5 hours, and she got to experience the life of a missionary! It was so fun, and she did great! She shared her testimony and handed one of our newer investigators a Book of Mormon and said that she wanted to come out with us again. Success!!!

Erin visiting New Albany

Sister Ure and I are also teaching another deaf person. We set up a return appointment and could not get an interpreter to come with us, so we taught a whole lesson by ourselves. We were able to extend baptism to him, and he said yes. I even interpreted a prayer! I will say that most of it was made up by me because I didn’t know some of the signs, but it was a great challenge and gift that God has given us! 

Service at the Bishop's Storehouse in the morning

We were able to put 2 individuals on date this week! We have Noah, who is a less-actives’s (now becoming active) son. He is 18 and loves the gospel. He has come to church a couple of times and is just happy to always see us and learn. We are also teaching an 8 year old. Her mother is a member, and she has not been baptized yet so we are working with her because the bishop asked us to. We are excited to see how each of them choose to progress in this wonderful Gospel.

Sis. Gale and Sis. Ure hanging out on the couch after dropping off Sis. Whitted's daughter who went teaching with them.

OH! We had the assistants call us earlier in the week congratulating us on how "we are killing it" here in New Albany! That was a great call to get! We have been super blessed to have wonderful members come out with us, and even members allow us to teach their friends. It has been a great blessing! We also received a media referral and have an appointment with her this Wednesday. We are really excited about her!

We had a change in the bishopric here in the New Albany ward yesterday. They released Brother Atwood, and I was sooo sad until...... they called him to be the assistant ward mission leader! I almost jumped out of my seat in Sacrament to yell "Hallelujah!!!" I think the Spirit was weighing me down so I wouldn’t, but I am so excited!!! :)

Another freezing cold day!

I got sick earlier this week, and that was a challenge. I was trying really hard to get going, and then I started getting really dizzy and had “black out moments” so we ended up going home at 5:30 in the evening. I fell asleep until 7 the next morning only to wake-up feeling refreshed and ready to go. We did have a very successful day after that sleep! So that was good!

I know this is the Lord's work. I know that I am on his errand and that I get to see His love for His children daily. I know that everything is in the Lord's hands and that I am simply His servant. I hope that we may all take a moment to recognize His love for us and then share that love to all those around us. "We never fail when we invite," and if you want to know the best way to invite, then talk to my brother Brandon. He seems to have a good handle on things! I love you all so much, and I love this gospel! OH, and I LOVE my job!!!

Love you,

Sister Gale