September 2, 2014

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

- Alma 7:11-12

I don't even know where to start for this week... It was slow yet fast all at the same time! 

First comes first, I have been stuck inside for 5 days. Poor Sister Dana has been sick! I think I have a talent at getting my companions sick because I think this is 3 in a row that have been sick with me as their companion haha. It has been a great 5 days though as I have been able to intently study Alma-Mormon and learn about all different types of things that pertains to missionary work and also the Atonement. I have also been able to study many chapters of Jesus the Christ and gain a better understanding of His life and the different teachings that he taught. Also, I have been able to watch The District (as my companion study time), and I have learned a lot about teaching techniques and also different ways that I need to improve the work that I am doing. It has been a very spiritually uplifting time, and there could be more days ahead! 

The Mansfield Sisters with Sister Daines, the Mission President's Wife

Anyways, out of the days that we were able to do work, I have to tell one of the best things that is going to happen to me next Monday, Sept. 8th!!!!!!!! Well as I have said before, Mansfield is complete country with horses everywhere! And as we all know, there is a rule in the white handbook that states that there is no horseback riding allowed. WELL, this one member and her husband (who is not a member) drive a team of horses (for those of you who don't know what that means, it's the Wells Fargo logo with the horses and a carriage). Well... I exclaimed that I has never done that but have always wanted to. The non-member pulls out his phone, looks at me, and says, "How does Monday, September 8th sound?" I said, "YES!" without even making sure it was okay with my companion! Haha I am so excited for this opportunity, and I will be sure to take pictures of me driving a team of horses!!! :) 

This week we had the wonderful privilege of finding a family that not only came to mutual on Wednesday but also came to church and stayed for all 3 hours. It was so great! There are 2 girls that are old enough to be in young women's and a baby boy that is 3 months old. They also invited their friend who is old enough to be in young women's to come with them. It was so great, and we are teaching them on Thursday again. We plan on dropping by today depending on how Sister Dana is feeling, but we are so excited to start teaching them. Our Bishop was super happy because he said that he wants there to be a focus on finding families, so it was great that we found one. 

Rachel out with the Sisters on Friday

Another funny story that took place this week was the opportunity that we had to dump a bucket of water on our neighbor's head. Apparently there was an "ice bucket challenge" going around on Facebook, and if you got nominated to do it, then you do it and record it. Well, our neighbor asked us to help him out, so we did and invited all our neighbors to come and join in on the fun. You better bet we got it on film, and we also got to know all our neighbors. It was a great 2-for-1 deal going on. 

Other then that, that was all that happened this week worth reporting about. I could go on and on of all the things that I learned from my studying, but I don't have enough time in the allotted time that we are given each week to email home to friends and family. BUT I do want to include how lucky I am to have a new baby cousin who about killed my aunt the first day he was born... greater things are to come! :) I am also so grateful for my family and for all that they do for me! I don't think I could ever thank Heavenly Father enough for them. I also want to thank all my friends. You are all awesome! 

I am so grateful for the Atonement! One of the things that I studied was the Atonement these past 5 days, and there is a scripture that I love; Alma 7:11-12 Not once in the scripture does it mention sins. He came to the Earth to experience everything that we would be going through, and because of Him, we know that we are never alone in anything that we do or go through. I am so grateful for Him, and I know that He knows us and cares for us all on an individual, personal level. I know that He loves each and everyone of us as do I! 

I love this work so much, and I love my job! 

Love, 

Sister Gale