Lunch Break

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Carly's Contract to Quit! :) Whoo!

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Cats & Dogs

What a week it's been! We had a little bit of a slow start, but the weekend has been fantastic! Friday was MLC, which was a great meeting from President Millar and other mission leaders for the transfer. I was so grateful to go and feel once again spiritually fed and uplifted. I re-committed myself to seek the Spirit more this coming transfer.  It's easy to get into the routine: same thing day in and day out.  But missionary work is so much greater and so much more exciting than that! I'm sure Heavenly Father wants us to see each day as a blessing full of opportunities and miracles - we just have to be willing to seek the Spirit, and doing so will make it easier to recognize His hand in His work.

Carly is amazing! Honestly.  She committed to quit smoking on Saturday and we're really excited because she's decided to move her baptism date up to the 21st of June! She will forever be my sister and friend. :) This week was fun because we were invited to a pamper night at Sister Taylor's home.  We went with Carly and had a good time there.  

The weather has been hot the past few days! It's finally starting to feel like summer!  Saturday ended up being great for contacting because of the sunshine.  We met some good people and were able to make some great plans for the coming transfer.  Sunday we went to visit Peter & Esther. They are great.  I love them because of their simple and loyal faith to the Lord.  They want to do the right thing and we always feel the Spirit when we go into their home to teach. Later that afternoon, the elders called and told us about how Carly went on a teach with them after church. They said it felt like having a member present in their lesson.  We were so happy to hear she was able to spend some time with the elders and already loves helping with the missionary work. :) Just after that, Sister Nelson and I were knocking down a road. Two funny things happened that made it a little more enjoyable and made us laugh. The first was that after we briefly talked to a lady and shared a website on her doorstep, we turned to go and Sister Nelson didn't see their pet cat behind her! I did, but I couldn't get the words out quick enough.  She stepped on the cat's tail and all the sudden she heard what had happened. "MEEEOOOWW!!!" I'm sure the cat wasn't too happy after that, but we got a kick out of it.  We couldn't help but walk away laughing after the owner closed the door. Only a few doors later, as we were waiting for a response, all the sudden we hear this big dog bark and come running around the corner to get us!! We were terrified!! It was a big German Shepherd and came right up to us and backed us up into the corner against the house.  No owner in sight!! We tried to be strong and stand up for ourselves but we were scared.  Thankfully, the owner came out a few seconds later and saved us.  The owner told us she wouldn't hurt a fly, but it sure did shake us up. I'm grateful for the funny little things that keep us on our toes and help us enjoy the journey.  I know we've got a great transfer ahead of us with the help of the Lord.

Scripture of the week: "Yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort...Thou shalt go before this people, and I will go with thee." -Mosiah 24:15-17

This one's for you Gramps! One strawberry plant is the extent of our mission gardening. :) 

Stonehenge Group!

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From left to right: Elder Onedo (DL), Elder Robinson, Elder Budge, Elder Fingerle (ZL), Sister Nelson, and Shelby Flenady (my most favorite Aussie member ;)

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Posers

Oh how I love my companion. :)

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Mighty Miracles

Well this week has been amazing! So much has happened, and we've experienced some special miracles! First, I wanted to mention that Carly is planning to be baptized on the 5th of July! We're so excited for her! She is truly amazing and full of faith and love for the gospel. We love her and feel so privileged and blessed to teach her.

Second, we met this wonderful old man about a week ago named Bryan.  We were walking through the Brown Street Parking Lot as we always do on our way to town and a sad-looking man sat in front of us on his walker. We started talking with him and found out that he had suffered 2 strokes and that he was alone here in Salisbury since his wife had left him and gone to London.  He told us how awful he felt about life and the circumstances he was in.  As we talked with him, we testified of the power of the Atonement and how the gospel of Jesus Christ can help us through any trial or challenge we come across.  We explained how he could feel of this power and receive happiness and hope by reading the Book of Mormon.  He took a copy and agreed to meet us again.  Before we left, we said a prayer that his wife would contact him soon and that his health would improve.  In two days time, we met him where we promised and he looked like a completely different person!  He seemed to be feeling much better and he told us how his wife had actually contacted him!! He's now planning to move to London with her.  He promised to call us and let us know when he was moving and how we could help.  Although we haven't seen him since, this was a witness to me that Heavenly Father is mindful of every one of His children.  Although our encounter with him was short and sweet, the Spirit was there and we know that God answered our simple prayer in the parking lot to help Bryan.  I'm sure one day he'll fully accept the restored gospel and I'll be glad to have helped him along his way. 

Third, we met with Peter & Esther...again. About 2 months ago, when Sister Smart was in the area we street contacted Peter and gave him a Book of Mormon and set up a return appointment.  Unfortunately, he called to cancel and told us we'd have to reschedule for another time.  We tried but had no success in contacting him.  So then about 2 weeks ago, whilst Sister Nelson and I were on our way to church, a sweet lady from the Philippines smiled and said hello to us.  We stopped to talk and she told us we could come to her home sometime.  As she proceeded to give us her address, I realized it was the exact same one that Peter had given me 2 months ago.  I said, "Wait, do you know Peter?!" And she said, "Peter's my husband." I was shocked!! She then recalled that Peter had told her about us and the book we gave him (The Book or Mormon.) I couldn't believe it.   We tried to set a return appointment, but it didn't end up working out and I was so disappointed.  Randomly on Saturday we were in the area near their home and decided to knock on their door.  To our surprise, both of them were home and invited us in!  We taught them a little bit more about the Book of Mormon and they expressed how they wanted to come to church with us this week if we could just find them a lift. Check, no problem! We were so happy to have met them again and I'm grateful for the patience and help Heavenly Father gives us to bring the gospel to those who are prepared!  We'll be seeing them again on Saturday! 

Scripture of the week: "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings" -Mosiah 8:18

Good times at Stonehenge. :)

Wednesday

This week is transfers and we found out on Saturday that Sister Nelson and I will both be staying here in Salisbury for another transfer.  Not much of a surprise, but it's always nice to know for sure. I love Salisbury and Sister Nelson so I'm happy to stay here as long as He'll have me. :)  Gotta love transfer calls... 

Today we don't have much time to email, but I'll send a proper post on Wednesday.  Talk to you soon!