The Special Day!

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Fullness of Joy

The title says it all.  I have never been so happy in my mission as I've been this past week.  I love being a missionary.  Carly was baptized on Saturday and it was an amazing experience!! The Spirit was so strong throughout the whole program and I'm so grateful to have been a part of her journey.  

Of course, a baptism isn't a baptism without a few bumps in the road... This week was tough for Carly because the adversary was definitely pushing against her, but she made it!!  The Salisbury branch is so supportive and we're so grateful for the help and the love they've shown to us and Carly. She was baptized in the Christchurch chapel, just a 30 minute drive down the road.  The best part of the baptism was seeing the difference in her countenance as she climbed out of the font.  She was so so happy for the decision she made and she was clean!!  What a beautiful day it was and I feel so blessed to know her and call her my sister.  

Yesterday as I sat in sacrament meeting, just after Carly was confirmed and we started the sacrament, I was overwhelmed by the Spirit.  It was a testimony to me of the love Heavenly Father has for each one of us as His children and the blessings He pours out upon us as we do our best to please Him. There is a quote I love from the Mormon message "Lifting Burdens." One of the apostles says, "Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won't for He sees us as heavenly beings we are capable of becoming."  I love that quote and I know that it's true.  I've especially felt that as I've been able to bring that love and joy to the people I serve.  I know that the gospel in its fullness is truly our way to everlasting life and receiving a fullness of joy. We are so much more with the Lord on our side, than we could ever be alone.

Scripture of the week: "Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work.16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." -Alma 26:15-16 but I wish I could copy and paste the whole chapter on here! :) 

Left to right: Elder Robinson, myself, CARLY, Sister Nelson, and Elder Onedo

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Last One for Today - Charity Never Faileth :)

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Another One

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Road Trip Down to Poole Baptism

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Helping Hands w/ Sister McGowen

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Our Helping Hands Service Project was this week! It was great! We helped clean up a day nursery that needed our help: pulling weeds, pruning, painting the fence, etc. :)

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Old Sarum Bus Trip

I told President today in my letter that I don't think I've ever been as happy as I've been at this point in my mission.  I'm lovin' it. Salisbury is the greatest area and the work is moving along so well! Sister Nelson and I get along great, and I love the members here. I don't think it could get any better. 

Carly is doing really well and we're excited for her to be baptized this Saturday!! We're really looking forward to it. It was fun this past weekend to take a trip down to Poole with her and Shelby (member) to attend a baptism service for their ward.  There was a special spirit there and it was a great experience. 

Our miracle of the week was definitely on Thursday when we went up to Old Sarum to contact some people up there.  On the bus ride up, most the seats were full so I just randomly sat down next to this guy named Jamie. I started talking with him and found out that he was actually the grandson of one of the members in our branch! I was blown away!  He told me he knew of the Church but not much about it, but he already had a Book of Mormon. We ended up getting off at the same stop and setting up another time to meet. The next day he showed up and we were able to teach him a little bit more.  He gave us his number and we told him we'd text to let him know about an activity we were having the next evening.  We texted him but got no response. :( Sunday, on our way back from church, we ran into him again! Can you believe it?! He told us he had accidentally told us the wrong number and was able to correct it.  We met with him again and have another appointment set up for this coming week! We're were so happy to meet with him and I know the Lord puts people in our path who are prepared to listen to the message we have. So onward and upward with the work this week. It's a great time to be a missionary. :)

Scripture of the week: "But all things must come to pass in their time. Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind..." -D&C 64:32-34

​The new chapel - making good progress. :)