Tuesday, January 7, 2014

letter.forty.one 01.06.14 ^loving Como^


Well this week started off rough with Dolly dropping us. I forgot to tell you about all the drama the previous week. Her ex-husband (who is now her care giver) started screaming at us on the street. It was bad. He was threatening to call the police and telling us that we were stealing her money and that she never wanted us back. That was interesting, but then we went again when he wasn't there and she said it wasn't true and that he's just a bit funny.

Then when we went over on Monday and her neighbor started yelling at us. Dolly told them to stop, but then when we came in she said she knows she should be more courageous but she just can't handle it at her age. She loves us and said we can come back whenever but she can't join a church right now. It was sad, but it's part of life. I want to do her work after she dies. :)

In contrast, we had GREAT lessons and progress with Haylee this week! She is amazing. I honestly can't even believe it. We taught her about the law of chastity (emphasis on modesty), word of wisdom, tithing, and fasting. All things that can be a bit tricky but she loved them all. She has incredible faith. She knows that whatever God asks is nothing compared to what He's given to us. I feel so blessed to be taking a small part in this beautiful process! She's getting baptized on Friday!!! She's so excited and set to go. There are going to be heaps of people there. I can't wait.

She came to church today and fasted with us! She is really just a part of the ward now. Everyone in the ward is really excited about her baptism and there are two other baptisms at that same time so I think it's really helped build the ward's confidence and fire for missionary work.

I love the Como ward. This has become my family. I didn't think a ward could be as good as Mandurah, but it has been. It's been different, but I love the people here. They have grown to love us too. Transfers are next week and everyone keeps talking about how they don't want us to move. Two people bore their testimony about how much they love missionary work and us and we have dinner appointments every day this week (which is uncommon here. We used to get fed once a week if we were lucky.)

I feel so blessed to have the members’ support and their love. They're beautiful people full of incredible stories that we have been able to learn from. I couldn't have chosen a better place to spend the holidays.

We also had interviews with President and this was by far my best one yet. I love President Lindsay. He has so much wisdom and he really helped me feel uplifted and blessed through speaking with him. I love Sister Lindsay as well. She and I had a great talk while my comp was in her interview. She's the most positive person I know. I love it!

Sister T and I were also able to have some great chats about goal setting. She hasn't set goals a lot in her life, and since our family is a bit goal-fanatic she asked for my help. We had this whole long chat about how to set SMART goals and how to do more then just set them, but to come up with a plan of action and measuring system so that you make sure you actually achieve them. Then we took it the step further and I helped her write affirmations. She was blown away. It's changed her. It made me remember how great these tools actually are. She actually loved it so much that she asked our DL if I could talk about it in district meeting.

Of course, I can't take any credit for it. I talked about Grandpa Tanner a lot. I just didn't realize or remember how powerful these things actually are and it helped me feel even more motivated to do it right. I am excited for the things I'm going to accomplish this year, with the help of the Lord. I love the start of a new year!

I love you all. I am so thankful for the wonderful family I have and for the support you all offer. Not just now, but throughout my whole life. I'm most especially grateful for the way you all have raised me by example. Obviously my immediate family but extended as well. For example, anytime I have to do a cleaning service project that is less than desirable I think of Julie and how she doesn't cringe at things she just rolls up her sleeves and does it! I love that about her. I love you Jul! And mum with making it happen all the time. She doesn't let anything stop her if she's determined, Dad's ability to talk with everyone, Alan's energetic personality, Michelle's fashion and endurance. Scott's humor, (really helps me get through)   Matty's music, David's determination to do things well, Jenna's loving heart, Kevin's ability to just be himself, always, Alexis's fearlessness. You all are amazing. I am thankful for you incredible examples. The list could go on and on. MAKE it a great week!

Heaps of love,


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