We had a great week. We had exchanges
and I was here with Sister P from Tonga and it was great! I love her. She and I
were able to set some great goals and then we both were able to really progress
in those goals. We had great studies in the morning that we were able to apply
to those we taught and to those we tracted into. We had a lot of fun in the
work as well. She also really helped me feel uplifted and loved. She is such a
kind person.
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| Sister P and Ann on exchanges |
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| after exchanges |
Then on Wednesday night we went down
to Dianella to practice modeling for zone conference the next day and I don't
know what happened to me, but I got in a bit of an irritable mood. I was
feeling frustrated with some of the missionaries there. I didn't feel like
people were being very kind to each other and such. You know when you have a
high opinion of someone and then they just let you down? That's how I felt, but
honestly I don't think it was their fault I think it was more me, I was trying
really hard to get over it. I prayed really hard in preparation for zone
conference the next day and was determined to try to fix my attitude.
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| with Sam and the elders |
So we had zone conference and it was
amazing! At first I was struggling with those same feelings but I was able to
overcome it quickly and really enjoy zone conference.
We talked about family history and
helping our recent converts do it. To help them do it we have to be able to do
it ourselves. So, President Lindsay gave us all permission to spend four hours
during the least productive hours of the day doing our OWN family history! Then
if we find a name to take to the temple he said for this transfer only we can
go!!!!! I am so excited. I have been feeling very strongly recently that family
history is something that Heavenly Father wants me to get into, but I wasn't
sure how to do it on my mission. Now President has given us the way. I have
felt a deeper love for my family and my forefathers. As I was sitting there I
felt strongly that this is another way that our recent converts and us as
missionaries will be able to feel the angels around us more strongly, because
we're helping them too!
We also sang at zone conference. It
was my companion and I with our zone leaders and it ended up being very
beautiful which was quite the miracle all things considering.
Then the last part of zone conference
was about Easter. President Lindsay read us the Easter story. And just before
that Satan was really trying to get me down. He is relentless. I was struggling
to really make sure that I am doing everything God wants. They were telling us
that everyone can get a certain number of member present lessons, you just have
to put in the effort and I thought, "well actually that's untrue, you have
to have people to teach first." We are really struggling to find people.
So as I was feeling these feelings
and He read the story. I felt so strongly the power of the Resurrection and
what that means for me. I felt more strongly than ever before that He lives and
because He lives I cannot only conquer death, but I can overcome the things
that weigh me down. Then at the end of Luke the Savior appears to them and he
says to them,
"Peace be unto you.... And He said unto them, why are
ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my
feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see for a spirit hath not flesh and
bones as ye see me have."
I felt as if I was there. I could
almost hear him saying to me, "Sister Tanner, Peace be unto you. Why are
you worried about all of these little things? Why are you troubled about all
these things you can't control? Why do you worry about the judgments people
have passed on you? I am here. I live. I understand how you feel. I am pleased
with you. You're doing what's right. So stop worrying. Come and see."
I know that's not exactly what He was
saying to the Apostles but I know that's what He was saying to me that day. I
felt so much peace and comfort. I know He lives. I know that He loves me. I
know that because He has overcome the world, I can too, but only with His help.
I am so thankful for a Savior that LIVES for me. I am thankful for a Savior who
is the perfect judge and knows what the desires of my heart are.
I was, of course, sobbing through all
of this, so it was a bit embarrassing, but I couldn't help it. I felt it so
strongly. It was a powerful meeting. I also felt prompted to get a blessing
after and it was a beautiful blessing that brought me a lot of comfort. I am so
thankful for the priesthood.
Then came Sunday. I loved this Easter
Sunday. We have been working with a less active nearly the whole time I've been
here and HE CAME TO CHURCH!!!! My heart nearly burst as I saw him coming in the
door. He loved it. It was beautiful to have not only his wife, but him there as
well. Our Ward mission leader also taught the perfect lesson for him in our Sunday
school class and invited him to take his wife to the temple. It was so powerful
and just what he needed. I can't wait to continue to help he and his wife on
this journey. I love them so much.
Then we had a musical Easter fireside
that we sang the song we sang in zone conference and my companion and I sang, "oh
Lord, my Redeemer" and the Spirit was so strong. It was one of those times
where I could feel my testimony flowing out of my countenance and our song. I
felt a connection with the people as I looked into each face and shared what I
really felt in my heart. I love those times when I get to sing like that. It
was also such a nice treat to have the Lindsay's there in the audience. It felt
like I had my parents there. I felt a warm sense of love and unity with
everyone there. And the less active and his wife came as well and seemed to
really enjoy it. It was a beautiful Easter.
I hope you all had a great Easter. I
love you and thank you for all that you do for me. And I loved my Easter
package. Nothing could have been a better gift than all of your favorite
scriptures and quotes and your testimonies of the Savior. I love you all. Thank
you for your examples. I love you.
On a less spiritual note... last night
Sister S and I were going to follow up with a less active. It was really dark
and it was such a creepy street. The kind that makes someone like me be on
edge... We were trying to read the house numbers in the dark and then all of
the sudden this big something comes running at us... naturally I scream... like
REALLY scream. Sister S started screaming too and yelling for me to drive away
and that she refused to get out of the car. My whole body went numb as I
realize that it was just a dog, but it was still terrifying. My comp and I were
both freaked out for the rest of the night. Then we were laughing really hard
about it because we realized how ridiculous we were being... I can be such a
woosie. I thought you might all enjoy that.
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