August 25, 2014

Family

Dear Family,

I could not express my gratitude, frustrations, and love that I have felt this week.

First of all. I love the picture I got of Lucy with her poking herself in the eye balls. I love it so much that I stuck it on my planner with the caption "if it's awkward make it more awkward, then it's funny." And I am showing everyone. It comes in handy when I needed to make L. laugh.

So let me tell you about L. She is just a good soul and I love her to death. We have been teaching her for a month and a half and it is amazing to see the change that she is making. I remember the first time we taught her she told us that she wanted to get baptized, but she didn't think that she would be very active in the church. And now she has the mind set that Christ has done so much for her that she can do this for Him. When we taught her this week she told us how much happier she is and just can't believe it! Her testimony of the gospel brought tears to my eyes as she reminded me why I am serving a mission: To bring happiness into people's lives. Yesterday was the first time that she came to church since we have been teaching her. I was so happy i was going to explode! When I saw her outside I RAN to her, Sister Shipley (my companion) having to chase me. The best part about her at church was in Relief Society she introduced herself saying "I'm L. and I am getting baptized September 20th." I cannot tell you the joy that she is. She is a kindred spirit. To be able to teach her has made my life and mission complete. I love her so much.

Another miracle was that P. came to church today. Missionaries have been coming to her home weekly for dinner for the past 3 years. As far as I know she has come to church once, maybe twice. I think what it was to help her go to church was our consistent annoyance of telling her to come to church, and her granddaughter. Her Granddaughter is at BYU-I and she posted on Facebook how grateful she is for church and the Sabbath day. This really hit P. Social Media is for our benefit!

The most powerful testimony that I have ever heard was from a 12 year old boy. We went over to a less active family this week. The two 12 and 13 year old boys are the strongest members in the family. As we were teaching them we asked them why they were baptized. Austin told us that at first he want to be a part of this gospel, but then he was wondering if he even wanted to do this any more. So he told us that he "got down on my knees and prayed." After he prayed he realized the blessings that the gospel has brought to his family in the past and wanted it again. As we were leaving their home he came up to us privately and ask for some copies of The Book of Mormon so that he could write his testimony in each one of them to give to each member in his family.

Those are but a few of the experiences that I got to be a part of this week. I am loving my area, ward, mission, companion, and life. LOVE YOU ALL!

Sista Lassen