I love Rio Vista! I love Sister Thomas! We’ve seen so many
miracles and progression every day! As you can probably tell it's been an
amazing week! Both of us are exchange sisters. We do it now as a companionship.
For which we are grateful. It’s been so fun receiving inspiration and
revelation for them. We have four companionships. You’ll be very happy to know
that Sister Thomas takes lots of pictures so I have lots more. :)
This week has been incredible! I absolutely love the area,
the branch, and Sister Thomas! Every day we saw so many miracles and
progression of others and within ourselves. The work of the Lord is amazing!
Together we're going to start a journal of miracles and amazing things we see
and experience. There's so much even with just one week. The branch is so
willing to help us. We had a referral from the branch president for his
neighbor. Yesterday we finally contacted the family and began teaching them. We
have another appointment next Sunday. A young woman in the branch brought her
friend to church and we'll be teaching her at her friends’ house. One family whose
lives have been very tough is progressing well. They still have a long ways to
go, but they're on the path. The father is working towards the temple. Another
investigator knows the church is true. Now it's just getting him to act and
accept the baptismal invitation and a date. One less-active sister came to
church after many years of inactivity. She thought she couldn't go to the
temple because she had married a non-member. That same member drove us to
Fairfield to do our grocery shopping so we could save miles. As exchange
sisters we have felt guided by the Spirit, as we have planned for our sisters
and the exchanges we'll have. As a companionship we are so good! I love working
with Sister Thomas! She is incredible! Each day is filled with laughter and
spiritual uplifting. Our conversations have been edifying and uplifting. Our
companionship studies just kind of extend throughout the day. And even go to
the next day. My hunger for more knowledge has grown immensely. I love studying
the gospel even more! Like I told Sister Thomas the other day, each day I fall
deeper and deeper in love with the gospel. With the plan Heavenly Father has
for each one of us. I love how He is a part of every little detail of our
lives. If we let Him He will guide us and change us. And we will be happy! This
past week was the best yet of my mission. And perhaps even my life. I have not
had any stress or negative feelings. When things come that in the past would
have normally caused me to stress or think negatively I let it go. Sister
Thomas and her positive attitude helps. She helps me to laugh all day and to
see the miracles. We are continually in awe of the Lord. Of everything He has
done, is doing, and will yet do. He is so good! My heart is filled with true
joy. And I love it! It comes mostly from, I believe, my companion. Words can't
express how happy and grateful I am to be companions with Sister Thomas. Nor
can they explain how wonderful she is.
Last night our car wouldn't start. Thankfully we had just
talked with a family from the branch as we walked by so we called them and they
came to our rescue. They jumped our car and told us to drive straight home. And
thankfully it started again this morning.
Rio Vista is amazing! There are windmills. It’s pretty cool.
It’s a very small town. We could walk across it in about 30 min. The area is on
the border of the mission so we have accidently gone out of the mission a
couple times. There aren't too many Spanish people here in Rio Vista, but we
saw a good number when we went to Walnut Grove the other day.
I can't explain how much I love this area! The time I have
isn't sufficient to tell you all the adventures we had this past week. Sister Thomas
got turned around a few times, but each time we ran into someone just ready to
receive the gospel. That or we found a less-active; we're doing a lot of
less-active work. Right now we're working with 12 families and have been asked
if we could check up on a number of others. The branch is pretty small. We’re
30 min away from Fairfield and all by ourselves. I’m used to working in a city
with other missionaries, but not here. Last night when our car wouldn't start
we texted the zone leaders just to let them know. Not too long after they
called us kind of worried. Elder Gifford said, "Well, we were just calling
to pray with you." for some reason we found that hilarious. They really
wanted to do more but knew they couldn't do anything more. We were very
grateful for the members that showed up not too long after we called them. With
one try the car was going and we were on our way. Our first reaction after
realizing our car was dead was to laugh. Then Sister Thomas said, "Where's
my camera?" So we have pictures of us in the cold and wind by our car and
the jumper cables. That morning we had both put our winter coats in the car. It
had been a little chilly the day before. That afternoon walking around we were
hot so we thought it funny we had them in the back seat. But then as we stood
by our car at 9 that night we saw how the Lord blessed us and knew what would happen.
It’s little things like that that make me just smile and
realized even more how much the Lord is a part of our lives. He knew and the Spirit
spoke to our minds. We obeyed, not knowing and then realized later we had followed
the Spirit. That just makes me smile! :)
Love you lots and lots! Thank you for your love and support!
I hope you have another great week. Have fun on the trek. I’m glad G's eagle
court of honor went well. Congratulations Buddy! You’re the best brother ever!
LOVE FOREVER!!!!!
Hermana Stephenson
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