I'm being transferred to Rio Vista. I'll most likely be in a
zebra (with English companion teaching both English and Spanish) My companion
is Sister Thomas. We went on exchanges once. Hermana Garo is going back to Windsor
with Hermana Clayton. So we white-washed out. Very stressful but kind of fun
organizing EVERYTHING and cleaning. This week we found five new investigators
for Hermana Anderson and her new missionary that will be coming in. The branch
was very surprised and gave us lots of love. I love this area and the people. We’re
sad to break up the Spanish district. So many good memories!
Well I’ve been stressed since Friday night. Today is not so
rushed. Well, right now because we have everything in the car and the apartment
is cleaned and locked up. Now it’s just getting to Santa Rosa by 1:00. And then
the new stress will come as I enter a new area. I’ll also be an exchange sister
again, for three areas. I’m not exactly sure how it will all work out. We’ll
see.
Last night we had a branch FHE. It was lots of fun! We
played some silly games and just loved being together. Everyone really wanted
me to promise I’d return to visit. I told them I’d do my best.
I took many pictures yesterday and Sunday. Not tons but
lots. The members were amazing! On Sunday as I listened tears filled my eyes
thinking it was possibly my last Sunday in a Spanish Sacrament meeting. So many
members were there. The elders said we had 89!
Hermana Garo says you’re the best! For your example and having
a daughter like me. And for sending us that amazing box filled with goodies.
People say I’m near the end but I still feel like I’m in the
middle. I’ll do my best to keep that state of mind.
I have a box in the mail with some things. One is an early
present for dad; it's juice from Brazil. It’s the fruit of cashew. You put some
in the blender with some ice, water and sugar. There are directions. It’s
really good! I loved it! My journal will come soon for you Mom.
In the box is The Continuous Atonement. The book you bought
for me for Christmas. I marked it up. I wanted Andrea to read it. She’ll finish
it in a few hours. But also wanted you all to read it and mark it. Highlight
it; write notes, thoughts, whatever. I love that book! I read it twice! I love the
analogy at the end about the marble.
This week as we were knocking doors we met a lady named
Sarah. Even before we knocked her door she told us to come on in. Once we were
inside she asked us who we were. (Have I told you this? Oh well, I love this
lady so you'll hear it again.) We introduced ourselves and immediately asked us
questions. We answered her and asked if she needed help. She looked at us very surprised.
Her answer was "really?" We eagerly nodded and expressed how much we
wanted to help her. She was kind of flustered and not sure what to say. She was
surprised strangers would offer her help. After a little more talking we ended
up rearranging her small apartment and cleaning a little. The whole time she
kept expressing her gratitude and utter surprise. A few times she commented that
she thought we'd been sent by God. Hermana Garo and I looked at each other and
smiled knowingly. If she only knew how true that is! We explained to her that
we, as representatives of Jesus Christ, we had indeed been sent by God. We are
his hands here on earth and it is our privilege to serve her and others. We
were there for a couple hours moving things around and cleaning. It reminded me
of helping Sister Van Stone and Sister Royce and others. I felt so at home and
happy. Funny how much I love cleaning and making things look pretty and
presentable. After we were done helping her we sat down to talk about the
gospel. She immediately wanted to read the Book of Mormon. She wanted to draw
closer to Christ, and know more about him. We had another lesson with her a few
days later and it was amazing! She will be baptized. We became immediate friends
and there's lots of love.
We had some other really neat miracles throughout the week. But
I’ll save that for another time. I love you! Have another good week. Hope you dry up a
little. We've had sun all week, in the 80's and 90's. Beautiful!
FOREVER LOVE.
Hermana Stephenson
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