So this Thursday was one of those days that was perfectly planned out to the T and we were really excited, well... at 9:30 in the morning a woman called and cancelled a service project we had, and our day just all the sudden changed from perfectly planned, to crazy. We were a little worried, but we re-adjusted and continued on, and it turned out to be the most successful day we have ever had together! In the morning we went to try and contact some referrals we have and met a woman named Gloria. She let us come in immediately and talk with her for a bit. We started talking about family and the blessing it is and she really opened up a lot. We didn't have a ton of time, so we scheduled to go see her again on Tuesday. But it was such an awesome way to start the day! We then continued on visiting some less active members, and seriously everyone that we tried was home! I love these kind of days!! Tender mercy from the Lord for sure.
We had a lesson with Hermana Jewell this week. Last week we finished reading the Book of Mormon with her, so she is ready to start it again. We decided to talk with her about the power of studying a specific theme as you read and taking notes on the impressions you receive. We shared a scripture from Doctrine and Covenants section 130 verses 18 &19, that talk about how important it is to gain knowledge in this life, because it will ultimately be all that we bring with us. As we talked about receiving revelation through the Book of Mormon and more knowledge, she just got more and more excited. By the end we thought she might leap out of her chair. She was talking about getting sticky notes to us, and different colors to make different themes, it was awesome. Honestly, one thing that has become really important and exciting to me is studying the scriptures. It is so much fun to look back through and see all of the notes you have taken, all of the different colors, etc. I heard a quote once that says "If your scriptures are falling apart, it probably means that your life isn't". Basically saying if we have used our scriptures well, studied and loved them, it probably means that our life is in pretty good order. And it is true!
On Friday we had a lesson with the Tarazon sisters, and it was another incredible one. We talked about the blessings of God with them and how we can more fully receive them. They have both been struggling with different challenges in their life, but the beautiful thing is that even though they are having hard times, they are still able to recognize the hand of God in their lives, no matter how big or small. I love seeing things like that click in other people's minds. For example; when we read the scriptures or pray more or go to church, it just seems like our life kind of goes a little smoother, or that we are able to have more strength to get through the bad times. Coincidence? Not at all. The Lord has promised us blessings beyond what we can imagine, if we only do what he asks us.
On Saturday we were able to do service for a woman named Pam that we met a few weeks ago. She is having some health problems and thus has not been able to keep up with her yards. The homeowners society here in Tucson is crazy, so she needed to get them out pretty quick, and it just so happened that we knocked on her door a few days before the due date. The Elders and us all went over, and within a few hours, we had totally cleared everything. I love doing service! It has become another of my favorite things to do on the mission. I just love seeing how a few more hands can make such a big difference. The elders that teach those that go to the English congregation will be going back to visit her later this week.
Last miracle of the week: When Hermana Flake and I were serving together, we met a woman named Gloria. We visited her a few times, but after that were never able to have contact. Sunday night, we had a half an hour left and were not quite sure who to visit. Hermana Garcia had a prompting to go visit Gloria. So we drove over to her house... and you will never believe who was sitting outside. Gloria! We talked with her and set up a lesson for tonight! Somethings have changed in her life since the last time we saw her, and she seemed really excited to see us. We can't wait to go back and see her!
Well, as you can tell, it has been a pretty awesome week! I am so grateful that we have been able to be busy, to see the fruits of our labor, and to be blessed with miracles each day!
I hope y'all are having just as a great of a time as me!
Keep working hard and looking for the hand of the Lord each day in your life!
Don't forget to put on your armor!
Love,
Hermana Lundquist