Here is my weekly novel for you. You really don't have to read the whole thing. But here's what I did this week!
It was our last full week of September, isn't that crazy! This is the only September I will have on my mission. It is hard to believe! Something I have found is the importance of being happy where you are, when you are. Be in the moment! If I am out tracting in the rain, I'm going to enjoy the fresh air, and see how green the plants are. If I'm sitting in a meeting, I realize how important the things are that we are talking about, and how blessed I am to be surrounded by friends in my branch. Missions really are miracles, and so is every day of our lives. We really have to take time to enjoy each moment. If we live our whole lives looking forward to whatever is coming next we'll never be happy.
Monday: It was my last p-day with my sisters! We had a wonderful lunch with the Lockharts and had a relaxing day. That evening we had a lesson with Dave and Connie and Connie had her baptismal interview! I have learned that as a missionary it is so important to teach simply!
Tuesday: What a day! We had a visit with a member of the branch. We care so much about her, it is hard to see people struggle. We come in and out of their lives and only get to see pieces of it, but if we can show them love and brighten their day I feel like we have accomplished something. We tried to do that with her, by sharing the Restoration video and helping her to feel the spirit. That evening we went to the Baptist Church in town and sang for 20 minutes as part of their mens group program for the evening. Brother Veinot and Sister Veinot came up from Yarmouth to do a presentation on genealogy. It was so wonderful to see them again! I really do love them! They are like grandparents to me. We had a lot of fun singing, and everyone was so kind and complimented us. We sang hymns that all would recognize and tried to share our faith with them and celebrate family.
Wednesday: This was a very special day! Connie was baptized at 1:30. We filled up the font, and had the program all set up. It was a wonderful baptismal service, I almost started crying when they talked about how Sister Spencer and I would always be her "missionaries"! It was just so wonderful. To see her making promises with God. And showing her love for him. That evening we headed to Moncton so Sister Burton could pack all of her things she left there! (They told her she would be going back so she only brought enough things for two weeks. That apparently changed, so we had to pack it all up) When the other sisters got there we had a great Dairy Queen Icecream cake for Sister Burton's birthday which was Sept. 28th. (the same day as Jasmine Martins!)
Thursday: Transfer day. What a crazy thing transfers are. I said goodbye to Sister Spencer who I had been with 24/7 for over 4 months. And I got two new companions. I love them both! We get along great. And I'm really excited to spend the next transfer with them. We had a lesson with Connie and her husband so they could meet them and we did some finding. It was a great day.
Friday: We got to weekly plan together for the first time. They were so great, I know coming into a new area is hard to plan for. But I think good things will happen this transfer. We also had a great games night! It is so much fun playing games with everyone. We also met this awesome Christian earlier as we knocked. And he gave us each a copy of the Motorcyclist Bible! It's pretty interesting, it's in contemporary English. That was different! What a nice gesture from a complete stranger. I love being a missionary.
Saturday: We spent most of the day in Springhill! It was quite the adventure and we met a few great characters up there. Each person we meet is just so unique. It's always fun. At 8pm the Brothers of the branch served a light supper to all of the sisters who had come together for the General Women's Broadcast which was showed at 9pm. I can't even begin to say how much I loved it! Each talk was so inspired, I could really feel the spirit. I am so excited for conference this week!
Sunday: It was a great day of Church meetings and talking with members. We had a few wonderful member visits as well. I've already seen miracles and wish I could write more, but I am so out of time!
I love my mission. I love being able to help people, or make them smile. This really is the work of God! I hope you all have a wonderful week. And remember Heavenly Father loves you! And so do I! As always, feel free to write any time,and if any of you need anything let me know.
Love,
Sister Smith
ps. I turn 20 this week! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH :D