Happy New Year everyone!

Happy new year everyone! :)

 

Here were some things that happened this week:

Heather came to church again this week with both of her children, Madeline (11) and Max (8)! We had our first lesson with her this past week.. She's going through a divorce right now and is really looking for structure in her life and just wants her family to feel closer to God. Her husband has always mocked the idea of religion, so it's been tough for her. She is so pure in heart.. and prepared. We taught her the restoration and the spirit was so strong. We taught her about Joseph Smith and she says, "so he's just a prophet then? That makes sense." It just clicked for her. We invited her to pray and read the Book of Mormon and she said, "I'll do it tonight." And she did!" We're meeting with her in a member's home this week (Her fellowship, the Peterson's) and are planning to invite her to commit to a baptismal date. We teach the restoration over and over.. all day, every day, but this lesson was very special.. it reminded me of the truthfulness of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

I feel extremely blessed to be companions with Sister Angimarau. She is a very special missionary! This past week we had an experience where the spirit left the room of an investigator's home due to contention. I wasn't sure what to do or what to say.. right away, she suggested we sing a hymn. You could feel the spirit again enter the room. I'm grateful she was so in tune. We're looking forward to the temple this week! (It was her birthday, so we get to go). She doesn't have on in her country.. talking about it with her really made me think about how it can be so easy to take the distance of our temples for granted. We are so blessed!

 

We are getting a little worried Enrique. He went to Mexico for Christmas and came back on Dec. 23rd. We've called, sent several texts, and have stopped by a few times.. and we haven't heard from him. Bro. Barlow has also been trying to get in contact with him. He was able to catch him on Saturday afternoon and Enrique said he would be at church, but he didn't show up.  We're praying and keeping the faith that everything is okay and hope that we can get in contact with him this week! We're thinking something may have happened while he was away or that he is nervous about receiving the priesthood and his calling. Please, please keep him in your prayers!

 

I've been studying what it means to "become a consecrated servant of Jesus Christ" and have been thinking a lot about CONVERSION. Every one, read the talk given by Elder Bednar titled, "Converted unto the Lord." .. it's amazing! He talks about the difference between a testimony and conversion and uses the example of the Lamanites, who were "converted and never did fall away." We visited a recent convert in our area and she told us that the sister missionary who played a key role in her conversion, decided to leave the church. Seeing how devastated she was, really made my think about the importance of two things.. 1. Being truly converted (Or striving to get there.)  and 2. Our choices affect not only ourselves, but those whom we love.

 

I have many imperfections and weaknesses, but  I will never be able to deny the miracles I've seen on my mission and the truth.. I know that Our Savior lives and that our heavenly father directs this work. I'm so grateful to be a part of his work!

 

I love you all! Have a good week!

Sister James

Sister James and Sister Angimarau

Sisters on Christmas Eve