Transfer 10 Week 1

This week was MLC! I carpooled again with Sister Heck. We stayed in Farmington YSA's apartment- talk about flashbacks. So, we got ready for bed, Sister Heck shoved two armchairs together to form a bed, and I took the couch (she insisted since I got the floor last time). We prayed, crawled into "bed" and then I got up to go to the bathroom. I came back, cautiously, walking in the dark. I was so sure I was going to crash into something. I laid down, got cozy in my covers, and then I felt a HAND crawling up my body! I yelped, Sister Heck burst into giggles from her hiding spot under the coffee table. We laughed for a while and I reminded her of the time I scared her when her mouth was full of mouthwash and she punched me. She had one last scare! She goes home two weeks into this transfer and I'll be sad to see her go. The mission won't be the same without my GooGoo Monster watching over me from out on the reservation. 
In other news, I'm staying in Holbrook with Sister Jeffrey so get those packages over here for Christmas! I will be going to exchanges this transfer with St. Micheal's, Gallup, and Page. Page is about a four hour drive. Sister Panoussi is there. I'm excited. Sister Garcia is in St. Micheal's now too! I can't wait to see her again. 

This week we met yet another Jailbird. His name is Tim and he is the significant other of a woman named Brittney. Brittney has nine kids and we've taught her two lessons- then Tim showed up. He used to push away the church pretty hard, but now he seems so open. He apologized to the members who are their fellowshippers telling them "You must've thought I'm a jerk, but I really am willing to learn now." He had a sudden change of heart, agreed to take the lessons, and agreed to come to church. Yesterday two of his kids showed up to church with the members who usually give them a ride. Their heads were hung low, and the member told us that Tim's father (strict catholic) found out they were planning on going to church and didn't take it very well. They sent the two sons to go, but they did not show up in hopes to calm down his father. The night before when we taught them the plan of salvation, I felt impressed to warn them of the upcoming opposition. And I'm glad I did. I told them that the greatest followers of Christ have faced all kinds of opposition. And what they need to worry about is what's right for them and what will help their family be together forever. I hope they took that to heart and don't get discouraged. 

Thanksgiving was great! We had several appointments to eat. Lots of homemade delicious cranberry sauce. The first big meal we ate, they killed their own turkey. It was 42 pounds! All the families we visited were partly less-active so it was an interesting crowd. We ended the day at our ward mission leaders house, counseling with him over three layer (apple, pecan, pumpkin) pie. 

We've started on the He Is The Gift initiative. I am so excited for all the contacts we will make this next week, and up until Christmas. So far we have met a woman named Carol, and her three dogs: Domino, Yatzee, and Snuffles, and a wicken named Cameron. Those've been the most interesting, at least. 
I have to constantly keep in mind why we are going out every day. The why is the most important. I try my hardest to remember to have charity at every door we knock, because charity fuels this work. I am getting frustrated with some missionaries who insist on never tracting. It's a nice idea in theory, but I believe there's someone behind those doors who might need us. And I knock for that one. We also get awesome referrals from members who are doing such good work in this area! Family, I hope you're one of those awesome families who is actively engaged in the work of salvation. Missionary work isn't a side-job, it's a full time work for all of those who have been fortunate enough to call themselves disciples of Christ. People need this message, especially this Christmas season.

And now a message on charity, from Marvin J Ashton:

“Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” (Moro. 7:46–47.)

 "Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with thosewho are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you arenever the same again. It makes the thought of being a basher repulsive.

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt orremain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to becomeoffended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgivesomeone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."

Charity is the greatest of all Christlike attributes. It really is.

I miss you all and I love you all so much! Hope your thanksgiving was great. 

Ridiculous Sister Jeffers,

The local library

and our month of december!