Transfer 12 Week 3

What a wonderful week! Physically, just not super top notch because between MLC and exchanges my body always gets pretty shot. We came back from everything Wednesday night, and the next day had to give a training in Zone Training. It was on having charity and love for your companion and for those you teach. It was hard for us to come up with anything for training because me and Sister Campbell were love at first sight! Honestly, it feels like I have been her companion for years, and I can't remember what it was like without her. That's silly, but we are just having such a great time as companions. One of my favorite things especially was the drive home from Farmington. On the drive there we listened to a few songs and talked about funny stories and weird things that happened at home. But on the drive back, the Flora Vista sisters had given us some talks to listen to. They were about sacrifice, and about self mastery, and agency, and really good wholesome things. After the talks were over, we spent the next few hours of the drive just talking. First we talked just about the talks and the subjects and the parts we liked. Then we talked about application, and I was able to tell her things I'm worried about and doubts that I have. We talked so openly and the spirit was there, and I can see what a difference it makes. It's hard for me, because I love casual conversation, but it's been a while since I've had a really great long deep conversation. And I could feel the difference in the air. I could feel the difference of the spirit we had as we went home and planned that night. We talk a lot. Both of us. But I've realized I need to be more careful about what we talk about. There's a time and place for fun and casual. But there's nothing better than a conversation that edifies, one that brings you up, one that inspires and invokes change. It was wonderful.

Exchanges were so great. The Sisters in Flora Vista are doing wonderful. It's funny, because something I have been struggling with is accepting praise and love from the Lord. And it's exactly what I talked with one of the sisters about. I was able to testify to her that God is proud of her work, that she need not beat herself up about how she could do better. The spirit it meant to give us warm fuzzies, but then to also push us to do better. She had been doing so much pushing herself, and not letting herself be happy with the small successes, and with the small miracles. It's important to rejoice in this work. The sons of Mosiah sure did. As I testified of God's love, I felt it hit me like a pile of bricks. It's something I could be better about accepting, and the things I was saying were things that I needed to hear. Funny how the spirit teaches you as you open your own mouth and listen.
Our investigator came to church this Sunday and I was so happy. She came in jeans and a holey T-shirt and reeking slightly of cigarettes. I had a moment where I was watching her walk through the hallways and I realized how much God loves us. I've spent so much time (and still do spend too much time) caring about how I look and how I dress and whether or not my eyebrows are symmetrical. But I saw that woman and felt how much God loves her no matter what. The love is unconditional. He loves her exactly where she's at right now. He loves her with all the struggles she's still facing. He rejoices in the small successes and miracles. He doesn't compare. He just loves.
Here comes a relevant President Monson quote:

"Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount ofmoney you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy,discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there."The miracle this week is that I feel so much better. Sister Jessee gave me an Ensign article about healing. I need to study it again. But that is a miracle: healing, growing, getting up, and keeping going. And I sure am. I'm enjoying this wonderful work. I'm at peace with where I am and where I am going. I'm grateful for Sister Campbell who keeps me laughing all day long. And I am so grateful for all the letters this week. They were so lovely, and I treasure them so much.
xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxxo
- Sister Valdez

Sister Jessee & Sister Campbell

both 200% adorable