Monday, November 24, 2014

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

This morning as we were cleaning and getting ready for the day, I put in Christmas music and my heart was just brim with joy. I have been so happy this last few days, just overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. I have been thinking a lot about the blessings that I have received and growth that I've experienced on my mission, and to run through it all in my mind brings me to tears. I cannot believe it. I can't believe what a miracle it is that I am on a mission, and that I have experienced so many wonderful things, even if a good portion of them came through trials. I am finally really feeling the thing that "dying" missionaries always describe. I do not want to come home. I do not want my mission to end. I know that there are blessings and miracles and joy to be had after the mission, but I just want to be a missionary forever. It's so strange. I am exhausted, and given the choice, I probably wouldn't extend because I know that there is much for me to do after this. I jut love this. Nothing else I do in this life will ever be quite like my mission. I am just blown away.

Justin and Haley are doing well. I absolutely love Them. We taught the plan of Salvation this week, and it was so peaceful. The spirit was strong, and they understood so clearly what we were teaching. I love teaching the plan of Salvation because as we teach, the light of Christ just illuminates within the soul of the learner, it's beautiful. I know it's because this is not the first time they've heard this. They aren't really learning it, they are remembering it. Each of us knew the plan and the gospel before we came to earth, and as we learn it on earth, we find so much peace and clarity. We understand who we truly are. Ah, I just love it. So yeah, Justin and Haley are awesome. I feel like they are just friends I've known forever. :) Please pray for them that everything will continue to go well, and most of all that they will receive answers to their prayers.

Things are the same with Shaquasia, please pray for her and her family. We love hem a whole bunch.

We have a wonderful week planned, including what I'm sure will be a fantastic thanksgiving. I promise to send pictures next week!

I love you all so much!
-Sister Monroe

Monday, November 17, 2014

I'll be homeward bound in time...

(The title is from this song, I have no idea what its from, but it's called "homeward bound" and the motab does this really gorgeous version of it that has taken on a ton of meaning for me about my mission. Y'all should look it up. )

Wow. nine weeks, is that all?? Not that I'm counting, because I'm really not, but wow! I cannot believe it!

Not a lot has happened here this week. I still just love this area and my companion. The temple opens back up this week, so that's really exciting! Shaquasia is doing awesome, she has been reading the book of mormon and praying and she feels really good about it. It's just sad, because Julie hasn't read anything, not that she doesn't want to, she just hasn't, and her husband is still not okay with Shaquasia being baptized. We could really use your prayers on this one. We are really hoping and praying for Julie and Donny's hearts to soften. Shaquasia is so excited about the gospel, and she really wants to be baptized,but it's confusing for her that her parents say no.

Justin and Haley are well. We couldn't see them this week, they went to Iowa City on Monday to meet Justin's new Nephew. We are meeting with them tonight though, and are praying that it will go well. They really need to be reading from the Book of Mormon and praying about it, and they need to come to church, which they haven't yet. Please pray that they will keep their commitments and progress!

This week was fun. On Thursday, we went to a Mission Tour in Iowa City. Elder Craig Cardon of the Seventy and his wife came to speak to our mission. It was really incredible. I received a lot of revelation, as I always seem to at mission meetings- I will seriously miss that. At lunch, President and Sister Jensen sat at our table. I love them, they are so sweet and funny. I feel so blessed to serve with them.

A pretty wonderful thing did happen this week. About a month ago while Sister jensen and I were painting old ladies nails, I met this less- active fairly recent convert who just moved to Carthage. She was interviewing for a job at the nursing home. I chatted with her but then she got whisked away for her interview before I could get any of her information, or even her name. Anyway, She showed up to church on Sunday. So awesome!!!
We are excited to start working with her, she is really sweet.

That's it for us. Hopefully I'll have more good news for you all next week.
Love you so much!
-Sister Monroe

Mission Tour with Elder Cardon! We are on the left side, second row. :)

Monday, November 10, 2014

Happiness.

What an eventful week! We've had lots of miracles, and lots of meetings! Today is supposed to be the last warm day like, forever. Goodbye bare legs, hello bazillion layers, tall boots and big coat.

Well, I am so excited to update you all on our investigators. They are doing well!
Last monday night we taught Justin and Haley about the Book of Mormon, and it went really well. At the end of the lesson, we set a baptismal date with them for January 10th! They are both willing to work toward it. They would have to make a few changes, so it's really important that they read, pray, and come to church. Please pray that they will do those things so that they can feel the spirit and grow! I love them a lot, and am really hoping and praying that they will be baptized on Jan 10th, especially since I leave the next week! Ah!!

Tuesday we had interviews with President and Sister Jensen, which I always love, but these ones were especially great. I felt very loved. It is absolutely crazy to think that my next interview will be my last. That night, we were finally able to meet with Julie and Shaquasia again! We asked Bro. Raisor and their 10 year old, Charity to come and teach with us. We also taught them about the Book of Mormon, and it was great. Shaquasia is very prepared to receive the gospel. While Julie hadn't read the pamphlet or given it much thought, Shaquasia had read it, prayed about it, and really feels good. She wants very much to be baptized. We extended a baptismal date to her for December 20th, which she accepted. Julie loves us, and what we teach, but she's not interested in being baptized. The hardest thing is that to get Shaquasia to church, and for her to be baptized, her parents need to be supportive of it. Julie is okay with it, but Dad isn't on board as of right now. Please pray that Shaquasia's parents hearts will be softened and that they will allow her to be baptized on December 20th. She is such a sweet little girl, and has true desire to be baptized.

Thursday we went to Iowa City for a new Trainers and Trainees meeting. It was fun. President and Sister Jensen just trained and counseled us. They talked a lot about companionship unity, and how it makes such a difference in our work. I am grateful for Sister Heathcock. We are really enjoying being together, and it helps everything go so smoothly. I am definitely blessed.

Yesterday we taught relief society. The lesson was on missionary work, so they decided it would be good for us to teach. I just loved it. I realized yesterday that I have a passion for teaching, and if it wasn't for my mission, I never would have understood that. My mission has done infinitely more for me than I ever could've anticipated.

That's it for me this week. I love you all so much!
-Sister Monroe