Sister Dakota Bartsch: Things Don't Always go as Planned

Hey, friends!

I'm happy to announce that I am staying in Bossier with Sister Dobbins for another 6 weeks! I was so worried she would be transferred and I would have to know my way around this place. Also, we have a really nice apartment and I am thrilled to stick around.

Breaking News: Sunny's Baptism is now probably THIS Saturday. The timing of everything just works out a bit better. Her interview is tonight and then we will know for sure! Sunny was a little upset at first, but we have found many blessings from putting it off a week and she quickly accepted it (as pictured in the gas station).

This last week has been challenging for reasons I can't quite explain! The mission changes you, and those changes aren't usually easy ones to make. But as they happen I see myself becoming not only a better person, but a better disciple of Christ. Last night I was able to put one of the changes to words with my companion.

I had returned from teaching an investigator that has been difficult for me to help. He is an alcoholic and has been struggling with the desire to stop drinking. I was nervous to try to teach him for a couple of appointments, and didn't say all of the things I should have. This last time, though, I went in with so much faith in the Spirit not only giving me words, but giving me the boldness to say them. And it happened. I bore one of the strongest testimonies I've ever borne to him and I saw him feel the Spirit. It was amazing. He told us that he had stopped drinking whisky in the morning because "I didn't want to let y'all down!" and he was working on drinking less and less beer during the day. I just remember thinking "You didn't want to let US down? what about yourself or your family or your Heavenly Father?" but then I realized the calling I have. And the name I bear.

To me, I am an inexperienced 20 year old sitting on his front porch desperately inviting him to come closer to Christ. To him, I bring the Spirit. I bring something that he can feel even through his substance abuse. I represent Jesus Christ in sharing the importance of His gospel. And because of that people look to us as young missionaries to answer life's hardest questions, to give them advice, share hope, be loving, and help them. Right now I am teaching a person who is suffering from cancer and chemotherapy, another lost their spouse so unexpectedly, one has frequent heart failure, Shawn and his family struggle with alcoholism, and another couple are raising a severely disabled child. I certainly didn't go to school for this! But their Savior knows exactly what they are enduring, He suffered it all so that he can be there to help them through these things. (Alma 7:11-12) And He sends us missionaries to find these people and invite them to come unto Him. I am striving every day to live worthy of the Spirit's guidance and promptings so that I may be what these people need, where and when they need me.

I want you all to know how much you Heavenly Father and Savior love you. No matter what you are struggling with, you can call upon them for help.

At the close of our lesson with Shawn we talked about prayer. He said he prays for his wife and family, but never for himself. He felt unworthy. We are never unworthy of our Heavenly father's love! Pray for His help, and use the Atonement that has been provided for you. Shawn said our closing prayer and said "help me be a better person." The Spirit was immediately stronger because he asked for help and the Savior was there waiting.

We all have trials, and I challenge you to not try to endure them on your own! Pray for help and you will receive it.

I love you all so much and you are always in my prayers!

Have a blessed week,