Sister Maughan and I are staying in Bossier! That means after this transfer I will have been here for SIX MONTHS. That seems like a pretty long time! But like I have said over and over, I love this place.
This week was another full of disappointment and also shouts of joy! We had a couple painful rejections, but as usual, the good moments made up for them.
Mostly, this week was a week of learning for me. My studies are becoming more meaningful, I'm learning and gaining understanding as I teach, and I am discovering more strengths and weaknesses in myself. I'm praying every day to become the missionary the people here need, just as I was in the beginning of my mission. A phrase keeps running through my head from Doctrine and Covenants 100:4 "Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls." I could have easily been transferred, but I was asked to stay. I know there is a reason for me to be here and I am determined to find it! Sometimes it feels like any other Sister could do what I do all day, but there are people here for Sister Maughan and I specifically. SO, I have resolved to let my personality and personal testimony show! Somebody needs it, right? I've been dancing with little girls I find on the street, sharing my personal experiences, talking about the people that mean the most to me back home, loving and giving freely, and always striving to make people smile. It's been much more fun. Obviously, I should have been doing these things all along, but I fell into a routine and a missionary cookie-cutter.
I hope ALL of us can look around and try to find reasons for why our Heavenly Father has placed us where we are. Don't get too distracted by things that don't really matter, share your strengths, self, and time with others!
Yesterday our washing machine broke and flooded
our kitchen. We've broken that thing twice in 6 weeks :) On Sunday night we built a fort in the living room and watched movies until bed time (Mission approved, of course). Our friend Charles came to church to see the Primary Program and that was really cute. And on Wednesday we had a Pinata at our District Meeting!
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| Hello to Halyn from your little friend in LA, Anya! |
Remember my email subjected: Me: "Do you know where Dorothy lives?" Stranger: "ARE YOU ASKING IF I'M A MORMON?" Well, this lady's name is Gayle, and it turns out she IS a Mormon. She had stopped coming to Church, but since we ran into her while looking for Dorothy, she has come back and brought her daughters. We didn't even mean to do that. She's pretty great and full of referrals. And that is why you talk to everyone :)
Anyways, I should go. We are going to an art gallery today :)
Have a blessed week, yall!
Sister Bartsch
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