I Love the Snow!

Dear Family and Friends,

Even though they are calling it an arctic invasion on the news, surprisingly,  we didn't get more than about 5 inches of snow on Monday! The roads were bad though. I am grateful we had the day to take it easy. Saturday we had another storm and had to drive in it. We prayed before we went anywhere this week. Sister Bone, I, and even our car survived! It hasn’t seemed so cold! A sister looked at my coat last night at President’s Fireside and said, “I like your sleeping bag!:) It keeps me quite warm!

Keri and Steve went out of town last week. They came back late last night. We sleep in the basement of their home. Usually we can hear Steve in the morning upstairs getting ready for work. When they leave, we normally hear nothing. Tuesday morning, both Sister Bone and I woke up at 5:40 in the morning to the sound of stomping feet and shuffling above us. We listened for a half an hour and started to panic when we realized that someone unexpected might be upstairs. We called Steve to check if they had come home early. He said he hadn't and after much discussion told us to call 911. I was terrified... Sister Bone called. I couldn't hear much of the 911 receiver but I thought Sister Bone said in a whisper that the policemen would go around the house, look for a way in, and then if they couldn't, we would go upstairs and scare the people in the house and meet the policemen by the front door. I thought I was living a movie... It turns out they said that they would look to see if someone could have gotten in, if there was an opening, and then we would meet the policemen at the front door IF they saw it was safe. Turns out they found who made all of the sounds....  it was two men shoveling the walk way by the stairs to the basement! We, as the well as the snow shovelers, were very embarrassed. We laughed so hard about it later. I was terrified! :)

This last week, we prepared Mercy for her Baptismal interview which took place on Saturday. I have gained a testimony of Satan's power on my mission. He tries all he can to keep people away from the saving ordinances that allow us to return to live with Heavenly Father. Mercy had many people telling her anti-Mormon comments this last week. She came with many questions about the Plan of Salvation to our lessons. We taught her three times. We clarified the things we had taught her. On Friday, we had a lesson with the Bishop and talked over the baptismal interview questions with her. What an incredible experience to hear her testimony of all the truths we have taught her. Her live has changed so much. She no longer has nightmares. She said she can forgive people more easily. She has greater peace and has developed more love for people. She said she has drawn closer to Heavenly Father. I have watched her eyes fill with light. Earlier in the week, we wondered if she had prayed to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet. Some days she seemed at peace about her baptism and on others she seemed unsure. On Friday, she explained that she continued to pray and something told her to keep moving forward toward baptism. She had faith she would receive an answer. It touched me because I had a similar experience in deciding to go on a mission. Friday night her family and friends again told her she was making the wrong decision. She told us she wanted to cancel the interview and baptism. Sister Bone and I have never prayed harder. We promised her as representatives of Christ that if she prayed before she went to bed and in the morning she would receive her answer. The next morning, as Sister Bone and I were praying as a companionship for her, the phone buzzed. She asked us what time she needed to be at the church for the interview. It was just like that moment in The Best Two Years. We knew she had received her answer. I know the adversity she has experienced has prepared her to receive more blessings at baptism.

This Saturday a less active member and non member were married at the church by our Bishop. We have visited with them for months and it seemed that marriage was impossible for them financially. Through many small miracles they were able to get married this weekend. Earlier this week, we stopped by to wish them good luck. I have never felt more prompted to teach about temples. We read from Mosiah about turning your tent or family toward the temple. The less active said that she actually considered it and pointed to her boyfriend and said "he needs to get baptized first:)" I saw hope in both of their eyes. On Saturday we had some appointments so we didn't think we would have the chance to attend their wedding. An investigator got sick so we were able to attend at last minute. It turns out because of a snow storm, many of their family members could not attend. They were grateful, as were we, to have the chance to be there. By small and simple means....

We call our Ward Mission Leader "Google".  He knows the answer to every question you could ask, especially when it comes to the church! Last week, in correlation, he talked about the way our investigators look at us. It was the only time I have ever seen him choke up. He said that they look to us as you would an angel. He said that we truly represent Jesus Christ on Earth. I couldn't help but get teary. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. He said the Lord has blessed us with investigators because he knows we will take care of them. I had never thought about it that way before. I feel like a mother of sorts to these investigators. It is a rewarding experience. On Saturday night, we had an adult session of Stake Conference. President Stacey, in the mission presidency, spoke. He had all of the missionaries in the stake stand. He said something to the extent of "these people represent the Lord. I present them to you." I suddenly realized the magnitude and gift of our calling as missionaries. It was an experience I will never forget.

After the Stake Conference meeting on Sunday, two Elders came up to us and said they had started teaching an amazing woman in our ward boundaries and wanted us to teach her! What a gift! After the Assistants came up to me and asked me if Sister Bone and I would drive Sister Forbes home. Needless to say...I got lost on the way to Bloomington and couldn’t get back on for a bit because of road construction. Good thing we have prayer! It all worked out! What a bonding adventure! haha Bless my Heart.

Sister Bone is doing really well! The Lord qualifies whom he calls. I have seen the way I have changed as I have been on a mission. I am grateful. I cannot express the joy, however, I have felt in watching the Lord mold Sister Bone. I have watched her grow in confidence and strength. The people love her here. I feel grateful for the chance I have had to let the Lord use me to help her. She continues to impress me. It is almost as if I can see her potential. I pray every day the Lord will put things in her path, whether trials or blessings, to help her reach it. She has taught me many things.

Transfers are a week from Wednesday. I am pretty sure I won’t serve in this area. I have loved watching the way the Lord has prepared the people for Sister Bone. We will see what happens.

P.S. Dont send packages or letters this weekend and after to Steve and Keri's. Send them to the mission home.

Love you all! Have a great week!