For me, it was a week of train rides. I love trains. It started out with our chocolate factory adventure, and then the next day we had Interviews with President Murdock in Yverdon, which is where our Zone leaders work. WE had a wonderful afternoon of learning and were thankful to have new ideas to apply in our work. IT was a little sad becuase that was the last time we will have interviews with President Murdock before he leaves! I love President and Sister Murdock, they remind me A LOT of you, mom and dad, and so I just feel so loved and at home when they are around. ITs the best.
One of the things we learned in interviews was what we called the 'Pillars of Light' Contacting. We analyzed one of the most important manifestations in History, the first vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and one of the things we discussed was how this miraculous experience all started out with a question. We have been studying and discussing how to 'vraiment apporter la lumière du Christ a tout ceux qui nous entourent' or, truly bring the light of Christ to all that surround us, and one of the ways we have decided to try and accomplish this is by asking inspired questions. So, we practiced contacting people by starting out directly with a question. 'Hello, we'd like to ask you, what does the word peace mean to you? or, what is the importance of the family?' Instead of 'Hi, we're missionaries and we share a message...' we just start off right off the bat with a question. Its amazing! We have had so many more enlightening conversations! Anyway, we found a new ami that very afternoon doing this new contacting apporach, and I have really seen the way asking inspired questions changes everything. I love it!
Well anyway, that's really the best part of the week. Here's another quick story. There is a woman in our ward who I hardly ever get to talk to, but every time I do she just looks you in the eye and gives you the biggetst bisou imaginable and tells you how great you are. Her name is Sr. Alvarez, and she is from Spain. Anyway, we were having a really hard day last Thursday, one of those days where nothing seems to work and you wonder if you are even making a difference for anyone. All I could think was how much I wanted to see Sr. Alaverez, I knew that at least she would be happy to see us. We had planned to stick a nice note in the mail box of one of the less active members from time to time when we were in her neighborhood, and so we kind of lethargically sat down to write a little note, and went to put it in her mailbox (we were trying to fill up time because we were waiting for our train to leave for our next rdv) anyway, we go to put the note in the box, and as we are walking back, who do we see but Soeur Alvarez going on a walk with her grandchildren! Miracle! I know that might seem like a small thing, but in that moment I was certain of God's love for me, and for each of us personally.
The mission is the hardest thing I have ever done, especially the last two transfers. But, I have learned so much, and continue to learn and grow each day. Here are just a few of the lessons
No matter how much easier or better you think it is to be 'right' about something, it always feels better to be kind. Without charity, we are nothing.
Discouragement is a tool of the Adversary that robs you of the joy you are entitled to through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. No matter what your current situation, peace and joy are accessible. The Atonement of Christ becomes efficacious in our lives as we obey the principles and ordonances of the Gospel. Therefore, joy and righteousness are interconnected.
The Lord loves us individually, and we help others feel His love by working together in community.
Voila, just a few of my thoughts. I love you. I love Switzerland. I love the sheep that are in the little pasture on the way to the church. I love picking wildflowers. I love the mountains. I love the Sunsets. I love that God created all of these things for us, His most miraculous creations. I love that He also instilled in us the ability to create, and I know that each and every day is an opportunity for us to create new and enriching experiences. I also know that He created a plan for us and our families, and that death is not the end of this life. My thoughts are with the Greenan family and also with Chad, and all others who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
All my love! And a wonderful week to you!
Sr Waldron
PS another person who we contacted and I tuaght one time in Montpellier was baptized last weekend! BOO YA! His name is Hervé, and he is French! WOO!
PSS will you pray for our friend Yenny? thank you!!
No comments:
Post a Comment