The Indian Summer and the GPS Miracle

So as I mentioned last week the temple has been finally opened to the public after nearly 18 months of restoration. And with its opening we are seeing many many miracles. It is part of my job during this open house to welcome people into the reception tent after the tour and ask them how they enjoyed the temple. Everyone says the exact same thing "It was breathtaking!" It doesn't matter who it is or what their background is every single person has said the exact same thing. Breathtaking, peaceful, and full of love.

It seems that the weather is also celebrating this beautiful opportunity. We are  experiencing what is called an Indian Summer by these Canadians. A random moment where it suddenly gets warm in mid November. Yes it was snowing two weeks ago but I have not had to wear a coat for the last four days.

Now I wanted to share a story. Shortly following our emails last Monday, all the sisters in the mission had a training by Elder Richards, a member of the seventy. We had arrived a little early as had been requested, and were sitting in the sacrament room waiting for Elder Richards to come. It was reverently quiet in the room as all the sisters were taking the moment to study the scriptures and further prepare for the training.

So flashback a little. Here in our mission if we would like to have a GPS we need to provide it. I had a GPS that my family had sent me about a year ago. It is our family GPS that was would use before people started having iPhones and hadn't really been in use until I started to use it out here. When I left Lemoyne the sisters were begging and pleading that I leave it there so that they could use it. Seeing as my new companion had one in her possession I lent it to them. Now flash forward to the meeting. It was after this meeting that we would be transferring and with that transfer I would lose my companion AND her GPS. So we had called the sisters to try to get my GPS back.

So as we are sitting in the sacrament room of the chapel waiting for Elder Richards feeling the spirit the Lemoyne Sisters lean over to me and mention that my GPS had stopped working and it wasn't charging anymore. Boom. Freakout moment. We were an hour and a half away from our area. Which hour and a half included driving directly through the middle of the Island of Montreal. AKA a rather large City. I started stressing out hard core. But still wanting to be ready for the meeting I tried my hardest to focus on the scriptures.

Well it didn't work right away so I turned to my study journal that contained all of my notes on conferences and trainings I had attended. One word kept standing out. "Adversity." Hmm... I wonder why.... Anyways I decided to study adversity in the scriptures. The very first scripture I turned to was D&C 58:2-4 which talks about how though there be hard times now blessings will come in the future.

Now this is the moment that is miraculous. I found peace.

It wasn't because my GPS just started working or anything like that. Nor was it that I just forgot about it. The Lord brought to mind my very very first day in the field as a missionary. We were in the Middle of Montreal, no GPS and I was supposed to drive. I hadn't really driven in about a year, not including the one or two excursions I had ventured the month before I started my mission. And driving really stressed me out. Especially highways. Well we decided to say a prayer. Then started driving.  I have never been so confident and calm while driving that day. And my companions directions consisted of "I think it is that way."  But some way unbeknownst to us we arrived at our apartment in Mascouche without getting lost. Not even once.

After remembering this I realized something else. I had served above the Island, on the Island and below the island. I had served in every area I needed to in order to make my way to the temple and back.

Peace came into my heart as I realized that I could trust the Lord. He had shown me that before and he had prepared me for this moment. I needed this peace because afterwards when we began our training and had a personal tour by a member of the seventy of the church through the temple I received an answer to my prayers that I was in sore need for. If I had been distracted by how I would get home I would not have been able to receive that answer.

I love you all and if there is anything that you can get from this weeks email I would like to give my testimony that I know that God blesses those that trust him. I got home safely that night and I have gotten home safely every night since and have never once been lost. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Amazing Quebec

Quebec is as usual amazing! All this week we have had such beautiful weather! With the sun shining during the day and insane thunderstorms at night. Sister Ladd and I have taken to planning our following day in the garage overlooking the lightening from a nice dry corner. It is breathtaking!

Anyways this week I would like to share one of my favourite scriptures. It is in Moroni 7, and it reads

 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

I love this scripture so much because the logic it presents is just so simple. Anything good that invites us to do good is of God. And anything that doesn't is not. However my absolute favourite scripture comes just a little bit later

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

Something that we teach is the importance of free agency, which is the power to choose for ourselves. In French it translates to libre arbitre. Libre, meaning free. Arbitre meaning choice, but what is interesting is that this word, at least in Quebec, is the word used to describe the referee at soccer games. Isn't French so cool?? If we look at what a referee does it is there job to determine what follows the rules and what does not during a game. Thus judging from right and wrong. With this knowledge, agency also takes on a further meaning, the need to choose between good and bad. But we are not alone! That is the best part! The Lord gives us so many opportunities to check up to see what is right, much like a rule book, we are given the scriptures, priesthood blessings, but even more prayers! The Lord promises that if we but ask it will be given unto us. So that we may be able to know with a plain and a perfect knowledge between right and wrong just as we see the difference between the light of day and the darkness of night.

I love you all and I know that these things are true that if we just ask God that he will be able to help us know right and wrong. Often out here we ask others to pray to know if the book of Mormon is true, or that Joseph Smith was a Prophet. These are not vain demands. Each has a purpose. I myself have prayed and I can testify that I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and it was literally translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I thank you for all the prayers that you send my way and know that I pray for you. Have a wonderful week!

The Plague Continues

So in continuation from last week. I am all better from whatever bug I may have caught. However my lovely companion caught my little ball of fun... So we had an entire day of sitting and making calls. And because the Area Book had already been updated and the apartment cleaned to shining, I got the opportunity to make a scripture case, it isn't finished yet but I am so excited about it #bepreparedforpictures

Besides that we had a mini mission this week! Her name was Kayla, so it was really really strange to hear someone calling my name, my REAL name, so often. It kind of gave me a little glimpse at the awkward RM I am going to be... #foreverhandshaking

But besides the random points of trunkiness, Kayla helped me realize something quite vision changing. During the mini mission we had an opportunity to bring our third companion to a district meeting. Or the meeting where all the missionaries in our little area meet with to discuss the needs of our areas and learn from each other. Kayla was asked to give her testimony on how her mini mission was helping her, and what she said was so simple, but it really hit right home.

I have been on my mission for a good bit of time okay? No one can refute that fact. And just like with anything that we have been doing for a while, I have fallen into the habits and life of being a missionary. The things I do just don't always hit the same as they did a year ago. So when Kayla commented on how much it really touched her that we would listen to Mo Tab in the morning before studies, which we did every morning. It made me take a step back and look at what I have been doing out here on a mission. I have been doing and feeling so much good that I just don't see the difference anymore.

This past week my brother wrote about recognizing the spirit, in comparing it to a stop sign. I would like to add another analogy to that, which I discovered at the beginning of my mission and can now farther testify of it. Have you ever moved from one place to the next? I remember moving from Illinois to New Jersey and for the first solid month, we were searching for those moments when the New Jersey accent would appear. After a while the chwaclate and cwoffee turned into normal. Feeling the Holy Ghost is a lot like this. When we are put into a new environment and doing new things we recognize it so often. And then after extended exposure it becomes normal for us, and we don't recognize it until not too long afterwards someone points out to us that we are using this same accent in our own conversations.

I can testify that this is true. I saw it happen this week.

I love you all!!!

Have a wonderful week!

The Priesthood

Well this week was definitely interesting. This was the case because for the most part I found myself with a fever for three days straight. Not an insanely bad one, don't worry I am still alive. But my pillow and I did have a lot of time to get to know each other. But even with this I can still say that I learned so much and that this week was an absolutely amazing week.

Now I don't have too much time to share all the reasons why but I would like to share one story. But first a little doctrine.

Many ask what makes our church different from plenty other Christian churches. Many churches have the same teachings as you what makes yours more true. The factor is this, it is a question of authority in the doctrines that are shared. When a boy of fourteen asked the question "Which church do I join." Heavenly Father responded immediately in appearing to the boy with his son Jesus Christ and telling him that none of the churches on the Earth at that time held his authority. They taught some true doctrines but many others were lost or changed through a period called apostasy that started not too long after the 12 Apostles were killed and had continued all the way up to the 1820s. This lack of authority was in no fault their own, but because of this apostasy of the past they were rendered incapable of restoring all of the true doctrines that were originally taught and therefore unable to have God's authority. It was necessary that God reinstate the true doctrines and thus following, his authority. Which he did through calling, Joseph Smith, this young boy, to be his Prophet and to bring about the fullness of his gospel. This Restoration of the teachings included many things, such as Baptisms by immersions, which many churches at the time had begun to practice again. However the difference here was not only the act reinstated but the authority that made it a covenant was restored through the sending of John the Baptist, the same who baptized Jesus, to give the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, or the power and authority of God needed to baptize to Joseph Smith, who then gave it to others. Which was then followed by a visit by Peter, James and John, of the twelve Apostles, conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is what I would like to speak on today.

The Melchizedek Priesthood is the Power and Authority given by God to worthy men to give sacred ordinances, such as marriage for eternity, as well as the conferring of blessings to the sick and afflicted, whether in body or in spirit. I can testify with all my heart that this power is truly on this Earth. For this week I saw it in action. As I was lying sick for many hours my companion asked if I would like a blessing of this priesthood. I said yes and the Elders were able to come and give me a blessing. During which blessing I was promised that within a days time I would find all the strength I needed to continue to do the work I needed to. Immediately my fever broke and true to the words which had been blessed on my head I received all the strength I needed within a days time and was able to help a family in need pack away their belongings as they moved. I am so grateful for the wonderful moment I had to see and feel the reality of this authority that God once again gave to man. I am so grateful to be able to share these truths to those around me who are in need. Who's souls do hunger for God. I love this work that I am doing and am so grateful to be here testifying of it.

I love you all and I pray for each and every one of you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

#didijustcurse?

So first off a funny story.

Saturday I was asked by a member of the bishopric to give a talk the following day in sacrament meeting...I literally could only find one hour to try to compile a talk on prayer that I could give in FRENCH the following day. It was intense. Obviously I was stressed out but with the help of a missionary from France I managed to find the vocabulary I needed. Well sort of... It turned out that my source wasn't the most reliable.

So here is a little culture thing...Quebec may speak French, but not all the words mean the same thing. Very similar to how the word "bloody" is a bad word in England and not in the United States. So as I was trying to describe the sequences of events from last week involving a Bird pooping in my shoe. I ended up saying a perfectly good sentence that would have been acceptable in France but in Quebec... Either way I ended up saying the equivalent of the S word for Quebecers from the pulpit. But they forgave me and many actually said they felt the spirit during my talk.

Other than that this week has been absolutely amazing! Sister Ladd and I have been able to go around doing good nearly every moment of this week! Our goal of reaching twenty lessons a week is no longer some long dreamed of vision but is becoming a reality as we slowly but surely increase our teaching pool. Our week has consisted in acquainting ourselves with the people of our area. Though I have been in Lemoyne a total of five transfers I had always been working in the North area, but with the Elders not having a car last transfer it was needful that we switch to the Southern area. We filled our days with contacting former investigators and visiting potential investigators that past missionaries had tracted into months and years before. With all of the work which we did it seemed so much easier for us to see the miracles that God gave us.

For example while going through the potentials list we decided to swing by the house of someone the Elders had helped take out the trash two years before. When we knocked on the door, an Italian woman answered. After hearing our introductions and Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it didn't take long for her to swing into a rant on how organized religion is the worst thing on the planet and how God did not exist because how could there be so many bad things happening. Not your most civil of conversations. In wondering how we could help this woman we were both saying prayers in our hearts. The thought came into my head to look around. Seeing the beauty of this woman's garden, I complimented it. A change came over this woman completely. She smiled as she started talking about it, and then invited us in so that we may see the backyard.

It was just breathtaking. As any true Italian there was an awning covered in grapevines, with beautiful grapes on it. Copious amounts of flowers and a giant apple tree. I imagine stepping into this woman's backyard has close to the same feelings as stepping into the Garden of Eden, it was just that beautiful. After exclaiming the beauty of this place, we quickly stepped into a conversation on a more spiritual note. And though this woman had stated she didn't believe in God she sat in rapt attention as we sang to her a popular hymn called "For the Beauty of the Earth." Which talks of the greatness of a God willing to give us so many beautiful places on this planet. We talked about what this song meant and then testified of Jesus Christ. This woman was so happy that she gave us two giant jars of homemade apple juice (which is by far the best apple juice I have ever tasted) and Lindt chocolates. The difference from the woman we had met at the door and the one we now saw was night and day.

So often out here our we as missionaries judged. People do not see the help that we can give them. Our names our proceeded with gossip and prejudice making it nearly impossible to speak to people. But the thought has come, Do I judge and prejudge my fellowmen? Is not the bum on the side of the road just as in need of a message of God's love as is the well dressed woman heading to work? Do we find ourselves judging others when perhaps they have something that they can teach us. I am so grateful for this beautiful and wonderful moment that I have to serve here in Montreal among the Quebecois. Even if the Language proves to be difficult at times I know that I am in the right place at the right time. I thank you all for the prayers that you send my way. And I pray that you may all have a blessed and amazing week. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Air Raid

This week has been amazing! We had transfers and it was really hard to say goodbye to Sister Ford but in meeting with Sister Ladd I immediately felt better. Sister Ladd is a fun sized Ethiopian who was adopted when she was young and grew up in Vermont. She is the Bomb.com and her ability to make people laugh is over the top amazing.

Now I would love to rave about my new companion but I don't have too much time. So I'll save the description of her awesomeness for the following weeks. =D

But now down to the highlight of my week. There's a saying that I am absolutely certain everyone has heard, that is "to every cloud there is a silver lining." I can testify to that and here is why my testimony was even farther strengthened this week.

It was a beautiful sunshiny day. The birds were chirping in the local park where we were meeting with one of our recent converts. It being hot and humid, my new companion and I removed our shoes in the hopes that we could cool down and avoid the dreaded sweat marks that just are not becoming of a Sister missionary. While reading the Book of Mormon, another Testament of Jesus Christ, we were so overcome with the spirit that we did not hear the voice of warning as a bird called to us, I am sure the chirp he was giving could have been translated to "MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!" Because just then this giant seagull let free his digested waste in the most strategic maneuver that it could very easily be compared to a World War II bombing trail. This guy must have thought he was Maverick or something because his trail left two deposits of poop inside of my shoe, one on my shoulder and one on my hair. Quite the cloud if I would say so myself.

But as I said, every cloud has a silver lining. Which starts with this. After reading in the Bible about prayer I had determined to make every matter of my day a matter of prayer so that I could "pray always." Sometimes it sure felt silly, but when I looked at my shoes one day which had become worn and tattered from the year of using them nearly every day, I decided to say a prayer. That went somewhat along the lines of "do I need to replace my shoes." Well He answered it. So now with worn, tattered, and pooped on shoes we ran to the closest shoe store and within the ten minutes we had before our next appointment found a pair of black leather flats that looked cute. The price tag wasn't too bad at twenty dollars so we grabbed them and went to the counter to pay for them. And this is where I knew that God had not only answered my prayer to if I should buy new shoes but also when should I. For the certain pair of shoes that I had chosen were on sale. I ended up buying them for four dollars. Whats more it was the last day that they were having this sale.

So yes it is a silly story but what counts is that I received an answer to my prayer. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and even in my simple and small requests he answers prayers. I know that everything that happens happens for a reason and that it is a part of his loving plan. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have had to be here on my mission serving

By Small and Simple Things

Well first off before I forget, we received transfer calls this past week, I will continue to stay in Lemoyne as my companion Sister Ford will be heading down to Ottawa and my new companion Sister Ladd, coming from there. I am so grateful for the wonderful companion she has been for me and wish her best down South with the actual Canadians.

Speaking of Canadians, happy belated Canada Day! We spent the day like all the Quebecois here in Lemoyne, helping people move. Ya I know, quite a stark difference from the independence day of the United States. A wonderful woman in our ward explained it as such, "Quebec has been trying to get its independence from Canada for so long, but never really is able to. So to stick it to the man, they have their independence day the week before Canada Day and then have all rents and contracts end on Canada Day." There were SO many people moving that day that even us Sisters had gotten asked to help three different families move. It was quite a day full of service that is for sure.

This week has been full of incidents that bring to mind the scripture "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;" Alma 37:6 One of the most plain ones is that of it just so happened that the International competition for fireworks was happening in a nearby amusement park the day of the fourth of July. So this proud American was able to still have a day of independence with fireworks. #Godbless'murica

On a more spiritual side we were able to give service to one of our neighbors in helping her weed her garden. It turned out that very day that it was her mothers birthday, who had long since passed away. And by us being there just willing to help and talk it gave her great comfort. It also gave me comfort in the knowledge that I was exactly where I needed to be at that time, helping this woman with something so little as a weeding.

But the most amazing moment was when I finally understood something. About six weeks ago I broke my toe when a copy of Jesus the Christ landed on it, in a blessing I had received an answer that "the Lord had a sense of humor and wished that I would study the life of Jesus Christ." Which I did and read religiously at least two pages a day if not more. This small and simple thing helped me to be prepared for when during a zone training I was asked to give a testimony. In which I shared this incident and how it had helped me in not only the understanding of the simple phrase "what would Jesus do?" but "why would Jesus do it?" I know that the Lord had prepared me to share that testimony, even though the circumstances were strange I was able to see immediately one of the great things that the Lord was able to bring to pass. The spirit was so strong during that training that it felt as if you could tangibly hold it in your hand. I am so grateful that the Lord was a able to prepare me to give this simple testimony that when combined with a simple training became one of the greatest memories that I may hold on to. I love you all! have a wonderful week!

Supreme Court and Little Bros

This week a lot has happened but the thing I wish to share most is something my brother posted on facebook not long after the supreme court ruling. My little brother Jared has already been set apart as a missionary and leaves next week to go and serve the Hmong speaking people of California. I am so proud of him and all the choices he has made. With this I leave the words to him, which I can testify at every moment is the truth. I love you all! Have a wonderful week!

"With the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage I would like to explain the reason why I don’t support the ruling. I expect that my views are soon to be stereotypical of a dwindling minority. Rather than leave doubt on why I believe what I believe I would like to explain myself to anyone willing to read.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church does have a spotted history with the LGBT rights movement, and I recognize that. The Church’s stance on marriage has been clear since “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” was publish in 1995. If you are not familiar with the document you can read it here: https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng

I have spent many hours pondering on why the Church’s stance on gay marriage is what it is. It has not been something I have chosen to believe in blindly. I cannot say for sure, but I think it is possible to have a relationship between two people of the same sex that can be loving and happy much in the same way that traditional marriages in this life can be. That being said, happiness in this life is not remotely the most important thing. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has doctrine on where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going that is unlike any other religion that I am aware of. It is called the Plan of Salvation and you can read more about it here: http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/plan-of-salvation.

What makes this plan so unique is that, number one, unlike other branches of Christianity there is no everlasting hell. It is a well established doctrine in the LDS church that God loves us immensely and will bless us with a type of eternal glory unless we knowingly deny it, something a tiny minority are even capable of doing. God does not punish the sinner eternally. That being said, the second defining component of the Plan of Salvation is that not all glories are equal. There are three major divisions: the Celestial represented by the glory of the sun, the Terrestrial represented by the glory of the moon, and the Telestial represented by the glory of the stars. Furthermore, we are taught that the greatest degree of glory, the Celestial, can be divided into three subkingdoms, the highest of which has among its requirements a marriage that has been sealed in an LDS temple for time and all eternity. As you read in the Family Proclamation only heterosexual marriages can be sealed. You can read about this doctrine of eternal marriage here: http://www.mormon.org/faq/together-forever.

That is the key. The highest degree of glory is what God wants for us. It is there and only there that family relations can continue beyond the grave. God gave us this Plan of Salvation so that we can become like Him, in all His glory, happiness and perfection and it is in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom that we do become like God. Yes, that means that it is LDS doctrine that we not only have a Heavenly Father, but a Heavenly Mother also. They are both perfect exalted beings. Their happiness, eternal happiness, is the only happiness that lasts beyond the grave. The happiness homosexual couples can experience in relationships together in this life will not continue after death. Where there was happiness in this life there will be an emptiness. The same goes for all heterosexual marriages not sealed in LDS temples. I do not support same-sex marriage because it is my firm belief that eternity will not be as happy as it could be for them. I want all people to have a full measure of eternal happiness, regardless of any discriminating factor.

I want more for my gay brothers and sisters just as I want more for all of my brothers and sisters who do not yet know the full truth of the gospel of Christ. I believe in the potential of all of God’s children to become as their Father in Heaven and I believe the Plan of Salvation to be the only way for that to be possible. If I were to support gay marriage I feel that I would be denying my LGBT brothers and sisters of the full measure of my love. I do not support gay marriage because I support gay exaltation.

I know that God loves all of us perfectly. I strive daily, hourly, by the minute, to have that kind of love for everyone. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the full truth of Christ’s gospel on the earth today. I know that Joseph Smith was indeed called to be a prophet of God. I know that the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God. It is my testimony that Christ lives, that He died for not only our sins, but every shortcoming and pain we experience. Know that I love you, all of you.

If you have any questions about what I have said, I would encourage you to send me a Facebook message to help clarify what I have said. I hope I have not angered anyone. That was never my intent. If I have I would ask that if you do message me with questions know that I am sorry and while I find it acceptable for you to vent that anger, do not slander me, my religion, or my God.

If you have made it this far I must thank you for reading this. I hope why I believe what I believe is clear."

Father's Day

So I must admit that I completely forgot about fathers day until we walked into church yesterday and all the little boys were wearing matching ties with their daddies. After the first reaction of "oh that is so cute!" I then wondered why...well that answer came pretty quick after the primary came up and sang "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home"... so happy fathers day!

This week was amazing! We worked and worked and worked resulting in just under twenty lessons for the week! Nearly record breaking numbers for those on the Northern frontier! We were ecstatic! Although as what normally accompanies missionary work we had our fair share of awkward moments. Seriously though. I have often wondered if one of the reasons I am out here is to build up an immunity to awkward moments. For example, no matter what time of day, what type of dog, what kind of weather, if we see a dog being walked by its owner, just as the thought comes into our head thinking it is cute, it decides to take a dump. This is the case WITHOUT FAIL. However on a more applicable note, we witness these awkward moments even in lessons. But you know sometimes these moments are in a way the answers to our prayers.

I am most often a loving person however these past three weeks I had found it inexplicably hard to have charity towards one of our investigators, as she called us all the time telling the exact same sob story. I had been praying so hard that by some miracle I would be able to find a way to love her, as it is one of the most necessary ways to help her. Well Heavenly Father answered with an awkward moment. Our investigator not thinking we believed enough that her mother never came and visited her and didn't care about her called us in a conference call with her mother. The clip from "Mean Girls" most certainly came to mind as we sat silently listening to daughter accuse mother and mother patiently love daughter. I felt tempted to yell out "*gasp*! Is that what you really think of me?" and hang up. But I didn't. After a while our investigator acknowledges our existence, introduces us, and then kicks her mother off the line. It was horrible. It was awkward. And most definitely not the most treasured of moments.

After explaining and asking that whatever had just happened not happen again we finished with a scripture about patience and hung up. Immediately afterwards we called her mother to apologize. Her mother, who was a 91 year old blinding woman just thanked us. She thanked us for having love for her daughter. She said that we were an answer to prayers that she prayed for every day. She was so grateful that her child had friends like us who were able to see the good in her. And that though she had problems were able to have patience and were willing to help her change.

I nearly cried as I felt at that moment the love that this mother had for her daughter. It was so real and tangible that I recognized at that moment that my prayer was being answered because it suddenly clicked. This mother loved her daughter no matter her problems, and prayed for her everyday. The scripture came into my mind when Jesus says "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" If this parental love that this woman had for her daughter was just this strong, how much stronger was Heavenly Father's love for her. I could love her too.

I am so grateful for all that I learn out here. This experience was quintessential in a following feeling. A gratitude to my own parents, and particularly my father. I recognized just the amount of love that he holds for me, as he was willing to help me understand the math homework I was having trouble with, or help me make and design a project for school. I love my father so much and am so absolutely grateful for the patience that he has had with me and my siblings as we have been growing up. I am thankful also for my father in heaven who has sent me here at this time to be a messenger of his goodness and mercy. Thank you so much for all of the prayers that you send my way. I love you all and pray for you daily.

Love,

Sister Cummings

The Beauty of the Silences

This week has been just absolutely amazing! I just can't even write in all the ways it has been amazing, other than what I have recognized has been my part in it. At this months Zone Training, where our missionary leaders and President teach us and train us, there was a focus on understanding why we need to be more obedient. In the idea that we do not know why all of the rules we are given are given. We may get a glimpse at this "spirit of the law" but we do not know all things. However we do understand and know all of the "letter of the law" or the rules that we must follow. And since we know these rules and we know that they have been given to us by a Father in Heaven who loves us, we can show that we love him and trust him as we go about following those commandments he has given us. In part of what made this week so amazing was that my companion and I tried our hardest to take this to heart, and be obedient.

During the training which our loving President was teaching he explained how these "rules" are not just rules but they are directions. They are leading us somewhere. And not just any somewhere, but Eternal Life; where we may live with our families forever in happiness. As we are willing to adhere to these commandments we may also see many blessings along our way to this final and beautiful goal. Which blessings could be held back from us. For example, many people not affiliated with the church may find our health guidelines, or "word of wisdom" rather strict. Which warns against most vividly the partaking of tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea as well as many other harmful substances. Though strict the blessings are realized in the long run. We have seen how many studies have been done on tobacco alone and how it inhibits our bodies from being fully and completely healthy. So in the seem of things as we follow this commandment the Lord is able to bless us much easier with health and other blessings. And more personally I know that when I am obedient here as a missionary that the Lord is able to bless me with his holy spirit which has helped me and many like me to do his work more fully. Which was one of the blessings which Sister Ford and I directly saw this week.

There was one day in particular. We had woken up on time, exercised, had started our studies and in an effort to make our companionship studies more worthwhile, we studied a portion of "Preach My Gospel" a manual we as missionaries use to better use our time effectively and to know more fully what we teach. This particular morning a certain topic seemed to be taking precedent in both mine and Sister Ford's mind. This topic was that of what many call the "awkward silences." As we talked we thought about how these silences can be really useful as it is the time that those we teach can process what we are teaching. Immediately following that study we went to work teaching the people of Lemoyne. In one of our final lessons of the day, the woman we had been teaching had a question on one of the words we had used. To answer her question we turned to a portion of the pamphlet that we generally use that includes definitions of certain words. We read it and started to explain it. The woman was still focused on the pamphlet, thinking it may have been a language issue we allowed for a silence. Which Silence allowed for our investigator to read a portion on Baptism which was also contained therein. This lead to her asking a question that nearly knocked me off my feet, for it showed exactly what it was that she was struggling with. This question was "Why do I need to be baptized twice." We then taught the most joy filled teaching of apostasy I have ever given just because we had finally found her problem! FINALLY!

I know that as we are obedient to the commandments which the Lord has given us that we are truly able to find even more the blessings which he pours upon us. I see this everyday of my life out here as a missionary. I am so grateful for this opportunity that I have been given to be out here in Canada teaching the Lords word. May God bless you!   

When life gives you marbles, roll with it.

Not exactly sure where that title came from but hey, its kind of catchy so I am going to keep it. Boy has it been a week. As the Elders in our ward lost their car we were asked to switched apartments so then they may be able to live at least remotely close to their area without always having to take a thirty minute bus ride. For taking over an elders apartment it was actually pretty spotless and is one of the best apartments in the mission so we most definitely lucked out with that.

However with the move we had a couple of just ridiculous things happen. We had agreed that we would move our food but the condiments wouldn't stay in the apartments. However this must not have been as clearly explained as we had believed so we arrived to an apartment where there was absolutely nothing there. Not even salt and pepper.

After realizing this we called the Elders asking if we could swing by and grab at least some of the spices that we had left. After a small pause they informed us that after arriving there the first action that they had undertaken had been to throw everything away. Not only food mind you, but dishes and pans and cups and you name it. Including the Tupperware and dishes that members had loaned to us and we had been planning to return back to them that Sunday. How a pair of Elders could have chosen to keep plastic containers and throw away the high quality glass ones loaned to us? The world may never know. Needless to say Sister Ford and I were not harboring the most righteous of feelings towards them. However we chose to stop it. And instead of acting on those feelings we bought the Elders dish soap that they didn't realize that they had needed.

However things just kept happening. And happening. And happening. It literally felt like it was one of the worst days I have had in this past year. Finally the time came where we both said "if it happens one more time..." then citing the scripture about if your brother offenedeth thee a fourth time then do ye have a right to act. Ironically this no good very bad day "just happened" to be on the day when our recent convert Martin, whom I had helped baptize three months ago, was receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. As we were about to leave the car we turned to each other and realized we did not have the spirit with us. And decided to say a prayer before leaving the car.

During the ordination the thought came into my mind to prayer even harder. It was then that the words came into my head "If you forgive and forget then isn't it always only the first offense?" A feeling of love came over me and as I later was told over my companion as we realized that no matter how annoying or ridiculous these two Elders were, they were righteous children of God, trying all their might to serve him.

My message this week is a message of forgiveness and longsuffering. Sometimes the Lord sees fit to test our patience and chasten us, but if we always put our trust in him these moments do not seem as hard as they could be. I love you all and thank you for the prayers that you send my way. May God be with you as you go about doing good.

Sister Cummings

A French "Blessing"

Okay so first I will start off with a little French lesson. In English we often say "bless you" or other such things, so considering the word for thinking or to be pensive is penser. It is logical to assume the French word is blesser. Which in fact it is not. It is very much not. When we wish to bless someone the word is benir and when we want to hurt or cause physical pain to someone then would we say blesser. I don't know how many times at the beginning of my mission I said in a prayer asking God to hurt all those that we know so that they may feel of his power....

With that being said, the title of this email holds double meaning.

It was Sunday morning and my alarm clock was going ringing at its usual 6:30. In the process of very groggily trying to turn off the infernal beeping my alarm clock took a tumble. So as I was once again groggily trying to turn off the alarm clock which was now on the floor, the unspeakable happened.

*duh duh DUUUUUUUUH*

My copy of Jesus the Christ, a wonderful amazing book written by James E. Talmage which just happens to weigh just about 5-10 pounds, also took a tumble and landed by its corner right on top of my toe.

And that is how Sister Cummings broke her second bone and second toe in her life, and is currently sporting crutches.

*pause for transitory music*

This story has actually been a blessing, in both the English sense of the term as well as the French connotation. It taught me a wonderful lesson. There are two kinds of Humility. One chosen and one thrust upon. I have had the opportunity to witness both this week as one I was required to look upon my companion for support and the other I chose to follow the spirit of the Lord and do more work than I had felt like doing and immediately saw the benefits.

As missionaries we keep a record of how many investigators keep the engagement and attend church each Sunday. As usual we struggle to find one who will come. This being said as we found ourselves with nothing to do as a lesson had finished early, we were just about to head home and call it a day when a feeling came to us that we needed to visit an investigator that we hadn't been able to contact for a while. That morning I had prayed that I would be able to feel the spirit of the Lord and use this day that I was given as a missionary as effectively as I and my companion could. We acted on this thought immediately, realizing that it was an answer to the prayer that had been said that morning. We passed by this woman's house and lo and behold she was there! We invited her to church and she not only said yes but invited her three daughters and brother to join as well. Then next day we were among the happiest missionaries alive as we sat with the five wonderful daughters and son of God listening to the words of the Lord being taught to us.

Humility is the ability to accept the will of the Lord. It is not a bad thing to be humble. In fact being humble is much better than being humbled. I am so grateful for the wonderful moments that I have been given to help to be humble and accepting. I love being a missionary and going out and helping others feel the joy that I have felt.

I love you all! Passé une bonne semaine!

The Miracle of a Pregnant Woman's Purse

Life is going pretty great here in Canada! Things are finally getting warm except those awkward moments when the weather goes "I am going to deep freeze you in your sleep." But we are learning to survive. Many friends and families have asked me to share some of the miracles that have happened this week, and this being the last week of a heavy spending month, many of them have to do with food.

But before I get to that. When my companion and I realized that Sister Ford's camera had a smudge on it, therefore making everyone look as if they had a halo. We jumped on the opportunity. And then had a Selfie moment. #wehadtwentyminutesbeforezoneconferencestarted

First off. On Sunday my companion and I were running late after having a pretty amazing discussion of the gospel and divine potential and while running out the door forgot the emergency breakfast snack pack that we keep just for moments like this. We got to church and just as we were taking the sacrament we realized just how hungry we were. I don't believe I have ever had such a hankering for bread and water on a non-fast Sunday than at that moment. As we went through all our meetings, teaching in the Gospel Principles class and the Primary our stomachs began to make the most untimely whale mating noises known to man. And then after these three hours of church we then had to attend two meetings to add another three hours to our schedule. We were dying and had no way or means to obtain food. Nevertheless we said a prayer. And it was answered.

A pregnant lady who was waiting for our meeting got suddenly sick of the food that she had packed and gave it to us sisters. And then just following that a member whom we had been to dinner with the night before gave us two granola bars saying that she was sorry that there was no desert last night. The circumstances may have been silly but I can sure testify that the Lord protects his missionaries.

As we were debating where to spend our feeble amount of remaining funds and finding that we may be living off of rice for the week, a member called saying that there was a huge sale on fruit and that she had bought us a whole bunch. And then members continued to invite us for dinner appointments nearly every night for that week.

The miracles this week don't seem to be as related to the missionary work but it has nonetheless strengthened my testimony of the importance of the work that I am privileged to be taking a part in. The Lord helps his servants as they go about doing his work. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunities that I have been able to witness here as I serve the Lord in Lemoyne

The Pathway to Happiness

Well I don't have too much time this week but I would like to share with everyone something that was confirmed for me this week.

I had the opportunity to sing at the civil wedding of an investigator and his wife this weekend. While sitting there as they took their vows, I pondered in something that our mission president had shown us a couple months back in regards to saving ordinances.

He had drawn six circles in a pattern very similar to a rock climbing wall. He then drew a couple of lines and labeled the circles starting at the very bottom with baptism and ending with marriage in the Temple, also known as a Temple Sealing. Much like this

Temple Sealing

              Endowment

-----------------------------

Melchizedek Priesthood

-----------------------------

              Sacrament

Confirmation

              Baptism

He then told us that we as missionaries are focusing a lot on this first part (below the bottom line) and how sometimes people get stuck there. The thing is in order to achieve the highest degree of glory and live with our Heavenly Father after this life, a man must receive the Melchizedek Priesthood which a woman does not need to obtain. And then everyone must obtain their Endowments and be sealed in the temple for time and for all eternity. These things are ESSENTIAL to achieve Eternal Life.

As I was pondering this I thought of the importance of the Temple. Our own temple, the Montreal Temple, has been closed for my entire mission so far for renovations and has been announced to open in November. This announcement has given us a wonderful opportunity to testify of the blessings of a temple and how it is a building wherein we receive sacred ordinances that allow us to live with our families for eternity and to live with Heavenly Father after the coming of the last days.

Growing up it feels like I did not understand the importance of the temple, and I was just beginning to cherish it when I was whisked away to the wonderful land of Quebec where there is no temple for the time being. Ironically this has made me cherish it even more. I know now that the Lord loves his children and wishes them to come back to him. In order to do so and live with our families for eternity we must be baptized by someone holding the proper priesthood authority and then given the Holy Ghost through the confirmation, which ordinances we then receive and renew when we take the sacrament every Sunday. And then we may receive those ordinances that are so cherished and holy that can only be made in the holy temple of the Lord.

I know and I can testify that the Lord loves his children and he has provided them a way for them to return to him through the sacred ordinances that we make a take a part in. I know that this church is true and it holds the fullness of the gospel and that through this we have the true power of God and by this power we may be baptized, confirmed and receive the holy covenants in the temple and be sealed for all time and eternity with a family who we love and they love us. I am so grateful to be a member of this church and to be a missionary out here sharing these wonderful truths. And I leave you with these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

La Fete des Meres- Let us go a singing

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! It was amazing to be able to see and talk to my family via skype this week as they told me all about their adventures and who is going where on their missions and who is getting married to who. *cough* Brittney *cough cough* I love them all so much and am so grateful to have such a wonderful family and a brother whom the next time I will see him he will be the one wearing the plaque.

This week the parable of the talents, once shared by Jesus Christ, has often come to mind. For those unfamiliar with the story Christ tells of a master who just before leaving for a far off country had entrusted three of his servants with varying amounts of monetary units, then called talents however we can easily relate these to our denotation of a talent. Two of these servants had been able to use those talents and trade until the moment when they had gathered double than what they had originally been given. However the last of the servants had hid his talent and wished not to share it and by the time his master returned, had lost the place where he had buried his gift. In the end the two servants who worked hard with these talents had in turn received many more blessings than imagined while the one who hadn't was left with none.

You might be wondering why this is so constantly in my thoughts this week. Well I had a memory this week of the moment that I had decided that I had wanted to take voice lessons. My wise parents had recognized that I was able to sing and had lovingly encouraged me to practice and grow this talent through voice lessons and participating in choirs. The hard work has paid off at many moments and God has blessed me with a voice that can and has touch the hearts of his children on many occasions.

One such occasion was this past Friday. As we do every Friday, my companion and I with a handful of other missionaries, visit a nursing home and volunteer by gathering the residence and singing with them a whole bunch of Quebecois songs. Many of which are really quite hilarious, residence and the songs. The woman who directs this had noticed that I had been blessed with a pretty good voice and as a "finale" asked me to sing for everyone. Choosing one of the only songs that I would actually know I was able to share my rendition of "Danny Boy."

Though this song is not one of the most spiritual of songs in the bunch I tried my hardest to pour my testimony into it, as we were asked not to sing very spiritual of songs for the sake of unity in the residency. Luckily very few could understand the English I was singing and instead focused on the spirit and the sound. Afterwards I sat down and an elderly woman sitting next to my with tears in her eyes, hugged me while saying "thank you I felt loved."

This moment has helped me to grow my testimony in God. He gave me a talent and helped me to cater it to the moment where it became something I could give to others. In my setting apart blessing that called me to be a missionary the man who blessed me promised me that music would be the way I could share the spirit with many. This blessing has been fulfilled on many occasions but was most apparent at this moment when a woman was touched by the feeling she felt and not the words which she heard. I know that I have been called by a real and true prophet of God who is guided by a loving Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the moments he has given me to be the instrument in his hands as he helps others to feel his love. I am so grateful to be his missionary, to be called to go forth with faith and tell the world of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on this Earth. I am grateful for the moment I have to sing the song of redeeming love to the people of Quebec, Canada. I love you all and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Whale Noises

Well I don't have too much time at this moment but I would like to share with you a miracle. One of the many spiritual basis that our religion holds in common with many others is that of fasting. And I am here to testify of the reality of the power of a fast.

This Sunday my companion and I started a fast, or an avoidance of food or drink for achieving a higher spiritual state. We fasted specifically for the ability to find success in our area of Lemoyne. We have recently been realizing that many of our investigators are not progressing as we would like them to. We found ourselves after fasting about nine hours really really hungry. As in why is my stomach making whale noises, oh right I haven't eaten in who knows how long. But my companion and I had prayed and set a time that we would finish our fast. And we were determined. Sure enough after we had struggled through to the end we ate like Queens. It was a feast. However there was something special about the sacrifice that we had made. But we just continued on with our day until one moment when we were teaching a young man whom we were debating on dropping, suddenly all of his friends came into his house. He invited them to join us but they had preferred to stay in the next room over. We continued with lesson and then someone asked "are you the Jehovah's witnesses? You don't look like them." We looked over to see that all of his friends were in the doorway listening. We obviously took the moment to testify and to share about the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on the Earth through Joseph Smith. Little by little the group was brought to the table until every ear and eye was focused on the words that we shared. That night we received six referrals and three new investigators. And when in general we struggle to even find one.

We were on our way home that night, hyped up that something so amazing had just happened when Sister Ford said "Its because of the fast." Her words hit home.

It was true. We had sacrificed a moment and had received so many blessings. I can testify that God loves his children and when one or many join in a prayer backed up by a sacrifice as little as hunger. He recognizes the love that we show him and the trust. I know that He answers our prayers. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Being a Missionary is Pretty Amazing

You know? Being a missionary is pretty amazing. It is as if you are always watching from the treasured court side seats and one of the most holy, miraculous and unforgettable basketball games known to man. In a nutshell? Beautiful. I get to see daily as the healing and loving hand of the savior in peoples lives and the comfort that it brings. One of the most amazing evidences of this love is the fact that we hold the holy power of God and it is always just a touch away, ready to be used.

We had a rather large scare this week that has strengthened my testimony on the importance of members in missionary work and miraculous power of the priesthood.

It had started off with asking a member to join us for a lesson with a less practicing member of our ward that we have worked with for a long time. Sometimes as missionaries we find that we are using the exact same members to join us for lessons and rarely use others, recognizing this my companion Sister Ford and I had chosen to pray and find someone "out of the ordinary." We found that we were set on a certain sister in our ward. We called her up and sure enough she was able to join us. A couple of days later we met her at the apartment of the less active member and went into the lesson.

The man was sick. So sick that he had not eaten in over three days. He was still wanting us to teach so we shared a short scripture and our testimonies. However one of the more amazing parts of the lesson was when our member asked if this man wanted to go to the hospital and offered him a ride. Very few other members would have offered to take someone to a Canadian emergency room where the wait is longer than any known marathon race. We "just happened" to have the right one with us.

After taking him to the hospital the doctors were able to take care of him and diagnose him in almost record time. However the following day he was still feeling the same symptoms with no improvement, and had asked for a priesthood blessing. The Elders were able to come immediately to give the blessing. The spirit was in the room so strongly that there was no dry eye, and the difference in the man before and after the blessing was miraculous.

I know that we had been inspired to bring a member to the lesson, and specifically to bring that member. I know that our member was inspired to offer her services to the sickly man. I know that God guided his servants in the giving of the priesthood blessing and that he comforted and healed the man through this holy power. I know that God loves each and every one of us here on this Earth and helps and inspires people to guide us and lift us in our lives. I know that he is with us at every moment in our lives. I know these things and I say these things in name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Sister Cummings

Le Cabin a Sucre

The official Canadian Sugar Rush translates pretty much to french as le cabin a sucre. Or more literally the sugar shack. This is where all quebecois, both old and young, rejoice together of the miracles known as MAPLE SYRUP! I have included a couple of pictures as I had the opportunity to attend such an event. Pretty much what this sugar shack is, is an all you can eat of anything maple, mapley, mapled, or mapled on. Including the most delicious thing in the world called tire, pronounced tear. Which is a maple syrup taffy that when hot is put, traditionally, on a wooden log full of snow. Then the consumer may stick a stick into the gooey now hardening deliciousness and consume of its glory as one may consume a lolly pop. I have included a picture of the making of this delicacy. One depicting a true Quebecois with their true Quebecer platter drowning in syrup. My new companion Sister Ford and I participating in the event. And yours truly posing with a chicken. You just can't go wrong with those chicken poses.

I do wish to apologize for all whom I inadvertently lied too when I stated that "I will never like maple syrup even if I live in Canada!" For it was a false statement.

Anywhoo. Now on to the spiritual stuff.

I would like to take what little time I have to testify of daily scripture study. A little over a month ago I made it a goal to study the Book of Mormon everyday. For those who are not familiar with this book it is another testament of Jesus Christ, and is very comparable to the bible though its writings stem from the inhabitants of the ancient Americas rather than that of the Middle East. However not only had I made this goal, I had decided to read it in French. Through that my language abilities have grown immensely. And if only that were the soul outcome of this goal. Through reading and studying the Book of Mormon everyday I have been able to learn and apply the words of the Lord. Daily. Through reading the book of Mormon daily I have been able to recognize the hand of the lord. Daily. I am growing in my testimony of the restored gospel. Daily.

There are so many other benefits that I have found from reading the book of Mormon...bet you can't guess what I am going to write...DAILY. I can testify of the redeeming love that Jesus Christ has for me and for all his children and through this love he allowed us to receive a divine translation of these scriptures that allow us to see more fully of his wondrous and mighty miracles. I can testify these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

I love you all and have a wonderful week!

Staying in LeMoyne

Well first off we received our transfer calls. I will be staying in Lemoyne! However my beautifully amazing Haitian companion will be leaving to go even farther North to a branch just outside of Quebec City. I will miss her loads but I know she will do amazingly. She also was very careful in teaching me how to make rizcolle the way she does so I can still eat it even while we are separated.

This week's title may sound a little dramatic but what I experienced this week I would say was very dramatic. This week I was asked to sing at a funeral, of a man with a wonderful story.

Brother Roy had been born and raised a Quebecois. He had met his wife while playing the guitar in a concert where she was singing. Many many years after their wedding Sister Roy was introduced to the church and was promptly baptized. However her husband would have nothing to do with these gospels up until he was sixty-nine and he found he had a change of heart. He suddenly started meeting with the missionaries and after forty years of waiting his wife saw him be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There he had leaned over to one of his good friends and had said "I now know where I will be if I die, and I am ready." Promptly a year and a half later he was diagnosed with a very rapid cancer and died after a month of diagnoses.

One thinks that a family struck so suddenly by the loss of a beloved father and husband would be saddened beyond belief. But the results were quite the contrary. True the family was sad for the loss, they were also comforted in knowing that they would meet him once more and live as a family after this life.

Something that I have come to realize out here on my mission is the importance of an eternal vision. And as Elder L. Tom Perry shared, our church is the only church that makes the family an eternal element. Which was so evident in the service we attended.

Many testimonies were shared on this concept and also that though Brother Roy had left this life he was much much happier in the next. The family giving their last words to their father were full of smiles and thanks that he had chosen to be baptized and that they will live together again. The service finished with the choir singing "Plus Pres de toi Seigneur" or "Nearer my God to thee." In which I was given the opportunity to sing the third verse as a solo. With the piano and flute in the air there was scarce a dry eye in the assembly. And all were tears of thanks to a loving heavenly father and his redeeming love.

We are among the few who know the truth that we can live with our father in heaven again and live with those we have lost here on this life through the atonement of Christ. We hold this truth or this light and we must share it. There are many in the world who are in darkness or do not know the truths of the Plan of Salvation, or that we have once again the true power of God on the earth ready to be used to give blessings of comfort and healing. I have been blessed with being born into this knowledge and I can now testify with a fullness of heart that I know this church is true. I know with all my heart that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can be saved and live with our families for eternity. I know that through the Prophet Joseph Smith we have been able to receive these revelations. I know these things and I do share them in the beloved name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

Sister Cummings

Lundi Saint

So for some reason there is such thing as Good Monday here and it is in fact a holiday…And when Canadians have holidays they just kind of abandon everything. Luckily we found a place to do emails today and do groceries because pretty much everything else is closed. Do we have a celebration after Easter or is that just the Canadians?

Well this week, on top of the wonderfulness of general conference, Sister Blanc and I went on splits with our Sister Training Leaders. And for the first time in a about seven months I was the one who left the area and went to the area of the other sisters. It was probably one of the most amazing days ever. For one thing we woke up and the sun was actually shining! It was a whopping 14 degrees Celsius!!!! And we had everything planned. Every hour of our day was going to be taken up by a lesson with someone. We barely had time planned to eat! It was a missionaries dream! But As what seems to be the case we found ourselves knocking on soemones door who had forgotten we had an appointment and was not home. But we didn't let that take control of us. We went ahead and started walking to the car. On our way we saw a woman carrying a bunch of grocery bags. Well on instinct we asked her if she would like help. She warned us saying that she was walking a very long way. Not perturbed We lightened her load.

I wasn't able to find the scripture, but in the bible the Saviour teaches that if a man asketh you to walk one mile. Walk with him twain. Well we walked twain. The lady was not lying. It was really really far away. Luckily though a long walk makes for a long talk. We learned about this woman and how she was really struggling, with work, with family, you name it this woman was living it. We talked to her about the gospel and the happiness it has brought to us, we even gave her a Book of Mormon. After a long Long LONG time we finally made it to her house and helped her get everything in, she gave us a drink of water and we were on our way back to our car, talking and contacting people along the way. We do not know what will come of her, but I do know one thing, that God had put us in the way of that woman to help her and to be a comfort to her. Plus on top of it all I am pretty sure I got a bit of a tan on my wrists! The sun was actually shining!

And after having that wonderful day we finished the week with the wonderful moment to hear the prophet and apostles of God speak to us and comfort us. I for one am really grateful for the wonderful testimonies of Elder David A. Bednar, and Elder Wilford W. Anderson. It was so inspiring. I know that they are really set apart and chosen testifiers of Jesus Christ who really receive revelation from him.

I love you all and thank you for the wonderful prayers that you send my way, I pray for you too.

Sister Cummings