I was blessed this week with two new companions: Sister Bowles and Sister Ray. Both are incredible missionaries and are sent to this area for a reason. I feel completely confident in leaving the ward and our friends in their capable hands. Sister Bowles was playing violin in the missionary program for the Bellevue Nativity (the biggest Christmas event of the year here). Members bring nativities from around the world and put them on a huge display. There is live music and other rooms to explore with different activities like the movie room and photo booth. Since I'm in the south half of the mission, we weren't allowed to go this year. However, since Sister Bowles had already agreed to perform, we got to all go and it was beautiful!! I had been to the nativity in Maple Valley, but never the one in Bellevue. Sister Ray and I sang in the missionary choir and I saw many members and friends from when I served in the Bellevue area this summer. It was such a tender mercy!
Yesterday we watched the Christmas devotional with our friend Lizzie at her home. We were running late and I was worried she would forget we were coming over. When we arrived, she was already waiting for us with the Christmas devotional playing on her TV. She had put the LDS media app on her TV and had found the Christmas devotional by herself! She made us cookies as we enjoyed the devotional with her. Christmas is a hard time of the year for her because she experienced a great loss at this time. As the speakers addressed this concern, I looked over and saw her wipes tears from her face. I knew she felt the Spirit and this was an answer to her prayers. It filled my heart with joy and I know she will be a solid member of the Church one day.
I have loved being a missionary and I wish it could be full-time like this everyday, but there are other things God has in store for me. I have received countless confirmations from the Spirit this week as I pondered about whether I had done enough. The Spirit told me in my heart and mind that this was exactly how it was supposed to happen and Heavenly Father was proud of my efforts. More tears rolled down my cheeks as I felt the Savior's love for me in such a powerful and unique way. I'm thankful for modern revelation and for the Book of Mormon. It keeps me going and fuels my Spirit each day.
Alma 5:14
"And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren [and sisters] of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"
There is a mighty change in my heart and I have received his image in my countenance. We may never understand the experiences we are put through at the moment, but we can always trust a loving Savior to help us overcome our lowest points. It's not until we reach the peak that we see the plan God has laid before us. I have been torn apart by the whirlwinds of life and
glued back together by Christ's Atonement. Only through Him will we ever reach the top of our mountains. He is truly the light of the world and the only way to eternal life. His gospel brings enduring joy and provides protection. I'm still not a perfect missionary, nor could I ever be. But I'm thankful for Jesus Christ who invested his time in me. He has changed me and I will continue to help Him change others. I love this work and I have loved my mission!
Until we meet again,
sister smith :)
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