The Ups and Downs

Just like every other week, there are ups and downs.

The Ups

The highlight of the week was probably the baptism that we had on Saturday. She was so happy, she was glowing. Everything about her just seemed radiant! I felt overwhelmed with joy just looking at her. I am so privileged to get to know her. She has strengthened me in so many ways.

The Downs

One of the biggest challenges of last week was probably just feeling down. Sometimes I just get those times where I find myself sad and it takes me a while to realize that it is because I miss my mom. She passed away last July.

Even when it is hard, I take comfort in studying the Plan of Salvation and knowing that she is with my two siblings that passed away, that she is resting from all her health problems, and that she is learning to appreciate the wonderful woman that she is. I look forward to getting to go to the temple at the end of this transfer. I can always feel her closer when I am in the temple. It has always been one of my favorite places; no matter what is going on in life, I walk into the temple and know that I am home.

Choose This Day

Often we get so busy with life that we forget to take some time to think. We may forget who we are, what truly brings us joy, or what it is we stand for. We may get caught up and choose to procrastinate things.

I know I had a period of time where I procrastinated making a big change in my life. I knew it was important, but it was too hard to do all at once -- or so I thought.

Eventually, I was brought low. I realized I had to make a choice in my life and I had to make it then.

Why wait? It will be so much easier to "Choose This Day."

Well, what are you waiting for?

A Loaf of Bread

Sometimes, it can be hard to feel so disconnected from the outside world. Especially when you have a tendency to worry about things...

One time, I was having a praticularly hard time. I felt alone. I confided in my companion some of my feelings, but that didn't make it go away. I prayed and prayed for the strength I needed. I asked for help trusting in the Lord and His promises. I asked for the peace and assurance from knowing that I was still important.

Nothing significant happened for a few days. I found some peace, but I still had to struggle.

Then, we went to the mission home to pick up some supplies. I was astonished to find that there was a package waiting for me. I thought it was from an old roommate, but upon examining the return address, I found I was mistaken.

It was from a family that I had never met. They were from my companion's home town, yet she did not even know them all that well.

I found inside the package some of my favorite things. Things that Sister Ward did not even know that I liked. Plus, she claimed to have no idea why they would have written me. Inside there was a simple note thanking me for my service and wishing me well.

That experience reminded me of a talk by President Monson.

I know that the Lord answers prayers and that each and every one of you matter to Him.