The memories I am making here in the New York Rochester Mission will last forever. The area in which I am serving at the moment will always hold a dear place in my heart! It has made an impact on me in many different ways, memories that make me laugh, cry, cause fear, and everything in between. All situations turn into a laughing matter once enough time has passed.... or so I hope ;)
As a missionary you have moments that you feel joy beyond anything I can express, moments that break your heart, and moments that are just WEIRD. Being a site Sister here at the Hill Cumorah, and Palmyra Church Historic Sites has been such a neat experience so far. We definitely keep busy. For 3 weeks in July we have the Hill Cumorah Pageant going on where our days are stretched out a looooot longer than the average missionary, 1,000's of visitors travel in from all over the world to witness this pageant! All summer we have different bus tours from various parts of the world that we show around the sites, and in the winter things here become a little slower, nevertheless we are still kept busy! We have the blessing of being able to take part in online proselyting, and being regular proselyting missionaries as well as site sisters!
My favorite part about the sites is being able to take youth tours during the summer to bear testimony and share experiences with the youth, to be able to create a converting climate for people not to much younger than me is such a special experience. The sacred Grove is what really started to plant my conversion. I feel very blessed to be here to help the youth be able to plant their testimonies deeper. There is nothing better than being an instrument in the hands of the Lord to bring others closer to Christ.
As I have also had the experience to do the "Normal" Missionary work as well I have learned quickly that it is more than just baptisms and "success" not every one is willing to receive the restored gospel of Jesus Christ... And when they say no it is heart breaking in a way I have never experienced in my life. As you sit in a persons living room, at a park bench, or on their door step testifying to them that you know what you are sharing with them is true it is impossible to not LOVE them. The more time you spend with them the more you desire for them to accept the Gospel, unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way, and when it doesn't it is very saddening. However it is so important to "not become discouraged, discouragement will weaken your faith"- Preach my Gospel. HOWEVER! That moment when some one is willing to receive what we extend brings more joy than anything I have ever experienced. I think that when we are feeling the spirit of God and delivering that into ones heart is a glimpse of what life with God will be like. Pure joy. Righteous desires bring forth great happiness.
Success is something that is found with in. Success is based of of our diligence to keep pushing through even when it seems as though life is in a drought. Pushing through with a hope for the future knowing that as you do your best to find, teach and help others become converted the Lord is pleased.
This is one of my absolute most favorite scriptures! it comes from the book of mormon. Once we learn to trust in the lord and know that there is hope for the future no matter what our past or present situations might be we find great peace and begin to enjoy life more.
"34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm."
No comments:
Post a Comment