Called to serve in Ranch & Cucumbers : Week 11

Kia ora tatou! (that's Maori for hello.....I think)

This week has been kinda crazy. I still can't believe how crazy fast it's gone by. We didn't even buy groceries because we still haven't eaten any of our food from last week. We're out and about and people keep giving us stuff so we basically don't even have to buy food some times. Although, I make a mean green smoothie in the morning to start things off.

Life is crazy as always. My brain hurts from too much thinking. By the end of the day you're so tired that you can't even remember what you did haha. Sometimes my brain likes to just turn off and take a break for awhile.....like right now.....no seriously, I can't remember what I was about to say.

We had Zone Conference! It was only the mostist awesomist meeting since forever. Yes, we will be getting I pads. I heard it straight from the horses mouth.....I think it slipped out actuall-oops. We talked about the story of the Rich man in the Bible and how we need to sell all that we have and follow the Saviour. We need to ask our selves "what lack I yet?" and figure out what we need to do to change for the better. There are so many little insignificant things and sins that we hold onto that are keeping us from recieving so much more. As we give everything up for Him, He will refine us into what He trully wants us to be. It's a life-long process but each little step gets us closer and closer to our end goal. I also got to see my favorite sista missionary("Auzi cheeks" aka sister Wihongi) and my trainer got to see her trainer and then the person who trainered her trainer and so on. It was a 5 generational party! Mission Conference is coming up this week too. Elder Nelson is coming to announce the whole Ipad thing. It's crazy how much things will change but it's a good and needed change. It will force a lot of missionaries to be a lot more obedient because our schedules will be available to the public and they can track what we've done. Pretty crazy eh? I'm excited though. The Lord is trully hastening his work.

We had a baptism this last Saturday!!!! It was our ward-mate Elders' baptism, not ours, but a baptism none the less. One of our investigators came and she started crying! She felt the Spirit so strong. She is still waiting for approval but man when she gets that ok she is getting dunked! The best part is that we have 5 more this week! Four of which are from our ward. Our zone leaders brought an investigator to the baptism as well. She was going really strong but then went down hill. They were about to drop her but then after she came to the baptism she got it together and decided that this is what she really wanted! How great is that? It's kinda cool because this will be our ZL's last baptism before he leaves for home the next day. I think that we will have at least two of our inveestigators baptized next month. I'm kinda sad because I think that my trainer will probably get transfered this week so she may not get to be here for it all. She is pretty dang great and I'll be sad to see her go. She gave me a good foundation for the rest of my mission and I will be forever grateful for that.

I've been realizing more and more just how much of an influence we have on others. They never really tell us anything or how a lesson went so it's hard to know, but every once in awhile they'll make a comment about just how much they learn or grow from our visits and it makes it all worth it. It's the same with everyone, not just missionararies. You never know how much a compliment or smile just might make someones day. Commenting in church may spark a thought that completely changes someones perspective or inspires them. Ya never know! So go out there and make someones day.

This week was kinda hard mentally. I know I've probably said this before, but man, when you are a missionary all of your faults and weaknesses get put on a table for every one to see. It's humbling and really hard sometimes. When you live with someone 24/7 you find out just how many little things you need to change and sacrafice. The Lord refines you and challenges you more than you would sometimes like or care to admit, but through all of it, He makes you into who you need to be. He's making us all all into what He knows we can become. It's hard in the moment but looking back you're always so grateful for it.

Well, I gotta go and save the world...jk...my time just ran out that's all. Know that I love you all. Sounds like every one is doing great and lovin life. Send me lots of pictures from all of your adventures! Thanks for all of the prayers and thoughts. It makes all of the difference knowing that my family is behind me every step of the way.

Love ya lots,

Sister Prows