Week 33: Snow and Tracting (February 18, 2019)

Another crazy week in the books. Got to road trip two hours away to Bozeman and almost died on the freeway in a blizzard. But no worries, I thank my Dad for teaching me to drive and the Lord for making sure that I actually was on the side of the road and didn't hit the exit sign. Sister Barringer slept the whole drive, and would wake up when Sister Lee would scream. She would say, "Oh wow!" Then fall back asleep. It is a talent. When we got back, we dropped off Sister Lee for departures. I drove departing missionaries around in a mini van, and my mission president told me that "I was preparing for my future." Taking her to the airport was sad, but we are excited for her and the things ahead of her! Sister B and I have been our own companionship and IT IS THE BEST.

Sister Lee's last day, was probably one of the most eventful. We were finding almost all day. That day I had felt strongly to visit a certain person, even though I was certain that Sister Stock and I had previously tried them. We went, and they weren't interested. Prior to that, I had parked unusually far away in the middle of a snow storm. It seemed dumb while we were walking. On our long walk back, I felt strongly to try a house as we passed by. We found a family from Micronesia, and as soon as they opened the door, I knew they would let us in. We were able to go in, give them a Book of Mormon, and share a message with all of them. 

I cannot tell you enough how good the Lord is. He allows us to find people when we act on the smallest portion of faith, and even when we may not deserve His blessings. He is always there. Always. 

Later that evening, we met with a woman who we have been meeting with for about a month now. My companions and I bore the strongest witnesses we could, to the point all three of us were almost in tears. She preceded to bash our church, the Book of Mormon, and temples. It was personally mocking, and unsettling as we watched her mock the God we love. We all knew there was nothing more we could say to her, that there was no convincing.

I do not share this experience for anyone to feel bad for us, but to share that this experience even further strengthened my testimony of a living Savior, who loves and cares about each and every one of us. Our Heavenly Father is not mean or spiteful, He wants us to succeed, to love and bless others, and avoid hateful remarks. Love everyone, share what you can, and let Him make up the difference. 

A woman in our ward said, "We have to stand and be the temple sometimes. Our bodies are temples. We have to be 'the holy place' and be that safety for others in their lives." And it is true. We have to be the light, through the Holy Ghost, in other peoples storms. I testify that the reality of that is real, and that you ARE a light to someone else; even if they have never told you that. 

I love you all! 

Sister Walstad