You Never Know

Hola mi familia y mis amigos!

Don't judge my Spanish! Haha, I figured I should start my email a little different this week. This week has been full of ups and downs. Well, I guess that's just the typical mission life though. I wanted to share a few experiences that happened this week.

1. The Tire! So my companion and I volunteer at a charity twice a week. Well, we had just finished our volunteer hours on Thursday and got in the car to go home and change. When we started the car and were backing up, the dash told us that our passenger front tire was super low on the psi. We filled up all our tires up last week to 35 so we were concerned that it was at 20 psi. We figured there was a slow leak. So, we went home and changed into our dresses again and headed out to check on that tire. We went to the dealership of the make of our car (as it was the closest place to our apartment). They said they'd have a look. Now, keep in mind, Sister Fox and I were worried it was going to be super expensive. And don't worry, we told our vehicle coordinator everything that was going on. :) Well, I was super stressed. The mechanic guy came out and said there was a screw in our tire!!! When he told us that I was like, "Great, now we'll have to pay to patch or fix it.." Don't worry, I didn't actually say that out loud! :) But, I was of little faith. The same mechanic came out and said we were all good to go. Sister Fox and I looked at each other confused. They said there was no charge and to have a nice day. Our car was fixed up and running for us to get going. I was astonished! Lesson learned, have faith and move forward. Heavenly Father will always provide. :) Even if it's a free tire fix.

2. The Mormon Message! I was a little down on myself the other day. I felt like we weren't really doing much out here. We've found a lot of people but not a lot have been wanting to keep learning. It gets discouraging sometimes. I just felt like I wasn't really helping. I didn't tell Sister Fox how I was feeling but was just praying. Well, Sister Fox pulled up a Mormon message that I had downloaded on my tablet during lunch. We started watching it and it was exactly what I needed to hear. The video is called," You Never Know." Highly recommend watching it. It talked about serving others and how we may never know how the small things may effect those around us. This made me reflect. I may never see the result of passing out a small pass-a-long card or giving them a Book of Mormon, or a picture of Jesus. But, the small things we do as missionaries can be the start of someone's journey towards receiving and accepting the gospel. This is the same principle for members too. A small act of service that might seem like it was nothing, could mean the world to a neighbor, family member, stranger. You truly "Never Know" the impact that you could have on someone.

3. The Testimony! So we've been teaching this woman and her fiance for a while now. They are super wonderful and want to be baptized but they know that they have to be married or live in different houses to do so. We had a lesson last night with them. Before we went over we were going over our lesson plan. Our goal/commitment was to set a marriage date and baptism date for them. I was all for it, but was also a little weary of how they were going to react. We went over to teach them more about baptism so we read 3 Nephi 11 focusing on the manner of baptism. They read with us and discussed a lot. At the end of the chapter we boldly and lovingly asked if we could set a marriage date followed by a baptismal date. (I was definitely holding my breath after I asked. ) They both looked at each other and said they were thinking of getting married in March but really want to be baptized. So... they decided they were going to elope so they could get baptized and then have a BIG wedding later. I was so happy! When they told me, the words, "Wherefore didst thou doubt?" came into my mind. So, they are both on date for marriage and baptism. There's some legal complications so they will be getting married and baptized right before Christmas. But, I am incredibly stoked for them!!! They've both come a long way. After all of that excitement, John (That's not his real name) told us that he had some reservations about the church and that he had been doing some research. (That frightened me as most people when they do "research" find a lot against the church and back out in fear. However, John did the opposite. ) He found some material that he questioned so he stayed up ALL night researching the lds church. He told us that he really wanted to know the truth. He said he wasn't going to tell us all the details. However, he looked us square in the eyes and said, "I now know that this is the one true church." The Spirit was so strong when he said that. It was an incredible experience. They then invited us over for General Conference this weekend. It's really interesting. The moment I was losing hope this week, Heavenly Father lifted me up. Now, I am stronger. Another lesson learned, never doubt the ability for someone to change, especially yourself. I keep reminding myself of this. I encourage y'all to do the same.

4. Just Serve! This week we had the opportunity to find out more about a website sponsored by the church called justserve.org. It is a website where non profit organizations in the community can post their needs. This could be service/volunteer work, donations, etc. We had a training as leaders in the mission to use it for community service. As missionaries we have 10 hours of community service we are allowed to do per week. Well, Just Serve was also talked about in a combined meeting in third hour of church. It is highly encouraged for members and non members to use as a resource for service opportunities. It is a worldwide operation. All missionaries and members have been invited and encouraged to register for an account and use it to help the community. It is a great way to help the community and for the community to really see who the latter-day saints are. We have been told to stand out and be different and to serve others. This new website is a great resource for ALL people, members or not. I highly encourage y'all to also check it out. :)

GENERAL CONFERENCE IS THIS WEEK!!! This is a great time to receive personal revelation. if we truly prepare ourselves for conference, we will receive the answers to the questions we seek. Here's 5 tips of how to best learn from conference. I took 1-5 from lds.org!

1. Write down your questions before General Conference starts

2. Seek to learn of Christ

3. Watch for Themes

4. Take note of the Book of Mormon

5. Be motivated and inspired to act.

6. Pray with real intent

My Challenge for y'all is to do these 6 things. And of course watch ALL the sessions of conference. I know as you do this, you will receive ALL the answers to the questions you seek! Your testimony will be strengthened and you will be a stronger tool in the Lord's hand. I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ once again established on the Earth. I know that we are led by a prophet called of God. President Nelson loves us and is here to guide us. So, let's listen and act. I mean Heavenly Father has provided us with a way to know His will for us, I think that's pretty neat! I'm sure going to do these things. Y'all are great!!!

Love,

Sister Stone