The Greatest Blessing

Howdy y'all!

 

How are you?

I can't believe that Alex is coming home the same day! That is crazy!

Mom did you get my flight plans? cause they haven't sent them to me yet... which when i think about it i'm actually ok with that.

 Happy Birthday Dan! I would have sent you your very own personalized email but I realized I don't actually have your email so... yeah. But I hope you have the best birthday ever and I love you!

 

This week was a really great week!

Keith came to church again! He's just as enthusiastic as ever about the gospel. He called us this past week to tell us that he was at the store buying a white shirt and tie and he wanted to know if short sleeves were ok explaining to us that "this is texas and i can't find any longsleeves anywhere." We had multiple lessons with him this week. During the first one we showed him "The Restoration video" and he loved it. When it was over he was so disappointed because he wanted it to keep going. He even said "is there a series on this? cause if there isn't they need to make one." We told him we'd show him the hour version about Joseph Smiths life and he was so excited. He keeps asking us about it. He had some amazing insights after watching that video though. He was amazed because he said to us "Joseph Smith was just a man." He could relate to him in many ways. At the end he told us that he knew Joseph Smith was a prophet. As we sat with him for that lesson he just couldn't stop thanking us. It was really humbling. Sometimes we forget just how wonderful the gospel is and how blessed we are to have it. He's been reading in the Book of Mormon everyday. He even marks the verses that really stand out to him. He told us that since he started to come to church and read the Book of Mormon he's not as tempted as he was before. He just amazes me. 

Last night we taught him the Plan of Salvation and he really enjoyed that lesson as well. He accepted a baptismal committment. We haven't set a date yet but we will be soon. He's going to have to give up smoking and coffee but he already told us he's ready to quit the smoking, it's the coffee he doesn't want to give up. He's been really nervous to pray because he's never actually prayed his entire life. He's had "talks" with God but never really prayed. Well last night he said the closing prayer and it was the most simple powerful prayer. 

 

We also had a lesson with Rosa this week. We wanted to just focus on resolving her concerns. Turns out we were right about whats keeping her from coming to church. Not only is Catholicism her culture but she is very concerned about what her family and church friends and pastor would think. For her it would just be easier to learn about our church but just keep attending her church. We were bold but loving as we explained to her that if she wants to really know the truth she needs to come to church. We made sure she knew that we weren't trying to prove the catholic church wrong, we're just adding to what she already knows. She understands this but her fear is greater than her faith in what we've taught. She's still reading in the Book of Mormon and praying. We asked her how she felt when she goes to church and she even said "sometimes I feel the spirit and other times I don't." Then she turned it on us and asked how we felt when we go to church. The spirit was strong as we explained to her what church meant to us and I am so grateful to know that I can ALWAYS count on the spirit to be there when I go to church. I know that someday Rosa will realize that this is true but I'm not certain that will happen any time soon. We may be dropping her but for now we're praying really hard to know what she needs. 

 

Kaylee is doing great! She's been coming to church and is still reading in the Book of Mormon. This week the YW are doing a temple trip so while they are doing baptisms we will be there with Kaylee on the grounds teaching her about temples. I think it will be a really great experience for her. 

 

I'm just so grateful to be a missionary and to have the opportunity to share my testimony everyday. This church is the greatest blessing the world could have!

 

I love you! Thanks for all your prayers!

 

The Kingdom of God or nothing!

 

Love, Sister Gregson