Dearest family and friends:
Such cool things are happening. Amazing things! It's sweet.
Sister Gladden and I were just talking about how we have fun wherever we
go. It's really true. The members here are awesome and I am becoming
really close with them. We exercise with some
of the sisters in the ward a few times a week. Like the young
mothers-like Becca's and Jessica's and Valerie's age. I feel right at
home with them because I think of my sisters. Then I miss my sisters.
But they are cool too. We really enjoy talking with
them about their cute kids and all the things they do. I have been
amazed at how much service and help they are to the ward. It's crazy
because so much weight gets put on just a few people in this ward. I
know they are blessed for it though.
So yesterday was probably the best day of my life. Definitely the
best Sunday. I felt an increase of the spirit from the time I woke up.
As we got to church, I loved seeing the ward members. I am so happy
that I am remembering their names and getting
to know them better. It makes church really fun. We just had a great
time talking with them. Then the miracles started happening. We had an
investigator come to church! Doesn't sound thaat amazing, I know, but
it was. It's hard to get them to church.
But once they are there, I know that they will feel the spirit and know
that this is a place of God. God is there and the spirit is there
because the priesthood is being exercised righteously. That is
powerful. We also had 3 less active families come that
haven't been to church in a very long time. It made me feel so much
happiness. Then, to my great surprise, the entire bishopric got changed
around! It was really exciting for us and the ward. What stuck out
most to me was the quiet humility in the eyes
of the newly called bishop. I could see the weight of his calling
sinking into him as he stood before the ward. He talked about how he
had been blessed with 4 things in his life. 1: A deep testimony of the
life and mission of the Savior 2: His wife-who
is responsible for everything that he is 3: His family 4: The ability
to sleep anytime anywhere. These comments were meaningful to me,
because he understands who he is. He knows who he is because he knows
who the Savior is. The Savior is the reason we
can all repent and rise to greater things than we now know. That is
how he was able to be blessed with his family. I was grateful at that
time for my family and the examples you are to me. I know that family
relationships can be eternal when we know who
the Savior is and why it's important for us. I also chuckled when he
said his comment about sleeping anytime anywhere, because that is also
something our family has been blessed with. :) Anyway, we got to teach
great lessons yesterday, and just had a really
fulfilling day.
Last week, we had a great experience with fasting and prayer. We
decided to fast and pray for this family who we have taught in the past,
but haven't been able to see for 6 weeks. (after many times of
trying). The family is Mark and Terry. So we were
walking down the street that day, and heard a voice say, "Hello
Sisters!" We turned around to see a nice woman and her husband who told
us that they were members of the church and had just gotten off of
their mission. We had a nice conversation with them.
As we turned to walk away, lo and behold, there is Mark standing in
front of our eyes. WHAT THE! (I decided to throw that phrase in for
Toby :)) God just scooped Mark up and set him down right in our path.
Mark said, "Hey, I saw you girls on the street
as I was driving, so I decided to park and come talk to you" . It was
really cool. The problem has been that they are so busy working that
there is never a time that they are both home for us to go over. As we
talked he said that his whole family would
be home at 4:30 that day. This was a miracle. We went over at 4:30
and watched everything unfold beautifully. We got the chance to sit
outside with Terry and talk about her job as a caregiver. The people
she cares for are very old and are on the verge
of passing on. I know that's a horrible way to say it, but I mulled
over a couple options in my head and this was the best one I could
come up with. She talked about how sad it was to see them pass
on because she had grown to love them so much. We talked
about the special feelings she felt when she watched them go to the
other side. It truly is a sacred experience I imagine. She expressed
her concerns about why we have to be on earth to watch people suffer-
and Sister Gladden and I got to testify of God's
plan of happiness. True and simple. We learned so much from Terry
about love. That is what it is all about. That is why we have the plan
of happiness-because God loves us so much. We are sent here to learn
how to make good choices and love everyone around
us. Christ atoned for our sins because of His great love. I was
grateful for this experience.
Well, last week I got to go to the Alligator Petting Zoo. It was
sweet! This week a lady in the ward is going to give me and Sister
Gladden manicures and pedicures. We are stoked. I love to hear about
all of your lives, so thanks again for writing
me letters and sending me cool things. It makes my life so happy. I'd
like to say how awesome it is that Elisa Kynsie and Chelsea got their
calls! I am so excited for you all. I hope you read this.
I love you all very much. Keep going to church, keep reading your scriptures, and keep praying-because God loves you!
love sister annalisa wilde
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