This week was pretty awesome. Although it feels like my mission is turning into a time warp. What is life?
We had a super wonderful district meeting on Tuesday. Our district leader told a story about two boys, Jason and Ben, who used to play together. Jason got a rash on his hand and didn't know what to do about it, so his mom put a glove on his hand to hide the rash. He was ashamed of the rash and felt embarrassed of it, so he was incredibly protective of the glove which covered it up. One day as he and his friend were playing, the glove fell off. Jason didn't want his friend to see the rash--maybe Ben would make fun of him or think he was disgusting! So he ran away without a word and went home. Ben was confused and a little hurt that his friend would just run away, but he walked home thinking about the situation.
Jason's mom gave him a new glove, so the next day he felt confident again to go out and play with Ben. As they were playing, the glove fell off again, and Jason began to run away, but Ben caught his arm before he could get away.
Ben looked at the rash on his friend's hand, as Jason squirmed inside. Finally after a few minutes of silence, Ben asked, "What is this?" Ït's my rash... I was afraid to show it to you because I thought you wouldn't want to play with me anymore if you saw it!" Ben looked at his friend and smiled. "I had the same rash a while ago. Come on, my mom has some ointment that will heal it up!"
p.o.w.
That story hit me like a semi! Ah. They went on to talk about how we need to be more open about our weaknesses with our companions because you never know if they'll be willing and able to help you. And it's just counterproductive to hide them. Elder Strikwerda said, "If you're spending all your time putting up walls around your weaknesses, there is no time spent making them into strengths!"
Loved that.
Thursday she was still feeling pretty shaky and sick so we took it pretty easy. We went out for a couple hours, but came back so she could rest in the late afternoon.
Friday we had an appointment with our sweet friend, and it was amazing! Our past two lessons were good, but I was thinking about how we could really teach to her needs. After praying really hard I just felt like we needed to teach the lesson, the doctrine of Christ, focusing on the blessings mostly. Didn't know why, but that's the impression I got. The lesson was good, and she was just as receptive as she had been before, but it wasn't anything extremely special, until: At the end, she told us that she'd prayed about our message, and knew it was good. We talked and read a ton of scriptures and it just felt like the spirit was leading us more than I've ever felt before in my life. We were glad we'd talked about blessings before, because that set the tone for our responses. We talked a lot about the guidance of the Holy Ghost as well. She knows this is good and she is so sweet. That night, she texted us, and we both just felt so happy that I thought we were going to explode!
She came to church and was smiling and participating in ZHV. She's having an art exposition in March before transfers, so we asked if we could come, and she said, "ja hoor! mag wel!" :D We love her!
Valentines day was funny and we talked about puns and it was wonderful. "I've taken a VIKING to you" etc. (thanks dad for the puns last week :) )
She said she looked at him with her mouth wide open and just had no words
At that moment I looked at her and just had no words, because WHAT?!
God is so aware of us and He cares about us! I know that He's got a plan for me and you and your next door neighbor who may or may not be annoying, but He's got a plan and He loves you!
There were so many other miracles this week! time is a thing though
Me and Zr H were reading in the Missionary stress book earlier this week in comp study, and we read this scripture that has now made it on my list of favorites: D&C 123:17
It is a miraculous scripture and you should all read. it.
Liefs,
Zuster Watts
ps I never want to not be a missionary! ah
pps. coincidences don't exist, it's a conspiracy called the plan of salvation;)