A (Little) Fall Of Rain

Week 24 August 18, 2014 3:33 EDT A (Little) Fall Of Rain

We had a bit of a wet spell this past week - but thankfully Tacoma wasn't quite ready to go fully into the rainy season so the sun is out again. (Though for the record, having to wear sweaters and turn on the heat in the middle of August is practically obscene.)

But regardless of what the weather is up to, we have been busy as ever in Parkland.

We had Zone Conference this week! We discussed the reality of miracles that come when we go out of our way to invite everyone we meet to learn more about the gospel. We must be bold, prepared and most importantly ourselves. We have no need to be afraid of helping people feel more of God's love. Really, when we are viewing people the way God sees each of us, it isn't difficult to share what we have.Perfect love casteth out fear.

It just isn't hard if you love them.

We've been teaching all sorts of people lately, and our zone has a tidal wave of baptisms scheduled for the last few weeks of August. The hunt for enough baptism suits is already in full swing. We have Jake, Ana and Erica on date, and John, Catherine, Mariah, Darlene, and David are soon to follow!

Trying to expand our teaching pool (but really just separating the sheep from the goats.)

And since it's August, it means back to school (even for missionaries.) so buh bye, Burton! #transferredtoProvo

We've been so blessed to have wonderful recent converts like Mira, Chloe and Mindy who are positive to be our best friends regardless of where we all end up.

Mindy and Chloe even channeled their Hawaiian side and made a sushi feast for us this week (:#bringonthespam

We are so excited to accompany these amazing women to the temple soon - they have been hard at work prepping family names to take. #SpiritofElijah

So this month is the 100th anniversary of WWI - I have a tiny pot of poppies growing in our window as a reminder. This gospel is one of happiness and peace. Seeing the gospel bring literal peace to the people around us is one of our favorite things. It changes everything to see people overcome loss, addiction and depressions through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

This week's spiritual nugget actually comes from our investigator John. We have been giving the people we teach some scripture passages about Christ and he read 2 Nephi 4. When he got to verse 24 ("And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.") he told Chipman and I that he is just like Nephi and we are the angels that led him to God again. We have the unique opportunity and responsibility to minister to God's children here, and we love it.

It is just so amazing when the people you teach end up teaching themselves, and in turn, you.

Now, we're gonna hit up some sand volleyball by the sound - gotta soak up the sun while it's shining!