Siervos Compañeros Del Señor

Hola a todos!!!

Hope yall had a great week! The summer heat is starting to hit hard out here, but the rain makes up for it. Didn't think I would miss the Washington weather that much but here we are! Honestly I love Kentucky summers; thunderstorms every week, fireflies at night, and everything just so green, I love it.

Here's my lil update from last week: new mission presidents!!! We had a mini zone conference to meet them and I already just love them! Sister McGinn gives the best hugs! You don't realize how deprived you are of mom hugs out here! President McGinn said he was a fly fisherman and immediate respect :). They both shared their testimonies and taught us what they learned from their training. The Spirit was really strong and you could tell they cared about each one of us so much. 

Couple of thoughts from the zc:

- "Joseph opened this dispensation on his knees." President Ballard

- The Lord of the vineyard works alongside His servants, He is our fellow servant.

- "The Holy Ghost helps us find courage and keep smiling." President Eyring

- You can do this and the Lord will be with you

- "She had a knowledge of whose daughter she is." President McGinn about Sister McGinn

- "The key to being a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ is to drink from the Book of Mormon every day of your life." President McGinn

This past week we focused a lot on ministering to our friends, just letting them know they are loved, known, and heard. One of the reasons I came out on my mission was because of experiences I've had in coming to know that God was aware of me individually. There are always moments when we feel alone, but Heavenly Father never lets go, His love is constant. That love is something that every one of His children deserves to know and feel. When I worked up in Alaska, I met people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, cultures, countries, and I learned to love them all. Sometimes we would just talk about anything and everything, and sometimes all I need to do was listen, but mostly I just loved them. That's what I wanted to do as a missionary, to invite and help, but also just to love them and help them feel of His love.

One of these ministering opportunities came while I was on an exchange in a trio with Sister Bayne and Sister Davis in our area. We went door knocking in an apartment complex and this lady came out her door and down the stairs calling for us to come over there. We were kinda hesitant because you never know what you might be getting yourself into, but we walked over and she told us that she had been about to pray but her boyfriend said your girls are here! :) So she ran out to ask us to pray with her. She had been going through a lot and said we came right when she needed us. I sat down by her and gave her a hug, and then said a prayer for her, telling her how much God loved her and cared about her as His daughter. I'm so grateful for those little miracles when God shows us that He is aware of each of His children.

 I've loved my personal studies this past week, I think it's because one, I'm not falling asleep during them, and two, I've been a lot more intentional about being open to the Spirit. After the mini zone conference from last Saturday, I really caught hold of the idea of the Lord being our fellow servant and we being His. Jacob 5 with the allegory of the olive tree is usually one of the chapters I skim, but now I feel so much more personally connected to it as a missionary laboring in this part of His vineyard. He works right alongside us, laboring in His vineyard as a servant would, letting us know He is there every step of the way.

Personal study thoughts:

- All things will come to pass, and God will give us the strength to hold on until they do

- "And thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions." Christ's peace is enduring, surpasses all that the world can offer

- "A Shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you."

I've been on the mission for almost five months now which is honestly absolutely crazy to me. It doesn't always feel fast, but there are some days when it just hits you that another month has already gone by. I'm grateful every day for this opportunity I've been given to devote myself fully to God as His servant, a fellow servant to the Lord. 

Hay nada que pueda separarnos del amor de nuestro Padre Celestial. Somos sus hijos y hijas, y Sus brazos están abiertos a todos. Siempre está escuchando, siempre está allí para nosotros, nunca dejará nuestro lado.

I hope you all know how much I love each one of you! Have an amazing week!

- Hermana Neil

Photos in order:

- calling the DL and getting slightly distracted

- don't ask about the sock

- Neil tradition popcorn and orange juice

- best sunset I've seen here

- us being cute

- lunch date with Aida :)