A Stone Cut Out of the Mountain

Window at the Corning Museum of Glass

Well,  this week the work has just been rolling forth.  Yes, we experienced some set backs, but this week it has been great to look back and see how much I have seen the Hand of the Lord guide us the last six weeks and how He will continue to guide us!  I just love being a missionary !!  I mean there is nothing like waking up at 6:30 am feeling exhausted, but after a meaningful prayer, a handful of raisins, and reading a quote from an apostle, you are just pumped to get out and work and see people.  I mean I have even learned to appreciate the little things in life more... like a morning when the sun is out, or limited editions stamps at the post office!  I have never been so excited to by Batman stamps ever!!  But honestly, I just love being out here.

I also guess that along with the spiritual things, we always have fun on a mission.  Sometimes me and my companion will "rap" the missionary handbook rules in the morning.  That has been FUN !!

The ice out here in New York is crazy and I am getting good at sliding in my boots and keeping my center of gravity low.  I still haven't fallen... but I'm crossing my fingers that I never will.

Each day I try to think of something small that I can improve on, so over time the things that are uncomfortable now won't be uncomfortable tomorrow.  I can then continue to push myself and be better.  With the enabling power that comes from the Atonement, we can see improvement as a process, and not something that we need to be perfect at.

On Saturday, I realized that I had a small fear of waving to cars as we tracted and smiled, because deep down, fear is the killer of missionary work. When we are scared or anxious, we can't see the people, talk to the people or served them... so I talked to my companion and we made a game out of it.  If we waved and someone responded back with a wave... we got a point.  If they didn't wave back, we went back to zero and it became a competition.  After 4 hours of waving to every single car on the street, I no longer have a fear of simply stopping, smiling and waving to people as they walk by!  It was so much fun.  Now street contacting won't seem as difficult... we at least the approach !! :P  Ha Ha.

This week, my companion and I have worked a lot with the Branch members and trying to get to know them and their situations and then find ways to serve or teach them.  I love hearing their testimonies and sharing my own and together we really are strengthened and edified!

We have also been working closely with a lady who is a mother and desires to know more about the gospel and has been reading the Book of Mormon.  We taught a great lesson on the plan of salvation and the Spirit was so strong in the lesson.  The Spirit really is the teacher and sometimes I have to remind myself that it is not my job/calling/or purpose to convince people or to make them keep commitments.  It is 100% their choice and if they do pray, read the scriptures, and go to church, then they too feel the Spirit when we missionaries are not around.  That is how real conversion takes place, not when we push people into the font, but when they chose to walk in!

We also met another lady yesterday that has had some exposure to the Church, but has learning and developmental disabilities and she wants to be baptized.  We are still trying to gauge her accountability, but it was amazing to see someone who has had such challenges in her life, and yet have great and simple faith in her Savior!

LOL, These are the symbol notes we make before we teach a lesson....
we call it "Reformed Missionary"

I love this gospel.  :)

Love Sister Williams