This week we had to say goodbye to Sister Hart and Elder Sillito. They have completed their missions. Sister Hart will be going to Utah State, so hopefully we will be able to see her again. Elder Sillito lives in Canada and will be going to UVSC. I hope the best for them as they transition back into the world. I am certain they will continue to make this world a better place.
Elder Crook left our district and was transferred to a town in the southern part Georgia. I will miss him. I especially love how hard working he is and how he never complains even when he had a terrible case of poison ivy! Elder Crook came straight out of high school from Star Valley, Wyoming in June, and was quite timid at first. When he left our district, he was a stronger confident missionary! It is so wonderful to watch these elders and sisters grow.
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| District Council Meeting the day before transfers Sister Nebeker, Elder Inskeep, Sisters Hart, Hyland, Clarke, Elder Merrell, Sisters Toole, Osterhout, Elders Crook, Sillito, Todd (the new AP), and Bailey |
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| Back Row: Elder & Sister Merrell 2nd Row: Elders Inskeep, Bailey, Sillito, Sister Nebeker, Hart, Hyland, Toole Front Row: Elder Crook, Sisters Clarke and Osterhout |
Elder Crook was replaced by Elder Dicus from Las Vegas, another good missionary. Elder Dicus and Elder Inskeep taught Chris Cummings in our home this week. The lesson was on the Restoration. Chris continues to accept everything he is being taught. The spirit was there and was strong during the lesson. It is such a sweet feeling. Chris announced that he bought Sunday clothes and is planning to go to church with us! I'm so happy!
Rod and I read the Book of Mormon with Chris again this week and showed him the first Book of Mormon video. Watching him read and learn about the story of Nephi and Lehi for the first time gives me a renewed sense of wonder for all the miracles and tender mercies of the Lord in our behalf. I love the Book of Mormon!! It is true!
Another wonderful event this week was a Women's Conference with Elder Renlund (the apostle) and his wife, Sister Renlund, along with Elder & Sister Stanfill. Our ward was invited to attend the meeting where Elder Renlund spoke in person. His message was to press forward. He told an embarrassing story of how he and his wife and daughter were on vacation together on an island. They joined a group to kayak to an island a short distance away. Elder Renlund got in his kayak and all was well as he began moving across the water. He stopped and looked back to see how his wife and daughter were doing, thinking he would wait for them. In the process of doing so, a large wave (about 6" tall :)) hit against his kayak and turned the boat over with him inside. He floundered and struggled and finally got himself upright, feeling totally exhausted only to be hit by another even larger wave (about 7" tall). He was knocked over again. This time the guide came to his rescue and steadied the kayak while Elder Renlund righted himself and began moving forward again. When Elder Renlund finally made it to the island, he described himself as an "exhausted beached whale." The guide found him and instead of chiding him, he simply said, "Remember to keep moving. It brings stability to your kayak." Elder Renlund likened this lesson to the scripture "press forward" and asked us to continually press forward keeping our covenants, prayer, scripture study, etc.). These things bring spiritual stability in our lives.
So many, many beautiful things were said. There was a question and answer session where we were given a number to text any question anonymously. It was wonderful to hear answers of hope and encouragement to women who are struggling, etc. Elder Renlund ended his remarks with the words of "How Firm a Foundation." He told us the words in the 3rd and 4th verses were the Savior's, and they were the words He (the Savior's) wanted us to hear this night.
3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be
not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still
give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee,
and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld
by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous,
omnipotent hand.
4. When through the deep waters I
call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not
thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy
troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee, and
sanctify to thee,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest
distress.
Elder Renlund also wanted us to sing the 7th verse during the closing song.
7. The soul that on Jesus hath
leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to
his foes;
That soul, though all hell
should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, I’ll
never, no never,
I’ll never, no never, no never
forsake!
Elder Merrell and I received an assignment from President Clayton. He would like us to do some training with the Zone Leaders on how to use Family History in finding, teaching, and retaining people. He also wants us to help train on "back-up planning" for the times when Plan A falls through. We are excited to work with more missionaries and share.
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| Christmas Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Front: Elder Kone and Sister Michaels Back: Elder & Sister Merrell, Sister Kone, Sister Clayton, Sister & Elder Reid |
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| Christmas Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Sister Kone and Sister Merrell |
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| Atlanta Skyline from the Botanical Gardens |
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