Week 42: But who's counting...

Dear Friends and Family,

Savanna Norton

          Can I just say that transfers stress me out! Plus I just had an incredible companion, Hermana Norton,who became a good friend of mine so it was hard to send her off to Utah. She taught me so much about selflessness and pure love. She loved me for who I am and listened to me. I learned that I can be happy with myself and not have to change for anyone, but for Christ. The best part is she taught me the language of the spirit and how to have fun (not be so serious), but still be dignified. I am just going to have to keep practicing everything I have learned. Also everyone, I am still English speaking! What? Yup, you heard me. I am still in the great, green place of Cougar Mountain. My new companion is Hermana Oliphant. So we are both still Spanish sisters serving in and English ward. The cool thing is that we had the same trainer (same mom), Hermana Boley so we really are "Hermanas" in the mission. 

          We had some crazy fun things happen this week. First of all, a few weeks ago we found this family while knocking who are so ready, so prepared. They grew up in Idaho and they know many Mormons. We took our ward mission leader over to have a lesson with them and when they opened the front door, they started freaking out. We found out that they all know each other because their kids are on the same sports teams. Golden. Instant fellowship. We taught them the Restoration. They are looking for a church, and the husband said he would be baptized if he found out it is true. Please pray for the Day family. There are going to be miracles here this transfer!

          This week we took our investigator Jared and his girlfriend Ivy along with their fellowship member, Brother Joe, to the Ensign Symphony in downtown Seattle. I have come to the conclusion that words go to our minds, but music goes straight to our souls. It was a great thing for all of us to experience. Unfortunately, they moved out of mission, but no effort is wasted right?

          The greatest moment of this week was going to the temple! Don, the man who use-to-be-an investigator but who is really a less active member, was able to find his great grandfather and be baptized for him. We also took Kasey who is a recent convert. It's really cool to see the temple and the ordinances performed there through the eyes of someone who was not raised Mormon. It truly is a magical experience that we take for granted sometimes. 

          I have come to know for myself that the things that I teach everyday are true. These truths are here to help us, to bless us, to make us happy. I know that families are forever, and that we have the gospel to bless our families. I am so beyond grateful for this knowledge. 

          So I am reading in Mosiah 8 right now. I think it's around page 165. Keep reading everyone! Also, let me know if there is anything that I can do for you. Are there any questions that you want to ask me? Also, I want to get better at using my prayer list this transfer so if you have anyone or anything specific that you want me to pray for, let me know. I love all of you with all my heart and have a fantastic week!

Con Amor,

Hermana Stoddard (still Spanish at heart)