Dearest Family,
Another great week in San Antonio!
This week has been great. Missionary
work is hard, but so rewarding. Even when the rewards are not instant
or even visible, there is such satisfaction in knowing that the Lord
is pleased with what we are doing. I have taken Sister Slaughter's
counsel to heart: Seek approval from above, not from below or around.
Each companionship is different. Some
are easier than others, but I know that the Lord is teaching me
important principles in every situation on the mission. I've realized
that the Lord is so aware of the details of our lives that when we
win (with His help) even the smallest of battles - like remaining
calm and patient in frustrating or stressful situations - He is
pleased. I am grateful for his all-encompassing understanding and
love.
We had two exchanges this week! I am
inspired by these sisters. The more I get to know different
missionaries, the more I realize that each one has a unique
challenge. What impresses me so much is that these challenges often
remain unseen by others (except a companion perhaps, and sometimes
not even a companion knows about the individual struggles). When I
look around at these missionaries, I see disciples of Christ who are
building their foundations upon Him, and upon nothing else. I know
that when He is our foundation, we can successfully build joyful and
peace-filled lives. We can become true disciples of Him and with His
help can accomplish anything He asks us to do.
Directly after the exchange with a few
sisters we exchanged with our STLLs (Sister Training Leader Leaders).
Sister B and Sister J are examples to me of TRUE leaders. They are
elevators!!! They lift everyone around them - their companions, the
sisters they serve, those they teach, the members, etc.
Thursday was my 1 year mark! It has
been the fastest, most wonderful year of my life.
On Wednesday night, right before our
year mark, Sister Th (we were in the same MTC district and are both
in the TSAM) received her visa! What a miracle! I am so grateful for
that blessing and so happy for her! I have also been experiencing
miracles. Over and over again I receiving feelings of peace and
comfort, that even though I can't see what directions things are
going in (concerning my visa and mission), the Lord is taking care of
things.
We had MLC (Mission Leadership Counsel)
on Friday. During lunch, Sister S, Sister T, and I sat with the
Slaughter family! We were walking by and President Slaughter said,
"Join us!" Their 14 year old daughter, told us about the
missionary work she is doing with her teacher and how her teacher
came to church and loved it! I told President Slaughter, "President
Slaugther, I have been dying to talk with you!" He said,
"Really! What about?" I said, "I want to be a
TSAMmer!" He said, "It was your year mark this week, wasn't
it!" All week I had been expecting him to pull me aside at MLC
and talk to me about being reassigned - and I was so excited to hear
those words!! But to my surprise, he said, "Let's give it one
more week." He has so much faith and confidence. He also
explained to me that only the Brethren decide if I will be reassigned
or will continue to wait for my visa. Everything is done through
inspiration. What comfort! After MLC was over, I had a few more
minutes to talk with President Slaughter. I am so grateful for he
and Sister Slaughter! How I admire and look up to them! The time he
took to talk with me and listen to my concerns meant so much to me.
He is filled with faith and that has given me comfort and confidence
throughout my mission.
I love this work. I look forward so
much to continue serving in Texas or Brazil. I know that God has a
marvelous and beautiful plan for each of us. His plan for my mission
and life is far greater than any plan I could ever make!
Have a wonderful week! Thank you for
your prayers and support. The power of your prayers does so much for
missionaries!
Love,
Sister Erica Greenall
No comments:
Post a Comment