Mother's Day 2016

This week went by quick! And I'm glad it did because I was able to

skype my momma and family on Sunday :) we had zone conference this
week, that's where part of the mission gets together and hears
President Griffin and a few others speak. I think they had the other
half of the mission the day after that or something. But this
conference we had car inspections.... I learned a lot about how to do
them and about what we need to check in our cars. We then had a
discussion given by our AP's (assistant to the president) and they
talked about how to be more effective in our missionary work. After
that we heard from some other elders, and then we had lunch! After
lunch we sang to everyone who had birthdays in the last couple of
months. When we do that we have everyone sing and then people who
speak different languages sing it in that language. Cool right? So we
had Spanish, French, and a few others.... That I can't remember....
But they were still super awesome!!
This week I was able to see the blessings and opportunities that
Heavenly Father has given to my companion and I. The work in my area
consists of a lot of finding and reactivation. I love it :) so, we
were dropping by to see a less active family and we talked and shared
a message with them. Then I had the feeling that I should fill out a
card and give it to one of the kids who was playing outside. He was
dropping in on our message every once in awhile, so I thought I would
just give him a card with Jesus Christ on it. He took it and gave me a
big smile, then ran to his apartment and gave it to his mom. His mom
came out and she told us that she would like to meet with us! We met
with her on Thursday and invited her to church! You never know who's
ready to hear the gospel, or who needs someone to listen to them.
I've been thinking quite a lot about families. Maybe it's because I
was excited to talk to my family on Mother's Day, but it's a topic
that has been on my mind a lot. We are so blessed to be put into
families, Heavenly Father did this for us so that we can learn and
grow in a loving environment. What else has he given us within the
families? The ability that we have to live as a family forever. For
eternity! I knew this was an important concept but I don't think I
really realized how amazing it was until I came on my mission. (That's
happened a lot haha) we are able to be with our families for eternity!
Not just until we die. I know that I'll be able to be with my family
and those that I love for eternity and I want that for everyone else.
I have been reading a lot of the General Conference talks lately,
especially the priesthood session ones because I wasn't able to see it
live. Today I read about "eternal families" by president Eyring. In it
he talks about the Priesthood and how families can strengthen our
spiritual growth. He quotes:  "The most important of the Lord’s work
that you will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your
own home. Home Teaching, bishopric’s work, and other Church duties are
all important, but the most important work is within the walls of your
home.”
Be kind and loving to your family. Do service for them and cherish the
time that you have with them. I miss my family and my friends more
than anything, but I know that I'm here for 18 months so that I can
teach people about eternal families. That way they can have their
chance to live together forever. I cannot stress enough how important
families are.
Read that talk by President Erying, you won't regret it :) you can
access it through the gospel library App or on Lds.org !
Love you all, have a great week!!

D