Monday, October 5, 2015

Week 24 - "CTR"!

Hey y'all! How is everyone doing? This week has been one of the best! Nothing too extraordinary, but for some reason it's just been pretty dang great. Well I mean, obviously General Conference was amazing! Everyone kept saying how GC is like Christmas for missionaries and I kind of just was like, "Yeah, whatever"! But as the first session started I seriously felt like it was Christmas! It was so exciting!! We were able to attend all four session of GC. For the first session we went to the church. For the second session we were at the church too, but Kelly, Orlando, and Brittany came. Yay! They all loved it. Brittany said, "That was a long movie". Haha, she said she liked it though. Then they took us to Chick-fil-a for dinner. They're kind of awesome. Then on Sunday morning we met a recent convert, Tina, at the church. We went to the Cutler's for lunch with the other missionaries who watched Conf at the church building. For the afternoon session we went with the Munoz family and the Elders went to the Canapa's (a member fam) house. I have to say it wasn't the most reverent environment with kids running around and such, but there was just a very special spirit there. There's just something about being together as a family that brings the spirit so strongly. Eternal families are kind of the best!! Kelly just kept telling Orlando how they needed to re-watch President Hales' and Elder Holland's talks. She loved conference! Hearing the words from the General Authorities just reconfirmed my testimony that these men are truly called of God. I echo the words of Elder Bednar who said,  "May we hear and heed the eternal truths taught by the Lord’s authorized representatives". Hopefully you all were inspired and enlightened by the words spoken this weekend. I know I was. Also, how good was the MoTab?? So angelic. I could have listened to "The Spirit of God" five billion more times. Gave me chills! (Shout out to Brother Bunderson for killin' it in the choir! So fun to see a familiar face!!)

This week has been full of tender mercies! Monday we finally met with Jessica. She is an investigator that we share with the Muskego sisters. She is super sweet and brought cupcakes. We had a nice discussion about the BoM and how reading and praying about it is essential in conversion. She committed to focus more on making the time to read and pray about it. Later we had a great lesson with the Munoz family on the importance of obedience, prayer, and scripture study. The Packers also won their game so that made all of Wisconsin just a little bit happier! 

On Wednesday we were going to see this LA (less active) couple and after we got out of the car I look over at this guy pushing a stroller and recognize him as a LA in our ward that we helped move a week prior! He was just out walking his twin babies! We chatted and he invited us over later that day. So that was pretty cool. We talked about the Family Proclamation with him that afternoon and he should be at church this Sunday. So random that we ran into him, but something I've learned is that there really are no coincidences in life. The Lord has a plan for each one of us.

Thursday was a little unusual, but also really awesome. We went over to the Rebarchik's for lunch and afterwards they just drove us around for the whole afternoon to see less actives and help with Bro. Rebarchik's home teaching. It was nice and we were able to see 3 less actives with them!! That night Tina came with us to a lesson with Fred (a returning less active) and the Munoz family. We talked to Fred about prophets and the importance of them. Then we had a lovely lesson with the Munoz family on the Law of Tithing. Tina's testimony about tithing is so strong and really brought the spirit strong. They all committed to pay tithing!! :)

The Munoz family is doing splendidly! My heart is so full of JOY because of them. Brittany is most likely going to be baptized on the 18th, Kelly and Brent might take a little bit longer. BUT last night my heart almost exploded when Kelly basically told us she is going to be baptized! I'M SO THRILLED for them! Orlando will be ordained a Priest on Sunday, so he will be able to baptize Brittany. Yay! This gospel is changing their lives. It's incredible to see and sometimes I just don't know why I am so lucky as to be the missionary who helps teach them. So at dinner Saturday night we were sitting there with Orlando and Kelly while Brittany was in the restroom and Kelly told us how whenever they drop Brittany off anywhere they always say, "CTR"! I just think how the phrase "CTR" wasn't even in this family's vocabulary 3 months ago and now it's like their family motto! Makes me so happy. I love being a missionary!

The gospel is true, people! Keep reading your scriptures, saying your prayers, and doing your best! Make this week a good one :)

XO,
Sister Quist

 It's getting colder here and I'm not sure I'm ready for that!!
 Hey, this is Brittany!! :)