A Post from Early September

 

 

 

Just found this in my drafts. I guess it didn't send a few weeks ago!

Missions are such a roller coaster! We had 5 of our investigators drop us out of the blue this week, so we're pretty much back to square one with finding. It's fine though because we are ready to try some new ideas and really be led by Heavenly Father to those who are prepared to receive the gospel.

We have been working with a cute unbaptized child named Michelle, and on Saturday, she was baptized! The program went so well and the spirit was so strong. Her way less active dad said the opening prayer, and it was beautiful. And we did this demonstration that got the whole ward involved to show the family how much we love them and how we all are there to help them make it to the temple and be sealed. And Sunday in sacrament, all the men in the ward went up and sang "Ye Elders of Israel" and Michelle's dad sang too! We almost cried we were so happy! Great things are in store for this family!

I had my first being chased by a dog experience. It was my fault though because it had tiny puppies and we got out of the car to see them. Don't try to walk up to new puppies when the mom is close by.

Thursday we had dinner with one of the recent converts in the ward, who runs the zoo/animal preserve we volunteer at and he barbecued and made a bonfire! The elders in our district came too and it was a lot of fun! We even made smores under the stars :)

While we were there, the zone leaders got leadership calls from the assistants so they could tell us right away instead of waiting till later. And I'm training again! So Friday we had trainers training, and one of President Bonham's companions from when he was serving was there! President talks about this companion a lot since they are still best friends, so it was cool to meet him in person. The meeting lasted literally all day between all the traveling there and back and whatnot, but it was so good. But with that, we knew Sister Bird and I were being split up. We were hoping for 2 transfers together, but the Lord has other plans! And this morning we got the text and it is official so Sister Bird will be leaving tomorrow. :(

Last night we had a meeting with all the missionaries in the zone and our ward mission leaders. It was really good and one of President Bonham's councilors was there, and he was quoting someone and said that the Hastening of the Work is the most significant event to happen in the world since the First Vision. How cool is that that we all, full time missionaries and member missionaries get to be a part of that!

Love, Sister Tennant

 

 

 

 

Got to go back for Marie's Baptism 9/5

And Heather's Baptism on 9/12

 

What a week!

 

Monday we went blackberry picking with a member in the ward. No wonder blackberries are so expensive- it's miserable picking them if you get caught by the thorns! I have a couple battle scars on my hands, but the homemade jam was well worth it!

 

Wednesday we had interviews with the mission president! Interview transfers are my favorite cuz I love getting to talk to him one on one. President Bonham reminds me a whole lot of my dad with their mannerisms and humor, so it's cool having a dad away from home.

 

And Saturday, everything went into utter chaos. We had a big windstorm that started Friday night (which really didn't help the wildfires), and Saturday morning all the power from down past Seattle up through Canada went out. Everything was way dark and windy and eerie. There were talks that it would be out for a couple days so we were nervous it would still be out on Sunday and we wouldn't be able to have church. Sunday morning, our bishop actually did cancel church, but then it came back!! That is my 2 lights miracle and is just another testimony to me that Heavenly Father wants his people in church, so things will work out. And we had 4 investigators and a less active man there that day, so it was such a blessing church was able to happen.

 

As the end of my mission draws nearer and nearer, people like to remind me that I am one of the "old ones" now, and that I am the next one in my ward to come home. It's true, my days are numbered, but I am so very thankful for the opportunity I have had to serve my Heavenly Father. This truly is the best thing I have ever done and I am so grateful to be in the Washington Everett Mission. I know as I continue to focus on the things around me and serve with all my "heart, might, mind, and strength", miracles will continue to happen. I love this gospel, I love being a missionary, I love my family, and I love my Savior.

 

Sister Tennant