Sister Bennett, signing in. Calling out to family and friends across the geographic masses...
I don't believe I have experienced anything more rewarding than being a missionary. Before, I had heard it countless times. "I've never been happier," "I learned so much," "Those were the best two years for my life." I've seen people who have served - those who just got off their missions, and grown adults who now have grandchildren - reflect nostalgically on their missions, and on how grateful they were that they served.
Although I've only been out for about 3 and a half months, I think I'm beginning to understand how those people feel. On one hand, I don't think I've ever been this tired. Missions can be stressful, and I have a lot I need to learn. But on the other hand, I feel so much joy in this work. I wouldn't trade what I've learned on my mission, or the year preparing for my mission, for the world. I've seen so many miracles in my life and in the lives of others. I'm so grateful.
Serving in the Bel Air Ward has been a new learning experience. It is now my responsibility to lead an area, and because I'm so new on the mission it's easy for me to point out my own shortcomings and areas that I can do better. However, I know that I'm here to learn and grow, and that it will come eventually if I work towards it. So, gotta keep my chin up. :) Hopefully Sister Roundy and I can work so we can be a blessing in this area.
I'm learning a lot from Sister Roundy. She can be blunt and straightforward, which I think is good for me. We also laugh a lot. She brings out a quirky side of my sense of humor. It's an adventure working together.
Some experiences of this week. 1) The members here spoil us. Thursday for dinner we got taken out to The Cheesecake Factory. Until then I had never experienced such a place in my life. It was glorious. We went with a family of six. Three sons, and a daughter. The husband is a manager of an interpreting company for sign language, and he is also getting his second Master's degree in fine arts. He showed us some of his pieces - pretty incredible. You meet the coolest families and people on the mission. 2) Last P-Day, during P-Day sports, I talked with an Elder from just outside London. As we began talking I automatically responded to him in an English accent, and after a while he got excited because he legitimately thought I was from England as well! I apologetically admitted to him that I was actually Canadian. That was pretty funny. 3) This week we took our investigator, Patsy, to a baptism. She had a wonderful experience, and afterwards she expressed that she wants to be baptized in August on her birthday! Mom, she wanted me to ask you if you're proud of me. She told me you would be, and when I said I wasn't sure, she told me to ask you and then let her know. :P I'm grateful we get to teach her. She is a testament to me that no matter what stage you are in your life, living the teachings of Jesus Christ can help you, and bless your life.
On that note, I just want to say thank you for all of your wonderful examples! It's made a difference in who I am, and who I want to be, and I'm grateful for that. Much love!
Xoxoxox
Sister Bennett
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