Week 37: "This Week"

August 4, 2014

Dear Amigos and Amigas,

Si, I do indeed need to brush up on my Spanish. I want to learn one day! 

Alright! So, a little about my week. 

This week....

We went out and did the work! Knocking on doors, helping a single mom move, teaching the gospel, bearing our testimonies, encountering people who are very friendly, and on the other hand some who are very anti...

I've learned that you really can't leave a mission naive. On a mission, it seems as though we become aware of every trial and condition anyone can possibly go through. We help others going through those things, the best we can. And sometimes, we sit back and are not able to do much, other than let others know we love them and are there for them, because sometimes that's all we can do. I'm not going to sit here and make a list, but it's really expanded my view of the world, and really how blessed I've been in my life. I've had things easy. I'm so grateful for my family for giving me the gift of the Gospel, which has helped me so much. 

Ok. So the wonderful moments of this week. 

1. One of the most rewarding moments on my mission are hearing someone pray for the first time. That always means a lot to me, because prayer means a lot to me. Really, it's my lifeline. I wouldn't be who I am without it, and I definitely wouldn't have the trust I have in God without it. 

2. Helping people that would have felt overwhelmed otherwise. It's the best feeling.

3. We went out with an investigator to make copies at an office depot, and we got lost. :P We ended up just cruising and she told us all about her life. It was good, in the long run, even though nothing we planned to get accomplished got accomplished. 

4. That same investigator, along with several others, have made remarks such as, "I feel happier when I'm meeting with you", or "you guys have a light about you". It's amazing how frequently we hear this. My testimony has grown in the sense that I know the Spirit is with us. :) Thank goodness God trusts us, even though we are far from perfect. 

5.  There have been a couple distinct moments where we followed the promptings of the Spirit, and were in the exact right place at the right time. In particular, there was a moment where we were going to drop by to see one of our investigators, when we got the prompting to drive past that point to visit another lady. Well, she wasn't home, but right when we turned around to leave she turned around the corner with her daughter! After visiting her she expressed that she felt she really needed that visit.

6.  Jay, a 70(ish) year old man we've been working with, has been away from the church for over 50 years. We found him when we first got to the area, and have been meeting with him for a few months now. Well, yesterday, he bore his testimony. He told his life story - and about how no matter what choices he made he always knew the church was true. He expressed how grateful he was to be back, and that even though he doesn't have many years left he was going to do his best to be true to who he wanted to be, and to his Savior. That right there was probably the highlight of my week. :)

The anti-highlight of the week was the fact that a teenage girl I had worked with and gotten really close to ran away from home...we wrote her a letter including our number, and I sincerely hope she gets the letter and calls. I would hate to not see her again, especially since this week is most likely my last in this area. I hope she's ok. Keep her in your prayers! 

I love you all. You're amazing! 

-Sister Rachel Bennett

P.s. Apparently I have a lot of energy? 

Week 36: "2 Corinthians 12: 9-10"

July 28, 2014

Dear Everybody!

Well, another week has passed and gone here in Boise Idaho. We continue to do the work, slowly but surely. And life is good. 

Angie seems pretty set in her decision to be baptized, which is incredible! She always makes remarks such as she gets a "warm feeling" or a "feeling of family" when we're there. She's starting to recognize the Spirit more often! This week her and Char have set the goal to give up coffee. They got rid of their coffee machines, and other than the headaches they are battling from withdrawal they are doing great! They really want this. I have so much admiration for ANYONE who gives up any type of habit or addiction, no matter what it may be, or how hard it may be to let go of. If I can help anyone overcome an addiction - of any degree -  that is incredibly worthwhile to me. I know how worth it is to feel free, and not dependent on any substance or habit. It's one of the best feelings in the world. 

We've also had the opportunity to help a non-member lady with her charity yard sale! Her goal is to raise enough money to buy 700 foster kids backpacks and supplies for school. I think that's a pretty good cause to help with. :) We've been collecting items for her sale, and even talked to someone who was having a garage sale to donate her unsold items to it! Cool. 

I love when people ask us good questions. I've been reflecting a lot lately, and it seems as though most of my knowledge has come when I've had a sincere question and desire to find the answer. This is true in any area of life. I love searching for, and finding those answers. Sincere questions are good.

Speaking of good questions, I ran into a great Mormon message in terms of questions regarding science and religion - and how the two can go hand in hand. It's called "We Lived With God." :) 

AND....the highlight of my week! A man in my first area, Charlie Wilson was baptized!!! He's been taking the lessons for 6 years! Amazing. Honestly, I love his family so much. They had the craziest experiences to share. They were a family that were particularly hard for me to leave when I left Boise South. But they are doing great! I promised I would come back and visit them after my mission.

I saw Sister Allen, and my very own adopted mother Sister Sundquist at the baptism! I think I gave everyone I've missed at least 5 hugs each. It was a good night. I just may have shed a couple tears. :P (But only two. I kept track.) 

DON'T FORGET HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU!

-Sister Bennett. ;) 

Sista's got pranked.

Patsy's baptism!

My fiery Tongan companion. :)

 THE BEST HOUSE:

Just me.

Ellen, Mr. Suit of Armor, Sister F & B! 

Lock your hearts. ;) Or have none, like Mr. Suit of armor. 

You can't notice here, but this dog is EXACTLY the same as Fang from Harry Potter. :) Seriously, this is the Harry Potter house. What you don't see in the pictures is the firebolt above the door, a monster book of monsters, trick portraits, and more. 

Walking into Tim Burton's Wonderland

JOE'S:

CHARLIE'S BAPTISM:

All the missionaries within the past year. 

You know.

Us, Bishop Bates (THE Bishop Bates haha) and Charlie!