Ok family! This was a crazy week! and the one ahead of me is going to be even better!
On Wednesday, our mission visited the temple. This is a house of learning and revelation. After this visit (in which I learned how to further consecrate myself and improve the service I am giving to the Lord) my companion sister Mayfield decided she needed to return home and there recover in hopes that she could return to full service. We told our mission president and expected to have something happen within a week or so. Saturday morning, we look and find 4 missed calls from our mission president-all in about 10 minute intervals!! (and when the mission president calls, you ALWAYS answer-no matter if you are in a lesson, in a meeting, whatever.) We call him and sister Mayfield is informed that she is getting on a plane at 4:00 the next day and to meet at the mission home at 2.! ok!?
And so...what does that mean for this area!? There are no sister threesomes in the mission! I will be left companion less!!!? I have been surviving with sick and lame companions for the past 5 months...but now not to have anyone? And its coming at the same time that we have to move out of our house because our hosts are having guests come!? So luckily in Tacoma stake there are other sister missionaries serving and I went to live with them. And thankfully I was able to find splits to come out with me the remainder of the day Saturday and all day Sunday. BUT! That still doesn't solve the problem that I am companion less! A split is fine...but when there is only one person making goals and plans, there is no one else to 'counsel with'. THE LORD'S WISDOM is best!
So Saturday morning I was rushing around with the pressures of packing my things AND the supplies for the area-but not having anywhere to pack them to because our car was to be filled with both sets of luggage and the rooms where we were currently staying were going to be occupied by family members of the Parkers. My mind and heart were at unrest! I didn't know what to do, or even what to expect! Was the work in sunset ward going to be put on hold for 3 weeks? Would they call a sister on a mini mission? Would they combine sisters? Would they move elders into this area? AHH!! my little heart was full of concern for the people I loved and was not ready to give up working with them! I felt they needed constant attention. This area is SO white and ready to harvest. Moving us out would not do anything! :(
But as always the Lords hand is behind me and behind this work. Saturday evening I went out tracting (door knocking) with a lady named Martha*. She is not even in our ward. But as I visited with her-this one eternal truth was burned into my quivering soul by the power of the spirit. Trust in the Lord. This is His design and His will will be done. I had forgotten all about that. I knew it was revelation for sister Mayfield to go home, yet in my limited mortal view of things-I didn't see what was beyond that. Line upon line and precept upon precept. The lord prepares for his miracles and this was just one of them. I could see how this experience was no different than all the other counsel of the Lords teachings. To trust in him and His plan, to have faith that He will continue to lead us even when we cannot see. These are principles I knew! I have a testimony of them! I teach them to families and individuals struggling with obstacles in their lives EVERYDAY! But it was another thing for me to be asked to apply them. In this tiny way I could see how loosing a husband in marriage would be no different. Loosing a child would be no different. The Atonement is infinite! Having pondered that and now applying it, even in this situation where no grievous sin had been made-was revealing and educational like only mortal experience coupled with the Holy Ghost can bring.
*names changed for privacy
My heart settled. Monday morning I was given another companion!!! A sister in Aberdeen had come home from BYU and hadent' been able to find a job. she regularly went out with the missionaries. The sister notified president Bowen about her and within 24 hours of her finding out about it she was set apart and given to me!!! her name is Robin Lyles. She is 18 turning 19 next month. she is a jewel. Her spirit is pure and her desires are sure. I have been given time to teach her and have her blessings of sacrifice help the work in this area. Miracles will be happening as we set out to bring 5 people into the waters of baptism by the end of this 3 weeks. pray for us. time is up love you all!!
Sister Clendening
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