This week was full of surprises. Like Derek, we had transfers this
week. Sister Osborn and I were anxious all week long because we didn't
know if she would be released as sister trainer and transferred or
not. We thought it would be impossible that she'd stay another
transfer, since she's already been here for 6 transfers as sister
trainer and we'd had a total of 4 transfers together. But apparently
she's supposed to be with me in San Mateo as sister trainer, because
she's staying for one more transfer! That's where the title of this
email comes from--I will be her last companion before she goes home on
Nov 28th. I get to kill my trainer... in my 9th transfer! That's
pretty much unheard of. We're both very happy and excited for this
transfer. I love Sister Osborn and I'm so grateful that I've had her as
my example literally from day one.
I have to tell you more about Nancy. We had an amazing week with
her. We went to the Visitor's Center this weekend and it was an awesome
experience. I'm just blown away at how faithful she is at recognizing
and following the Spirit. She recognizes the difference that the Spirit
makes in her life, and she's doing everything she needs to be doing to
prepare for baptism. It's so amazing! This week we had a lesson with
her and she shared some interesting things with us about how the Lord
has prepared her to accept the gospel. She said that for a long
time, before she even met missionaries, her family would always tease
her for dressing modestly and not drinking alcohol. They would tell
her, "You might as well be a Mormon--you live like one!" She also said
that she had a couple of good friends that she loved being around, and
eventually found out that they were Mormon as well. When she first met
Sister Osborn in the street, she loved the way she felt when she was
talking to her, and didn't even realize she had talked to Mormon
missionaries until she got home and read the pamphlet about the
Restoration. It's so amazing to see how many small things have helped
her to be open to and prepared to receive the gospel. AND, get this....
last year, she randomly bought her nephews BYU SHIRTS. I know,
right??? We couldn't believe it! Haha, it was actually really funny.
Sister Osborn and I were elated. Her family was like, "Why did you buy
them BYU shirts? Well, at least they have a good basketball team."
Hahahaha, :D She showed us a picture of her nephew in his Cougars
garb. We were so proud. :) Anyway, I've been amazed at how prepared
Nancy is, in so many ways. We went over the baptismal interview
questions with her and found her to be so faithful and so ready for
taking the step of baptism. Her heart and desires are in the right
place, and she's gained a testimony through the witness of the Spirit as
she's read the Book of Mormon. It's absolutely amazing, and teaching
her has been an experience that has strengthened my faith that the Lord
is preparing people everywhere to receive the gospel. Thank goodness her
Mormon friends were good examples and had the Spirit with them so she
could see and feel the difference!
This week we also had interviews with President Meredith. I love
talking with him. His leadership style is very much based on receiving
revelation WITH people, not just for people, in his stewardship. It was
a great experience to talk with him about the needs of the mission and
the needs of the sisters in the mission. I'll be forever grateful to
have been called to this mission at this time so I could be with
President Meredith, and also with President Wade. I've learned so much
and I've been so amazed to see how the Spirit really is the one guiding
this work, because it is the work of the Lord. And just like it says in
Jacob 5, which I read this morning, as we labor diligently in His work,
we shall have "joy with [Him] because of the fruit of [His] vineyard."
I feel so blessed to be here and to see the many miracles and gifts of
the Spirit daily.
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