It's been a pretty slow week but sweet is the work! We unfortunately dropped 99% of our teaching pool but I've learned to keep pressing forward. Everyday I realize the true beauty of the gospel and the blessings that come from faithfully living it. I have found an inner happiness and joy that I've never felt in my entire life. I know that the only way to experience the inner happiness and joy the gospel brings is to FIRST live the gospel. I feel so humbled to serve in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with the best mission, mission president, companions, wards, etc...wow, I feel blessed!
We had a wonderful opportunity to have interviews with President Daines. I think the biggest thing I've learned from my mission president is that God doesn't call us because we are perfect or because we have to be perfect; He qualifies those He calls. I often look at my imperfections and want to give up...I feel as if I'm not good enough or never will be. Many times I wonder why am I here, why am I training? I'm not perfect nor will I ever be BUT what I've truly learned the past week is that our Beloved Savior doesn't demand immediate perfection but immediate progression. We are given years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, EVEN seconds, to change and progress. We are given tools from our loving Father and Savior in Heaven to progress. We each make mistakes, we are mortals but our mistakes don't define us, they refine us. Through the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, "weak things become strong" (ether 12:27). I've come to realize that there truly is opposition in all things. I love what Elder Dallin H. Oaks said last week in the Sunday afternoon session, "Opposition permits us to grow toward what our Heavenly Father would have us become." Through our struggles and hard times, we are becoming who are Father in Heaven would have us become.
After interviews and district meeting on Wednesday we had to get gas and while we were there I decided to get hot chocolate. As we were checking out, I decided to spark up a conversation with the guy at the cash register which I've never done before. We were able to set up a return appointment and met with him Friday. As we taught him, I was reminded of the special and sacred opportunity I had to sit in lessons as my dear best friend Justin was taught by the full-time missionaries. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for giving me the opportunity to be a part of that. That experience with Justin is something that motivates day by day. I've seen the gospel bless his life and the way he beams, I picture that for every one of my investigators. THANK YOU JUSTIN FOR LETTING ME BE A PART OF YOUR JOURNEY.
On Friday when we were weekly planning, I decided to call a bunch of formers in the area book to set up times to meet them. One person I called was M who was the teenager I taught my first day in Powell. She said she wouldn't be home this weekend but set up a time for us to come visit her this coming Tuesday. She said we could visit her mom that night and I just brushed it off and said we would see her Tuesday along with Ma. While we were out knocking doors with a wonderful member of ours (Sister Logan), M's mom came to my mind so we decided to go. Her mom welcomed us in and gave me a hug saying that she missed me and hadn't heard from us in awhile. That was such a tender mercy. We showed her the new video, Hallelujah, and tears filled her eyes as we discussed the love of our Savior. I can't wait to go visit this sweet family this Tuesday!
The work has been difficult and there are times where I feel as if I can't go on but I'm thankful every single day to be here. As I have served the past months, my testimony has been strengthened and my conversion deepened. When times get hard, and they will, may each of us remember Elder Jeffery R. Hollands wise words, "Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." We are never alone as we walk this mortal journey back to our Heavenly Home. I have come to truly see that there is help from both sides of the veil and that there a many cheering us on. We have a loving Father in Heaven who is aware of each of us. He loves us with an infinite love. I know that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet and restore Christ's church back on the earth. I know our Savior lives. I so testify in the name of Our Beloved Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Tuesday...(due to a mission service project at OSU where we will be planting trees) I love you all. I appreciate everything that each of you have done to show your love and support.
XOXO
Sister Detamore
Before AND after the snow
My study wall
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