Well this week has been interesting! I'll have to keep this short, but basically we almost got killed our way back from Zone Training. It was sunny as we were driving along, and then all of a sudden it POURS. It seems to be pretty "normal" weather for Alabama. The roads were then wet, and cars were coming to a complete stop. We thought we were going to hit the person in front of us, and by reflex we all thought turn into the side (bike) lane, but everyone was silent. It was like the spirit told us not to speak, we literally COULDN'T speak! The car was silent. Then seconds later a car comes FAST behind us in the side lane (where we would have gone by instinct) and he was probably 12 inches from hitting us. He slams on his breaks and does a complete 360 beside us! Then gets our of his car and says in a thick southern accent, "Now that's some good driving!" Gets back in his car and keeps driving in the side lane. After we were no longer speechless Sister Dodini said how her instict was to pull to the side of the road, but she literally couldn't. Something felt as though it was keeping her from moving the steering wheel. It's moments like these you know the Lord is looking out for us. We thought we deserved ice cream that day.
Saturday Ronald and Rebekah got baptized!!! It was incredible! I couldn't not cry because I was so happy for them! On Sunday they were confirmed. The Power of the Priesthood is so real! And the Atonement is so real! I FELT it! It was one of the most incredible experiences on my mission so far, and in my entire life!
Sunday was a special meeting because we had the Northport and Tuscaloosa Wards meet together just for Sacrament Meeting. Elder Meredith of the Quorum of the 70 was there, and President and Sister Hanks were there. President Johnson spoke. His testimony was so raw and so real! He's an amazing Stake President. At the meeting they talked about how the ward boundaries were to be changed, and they created a YSA (Singles Ward) Branch! That's a HUGE deal! It was an amazing Sunday, but then after the meeting the Northport Elders told us that we were going to be changing wards, because of the new boundaries moved Spanish speaking members from Northport to Tuscaloosa. The Spanish speaking sisters are in Northport, so we are bascially flip flopping. It's a little confusing still, but we got a call at 6:30 this morning that we were to pack up and move into each others apartments. So for now, I will be companions with Sister Stevens for a few days, so I can get to know Northport area and members, and their investigators, and then Sister Fedrizzi will be with my trainer Sister Dodini to do the same. Then on Thursday we will probably all plan together. Then transfers are next Wednesday, so we are thinking that I will stay in Northport and Sister Fedrizzi will stay in Tuscaloosa (switching areas) and then Sister Dodini and Sister Stevens (our trainers) will be transferred somewhere else. Otherwise it doesn't make much sense to have us in each others areas getting to know the investigators and area if we were to just move AGAIN next week. So we'll see. It will be an interesting week. I'll miss Sister Dodini, but change is good. It helps us grow and learn. Today was not the PDay we had planned, but I feel at peace because I know the Lord knows what He's doing, even if we aren't sure the reasoning right now.
I can't thank you all enough for the prayers! I really do feel them! Thanks for the emails and letters! It's the best getting a letter at the end of a long fabulous day!
Being on a mission has been harder than I thought, but way more fun than I thought! The MIssion Aint for Wimps!
Here are some pictures that have been taken throughout the mission so far!!
Ronald and Rebekah's baptism JULY 13, 2013
Service project with some of the Tuscaloosa Relief Society Sisters at Hospice.
New Missionary Training Meeting. I got to see Sister Parsons again!
Me and Sister Dodini. WE WON!!!!! But not really, it was a scam.
My District in the MTC just after arriving to Alabama!
