Wednesday, July 2, 2014

I'M A MAMA TO A FILIPINO!

Tuesday
We went down to transfers, it was a very sad drive down to the valley for the Sister Nelson and I.
 The "Dream Team"

 **(Mom insert)- One thing I love about these two girls is how they shared everything-  I would see Steph's stuff on her and Steph wearing one of Sister Nelson's shirts- True Sisterhood when you can share like that-
However we were in high spirits when we got to the mission office because we were so excited for new adventures and opportunities to grow.  I found a spot next to my "mom" Sister Villoso, we sat there looking at all the sisters I could potentially be companions with.  Sister Villoso leans over to me and says "i hope you get the one from the Philippines"... AND I DID!  Sister Villoso is now companions with another tall Polynesian girl from Tonga, i wonder if this pattern will continue?  haha
Its the big joke now that the Filipino gene skipped a "generation."  Anyway, Sister Tigno and I are getting along great, as soon as we got in the car she turns to me with excitement and says, "who's our first appointment?!" I already knew Id love this sister!  The Lord sent me a hard worker!
 This pic- (left to right) "Granddaughter, Daughter, Grandma" haha-
(Driving from the mission office back to Park City)
So i haven't driven in almost 12 weeks.  Driving up the canyon was NUTS!  I was 10 and 2, gripping the steering wheel so hard i thought i was gonna break it off!  All of those diesels and all the winding roads were scary! On top of that we got lost!  I was driving and all of a sudden I start seeing signs for KAMAS, which is definitely NOT my area.  All in all, we almost died a couple of times, and we had an added hour to our journey home.

Wednesday
We had dinner at the Stake Presidents house, it was a great visit.  A story that he told us was very eye opening for me as a member of the church and missionary.  He talked about how when he visits wards, his goal is to meet as many people in the congregation as possible since he's only been Stake President for about 4 months.  He relayed to us an experience that he had after he attending a sacrament meeting for one of the wards.  He went to a guy sitting in the back, kind of keeping to himself.  He went up, introduced himself as the stake president, just a simple introduction..that's it.
Later that Sunday a woman came up to him and said that the same man he had introduced himself to after sacrament cam up to her and said "The stake president came up and introduced himself to me. I've never had the stake president do that to me before."  With tears in his eyes the Stake President shared his feelings of how we need to help people feel loved, to help them know that they are important.
In every ward there is someone sitting on the back row or someone feeling left out, a simple "Hello" can have an effect beyond our comprehension.

Sunday
We had dinner at Davida's house this Sunday, she is doing great!  She is constantly hungry to learn more and more about the gospel.  
I shared with her a scripture that I had read in my personal study...
D&C..127:2-
But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it.
I shared my thoughts on it, and then Davida shared hers "Swimming in two feet of water is a lot different then swimming in 12 feet of water.  You cant develop your skills in 2 feet of water."  I thought that she put it perfectly.  Through trials we have the opportunity to grow, and develop our skills.
Its been a week of swimming in deep water, but I have learned so much already. 
On Tuesday when Sister Tigno and I found out we were companions she said, "So, since your a trainer that must mean your super obedient and an awesome missionary huh?".  I laughed a little and said to her "Oh no sister, it means the Lord wants me to learn something."  I think the same can be said for any challenge, or trial... the Lord has something that he wants us to learn.
 Sister Tigno... I wore her out on her first day!

I'm having a blast out here in Park City! Yesterday was my "I have a year left" mark, time is flying that's for sure.  Just trying to soak it up while i can.  I love you all, and i love the Lord.
Keep it fresh. Keep it fly. Keep it righteous.
Sister Efnor

 Just a pic of me with one of my favorite families!
And... In honor of the "Dream Team" and this month of July- America the Beautiful!