Lovin' the Lord's Work!! (by Jaelyn)

 Monday, Sept 23, 2013 - Jaelyn's email for the week:
This has been such a great week in this area. We have seen miracles and multiple times I have been brought to my knees in gratitude for having the opportunity to have a part in the Lord's work and see prophecies fulfilled. As I have been reflecting over the past week, all I have to say is, "I LOVE the Lord's work!" It has been so amazing to see the transformation that has been promised actually happen right in our hands. We were promised that through the Rescue Plan we would find, and find we did! We have 7 new investigators this week and we didn't knock one door! They all came from less-active members, following through with the Rescue Plan and finding their friends, and missionary referrals. I have felt so blessed to be able to see the promised blessings unfold in our hands. We have been working really hard this week to get our investigators progressing and we have some amazing investigators. Our main focus this next week is to get dates set. I am so grateful for Hermana Duong and her diligence, knowledge, and example. She has so much knowledge and understanding of the gospel and I am learning so much from her. We wish we had more time to accomplish all that we would like to do, and we are working hard to really use our time effectively. We have planned very meticulously this week and we are excited to see those plans go through according to the Lord's will. I am SO grateful to be a part of His work and to feel of his love each and every day, especially through the small and simple things, and especially through obedience. I have been studying a lot this week in the war chapters of Alma in The Book of Mormon. The theme of Preparation=Strength and Success keeps sticking out to me. I have related this to my studies: personal, companionship, and language; How I teach: investigators, members, less-actives; and also to my Physical Preparation: morning exercises, how I am eating, how much I am drinking, and my emergency preparedness:72 hr. Kits, gasoline,etc. Most importantly I have been focusing on my spiritual preparation just as Moroni focused on teaching his people to be prepared spiritually as they were preparing for war. I absolutely love The Book of Mormon and my testimony of The Book of Mormon has grown so much this past week. I have seen it change lives and I know it has and will continue to change mine. I love this area and I love the work. It is blossoming and I am so excited to continue to watch it grow!

We have exchanges planned for this week with the Gulf Port Sisters. One of the sisters seems to be struggling emotionally. They have called us a few times in the past week with concerns. We feel that they want to do exchanges as a way to "get out of having to talk to each other about their feelings or problems" so we have tried not to replace that special bond that can come when you really trust and confide in your companion. Hermana Duong was wonderful in referring them to the scriptures and helping them to find answers and comfort themselves through The Book of Mormon instead of "compelling them in all things". Hermana Duong has been a great example to me. She is so strong and diligent and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve with her.