Hey everyone!
Happy 2014!! Here's some
news...Sister Patterson and I are 1/3 way through. Crazy? I think so. But who's
counting? ;)
One thing is for sure...
the weather is crazy here. Last week, as you may know, it was freeeeeezing.
The entire mission was actually red dotted (grounded) inside and not allowed to
leave. The temp's dropped to 0 degrees, 30 mph winds came in, and gigungus snow
storm hit dumped another foot and a half of snow. This resulted in a large
change of plans because Transfer meeting was originally scheduled for that day
and the departing missionaries' flights were cancelled. To compromise in some
way, our beloved Packard's decided to hold the first-ever conference call for
our entire mission spread throughout New England. Over 300 missionaries tuned
in/muted their phones to hear the transfer changes/assignments announced again,
as well as to hear all the departing missionaries bear their testimonies.
Sister Patterson and I blasted the heat inside our car as we listened since our
phone reception in our apartment decides to drop every minute.
It was a cool
opportunity to have a conference call like that, since the whole mission was
joined together in it. In his concluding thoughts, President re-stated a quote
a departing missionary came up with, "A mission is like training wheels
for an unselfish, consecrated life." That stood out to me, as a mission is
only practice and preparation to consecrate and devote our lives to the Lord
while reaching out to and serving those around us. I now these 18 months will
fly by and will one day be let go, and it will be time to apply what's been
learned and go by faith and confidence in the Lord while enjoying the ride.
For the rest of that day
we were grounded, we planned like crazy and our phone almost died from all the
calls we made. Dad, I used the Lion House Roll mix you sent to knead, rise, and
bake a batch of divine flaky goodness. They were soooo good. :) The storm
lasted about a day and a half, and then the temp's dropped to a whoppin' 8
degrees. Right now, though, it's 60 degrees with rain. Welcome to
Massachusetts. That's a missionary's weather forecast for ya.
Sister Patterson and I
are working with the new Elders in our ward--Elder Fish and Elder Terry. Our
teaching pools have always been combined with the Elders', but now that these
Elders are assigned in the office, we are trying to help them out by seeing who
we can teach. We will be working more with the Ward Mission Leader to see what
we can do with our priorities, since we now have a larger teaching pool. These
new Elders seem nice though and I know there will be much good coming from them
being here.
Everything is picking up
pace. You remember the two kids from the family that hasn't come to church in a
long while, who we have been teaching? (They were the family we doorbell
ditched after decorating their door with Christmas-light shaped notes.) Well,
we set a baptismal date for them for February 8th! They are precious
beyond words and it is such a treat to teach them. :) Sister Patterson and I
are so excited for them.
For other happenings
this week, Saturday was a crazy day, as it started by beginning the second
lesson at Anne Marie's--the Investigator who showed up at church. She set up an
adorable tea-party setting with herbal tea (she heard at church we don't drink
tea) and apple cider, as well as healthy blueberry muffins. The lesson went
very well, as she didn't feel overwhelmed and wanted to keep learning more. I
am blown away at the pace of progression Anne Marie is making.
Now, the only reason I
am about to go into what I'm about to tell about is because of what I learned
from it. During Anne Marie's lesson, though, I was experiencing some
immense pain near my stomach (CF digestion problems.) I had to fight through
it, and there were moments I fought tears from how painful and uncomfortable it
was. The lesson also went a little overtime, so we hurried home afterwards to
prepare a few things and I took a med to help settle the pain, we then hurried
to the library for another lesson. That lesson got pushed a little behind since
no study rooms were open, but once a room was available we began the lesson.
During the whole time, the pain continued and I felt dizzy from not eating (we
were continually going and I was allowing my medication to settle in), and I
missed a few doses of Hyper Sal (the salty medication to breathe in) for the
past few days since I ran out and Walgreen's was waiting for the shipment,
which caused my lungs to be tight. During all this was taking place, though, I
didn't feel there was much of an option but to press through the appointments
since they were set; I wanted to fully experience the joy from teaching and the
spirit that was felt. By the time that lesson was finished, it went over
time once again. I could have helped direct it better, but I'll be honest--I
was feeling pretty weak. We had another member coming in 10 minutes for
our following appointment, but during that short spurt of time, I took a
moment, feeling overwhelmed by my physical limitations.
It was there, after
taking a moment, when I received a feeling--This is partially how your
Savior felt. He gave his absolute all to save everyone. He was
desperate because of His immense love and desire for everyone to safely gain
Eternal refuge. And yet, as He felt all weight pressing in on Him, He was still
rejected by many, mocked at, ignored, scorned at, and turned away. However,
during all of this, He chose to endure to the end, because He knew who He was
Atoning for. This brought greater hope and assurance. I remembered I am on the
Lord's team, and just have to try my best. I have learned from good moments as
well, but I became more grateful for the hardships that draw me closer to my
beloved friend and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to remember what He's done for us
all.
I feel that 2014 is
going to be a year of great personal growth here out on the mission. It's so
strange, yet exciting how 2014 will be the mission. I'll be out here in
Massachusetts for the whole year (unless there are mid-transfers before
Christmas...but who knows), still set apart as a representative of my dear
friend and Savior, Jesus Christ. It'll be a year of serving, teaching, pushing,
striving, and becoming. It's going to be awesome. :)
I love you all so much!
Do something fun this week. :)
-Sister Roy
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