Okay so this week has been totally crazy. I moved to a new area
this last week. On Monday night I got a call from President asking my
to be a Sister Training Leader (basically a Sister Zone Leader). He
didn't tell me where I was going to serve but asked if I would accept
the responsibility and set the example with my companion on what an
obedient missionary is supposed to be and help uplift and support our
Zone. I happy agreed. The next day I found out that I would be going
to the Wanneroo area in the North Coast Zone. (same zone I was already
in) My new companion isn't so new to me. I am companions with Sister
Ensign, my MTC companion! Crazy right? They put two sisters from Utah
who have been in Australia for 2 months together to be the Sister
Training Leaders of a zone. It's terrifying but I guess the Lord has a
lot of trust in us. We are definitely going to relying on Him more than
ever I reckon.
This area is amazing. We had a baptism of 3 wonderful children on
Saturday. I only met them a few times before they were baptized but I
found an instant love for them. Bobkie is 16, Malad is 10, and Blessing
is 11. Bobkie and Malad are brothers and Blessing is their cousin. The baptismal service was incredible. I don't know if I have the words to
describe it. The spirit was remarkable. Blessing and Malad bore their
testimonies afterwards and brought the whole room to tears. Malad had a
simple testimony that he knows the church is true because he asked God
if it and the Book of Mormon are true and God told him that they are.
He will be an apostle someday. Blessing said, "Before I met the sisters
I figured all there was to life was me listening to my music and just
going by day to day. I'm grateful that I met the sisters and that they
were able to help me learn for myself that I have a Heavenly Father who
loves me and that there is more to life than just listening to my
music." The spirit was soo strong.
We have several investigators that are super keen and ready to be
baptized but we are awaiting permission from their parents. I've really
been opening my heart to have more charity and love for everyone around
me. I think it's something that I will always have to work on, it's
slowing coming along. At District meeting this last Tuesday we made a
District goal to get 18 new investigators this week. It's a very
attainable goal but some missionaries have doubts and wouldn't take it
seriously. It broke my heart to see their faith in themselves and the
areas that they are working in boil down to almost nothing. It kept
coming to mind so much that I asked Sister Ensign that night if she
would fast with me for our District. That they my be able to keep their
fire burning and their desire and determination going strong. We
thought about them and prayed for them heaps yesterday. I really want
to see their confidence increase and to see them succeed. We ended up
having the Balcatta Sisters and the Zone Leaders call us with miracles
that they had during the day. Fasting and prayer works! In the scriptures it says that "they did fast and pray oft". It brings forth
miracles if you work for them.
I was able to go to the temple today with my Zone and President ans
Sister Lindsay. I cried the whole time I was there. I couldn't help
but think of baptisms with Sophie and Josh. I thought about driving
around town with Ben and David and all of the times that we would go get
snow cones down at Harmon's. I haven't had a snowcone here and I miss
them. I can't believe how awesome everyone's summers have bee so far. I
hope the little boys all have an awesome time in Lehi while everyone is
at Girls Camp. Can't wait to hear all of the stories. Ben keep up the
good work in swimming. Pretty sure you will be faster than me by the
time I get home. David I hope you are having fun with all of your swim
lessons and camps that you've been able to do. You two are awesome! I
miss you tons. Don't ever forget how much I love you. Even though I am
half way around the world I think about you every day. Every boy I see
kicking a soccer ball or just playing with their friends makes me think
of you. Sister Lindsay gave me a huge hug in the Celestial room today
at the temple and I thought of the first time I went through and when we
went for Jaden's endowment. Mom gave me a huge hug and said, "This is
what it is going to be like in the Celestial Kingdom."
I miss you all loads. I wish I had more time to write because this
hour never does any justice. Have an awesome week! I love you all :)
All my love,
Sister Shayne
Sister Shayne