Week #34

September 5, 2012

Hi dearest family and friends!!

So good to hear from all of you!! I feel like I just e-mailed you yesterday... Crazy how fast time on the mission flies!! This week was a really good week. On Thursday Sister Nakaima was so cute!  We got our first referral (didn't agree to meet with missionaries, but said we could call them and teach them more) and she was SO excited! It was really cute. We also had our Explorer Days this week which were really good. We talked a lot about the different things we could use in our tours and role played the Seagull Monument, the Priesthood Statues, the John R Moyle story, etc. It was really good!! She really is the cutest little Japanese-ee you've ever seen. Very sweet, loving girl. I'm a very lucky companion right now. :) The language I think has been our biggest struggle. There are times when I literally don't know what she's saying or talking about, ha ha, and its the same for her! I think I'll be much better at teaching at the end of this transfer. :) I definitely think this was what my Patriarchal Blessing was talking about!!!

So, LOTS of learning experiences this week in the Beehive House. Wow. It is very easy to become wrote and give the same tour over and over again, which is definitely not spirit-lead! But it has been e a really good learning experience. We are trying hard to work on teaching more in the Beehive House about the Restoration, asking more questions, etc. It's going to be a really good transfer, definitely a lot of growth that will be happening!!

And of course, the best part of my WHOLE week, was seeing Grandma and Grandpa Orchard!!! :) I felt so bad that I got so emotional when I saw them because the only thing I could think of is how they are starting to pay for my mission right now... I just about lost it, ha! But I was so grateful I got to thank them and take them around Temple Square, and show them how amazing this place really is. I even took them through God's Plan. :) And then they came to the Beehive House later, and I got to take them on a tour there!! It was SOOOO much fun. Awww ... I am such a lucky girl! I have the greatest grandparents on both sides. So loving and caring. Thank you again Grandma and Grandpa Orchard for allowing me to have the best experiences of my life right now!! I am able to declare the truth to all who I come in contact with, whether they accept it or not. I love Alma 42: 31 for that reason: "And now, O my [daughter], ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my [daughter] go they way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words."

Ah, greatest scripture ever!!! I love the Book of Mormon so much. I literally can't get enough of it ... or anything on my mission!!

I'm sorry that I don't have time to write more, but I am short on time today. I will email you all a big, long email next week! I love you all!! Please stay strong.  Remember the worth of EVERY soul is great in the eyes of God. Treat each other with love and kindness. Be patient. Heavenly Father knows our struggles right now, and will bless us according to the way we handle our challenges. Remember D&C 122:7-8, and 121: 7-9. Your friends (and family) are constantly around you, bearing you up and aiding you in your afflictions ... like Grandma and Grandpa Orchard. :)

I love you all SOOO very much. Until next week!

Sister Savage (Nat :))