When I first arrived here, President Keyes and his wife picked us up from the airport and took us straight to the picture perfect Kansas City Temple to eat lunch. After that, we drove to Liberty Jail! Then, we went through a tour aka "a walking discussion" of the Independence Visitor Center. I have truly landed in Zion!
I am in Platte City which is known as the "nicer" area. Mom, you don't need to worry about me, there is only one sketchy street called Gates Dr... My companion and I were there once visiting a member, and we totally got cat calls, we sure got out of there quickly! haha!
My Companion's name is Sister Bradshaw!!!! I adore her so much!!!! She is 26 and from Virginia and has only been out for 6 weeks. A newbie like me, but she is amazing! Before I met her, President Keyes told her that Heavenly Father needed her to prepare to become a trainer for a special missionary coming into the field... *cough cough* for me! We, instantly knew that our companionship was inspired, heaven sent--straight from God. He was watching out for us two, anyway... I love her! I think it is safe to say that we are best friends! We get along really well because our personalities are similar and we both have a strong work ethic. (p.s. she actually reminds me of Haley, a bunch)!
A funny story happenend.... on Saturday morning, we were doing service over at the Cashin's (a really nice family from our ward). After about two hours of weed pulling and sweating, Brother Cashin comes into the backyard and said that he had just received a very interesting phone call. He told us that Bishop Call, the Stake President, and visiting Area 70, Elder Spackman, were on their way over to say hello!! How exciting, but we were all freaking out because we had dirt on our hands and looked so gross from sweating. haha (I also didn't have makeup on... ahh!) When, they arrived, Elder Spackman extended out his hand to shake mine, and I awkwardly stood there for a second deciding on whether I should offer him my hand covered in dirt, or if I should just run away, but it was too late! I had no other choice, but to shake his hand. Ooooh yes, my first time ever meeting an Area 70, had to be when I was dirty from weeding the garden. Oh well, I figured that being all dirty from service is better than being a clean and lazy missionary! ;) haha
People here are amazing! Everyone, and I mean everyone, is SO kind and loving! It has truly been a blessing. We have even had people come right up to us and start a conversation with us! Been busy, busy planting gospel seeds ;)
I got to visit with our Investigator, Brother Johnson, on Saturday! What an old grump, but he's so fun to tease! haha I just love him so much! And on Sunday, he came to Stake Conference with his family. It was so neat to see them all there. I look forward to teaching him more and to seeing his testimony progress!
My personal revelation for this week has been that faith can overcome and conquer any fears that we might have, and uncertainty in yourself can be replaced with hope in our Savior.
We were also able to visit a lot of less active members in our ward this weekend. Sister Pennington and Van Winkle weren't home when we went by, but we left a note on their door inviting them to church & letting them know that we love them (oh and I forgot to mention that Sister Van Winkle actually came to church yesterday, a little tender mercy of the Lord). We met with Caryn as well--another lady that was baptized when she was younger, but fell away from the church later in life. She also came to church on Sunday, and she is doing great! During our lesson with her, she bore her testimony and the spirit was so strong. I look forward to visiting with her again.
Sister Bradshaw and I, have been running in the morning on this nature trail near Bishop Call's house (where we live) I love it so much! There are tons of ponds and trees, so beautiful, but it is so humid! I feel like I am running through jello haha ;) It feels soo good though to get out, and it truly helps both of us feel more awake & relaxed throughout the day. Speaking of exercise... we didn't have the car this week so we had to walk to all of our visits, we ended up walking about 20 miles in total! Yep, hopefully no need to worry about weight gain ;)
My testimony of the power of the priesthood has grown so much! I have been given a couple of blessing by the Elders in my district, they don't know me, but they always seem to say things in my blessing that are just what I need to hear. I know that it comes straight from God. Heavenly Father loves all of us!
Since it was Father's Day, I want to send out a special shout out to my wonderful dad, (Guy) HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!! You are amazing, and I love & miss you so much! Thank you for always being there for me and for showing me unconditional love.
MUAH! OXOXOXO Love, Sister Timothy
My personal revelation for this week has been that faith can overcome and conquer any fears that we might have, and uncertainty in yourself can be replaced with hope in our Savior.