July 25, 2016

Zombie Foot

This title is courtesy to the inspiration I received from the color of my foot this week. I sprained it on Sunday last week, but I thought that I knew what I was doing and just wrapped it and iced it. On Wednesday, a doctor looked at it and said I need to be on crutches for a week. So, that is epitome of my week. The bruising has gone down a tad, and the swelling is a lot better, but it still hurts a ton. I have been called hop along, crip, and just about any other name you can think of this week. But, if you know me, you know I am just owning it :)
 

Other than that, we have had a decent week. It definitely had its challenges though. Tammy is having a real rough time with family opposition. It is so hard for me to watch someone go through that. I have been there myself and wouldn't wish that on anyone. Cedric, however, is doing fantastic. We found out this week that his nephew can indeed baptize him, so we set up a time and now just have to work through minor details. He is so ready. He loves this gospel too. The 6th is going to be a great day!
 

We also picked up a former investigator this week. We have been going there to teach her less active daughter, but Rutha finally said we could teach her too. She is so prepared. I hope that we can invite her to church and to be baptized here soon. It would work wonders for their sweet family.
 

We really did have some sweet miracles this week. Despite the challenges, we were able to be directed and given words of testimony by the Holy Spirit. He is real! He truly knows these people and knows what will soften and change their hearts. It is amazing, acting as an instrument in the Lord's hands. I feel so unworthy of such a trust every day. I am just so grateful for the mercy of Christ, that allows me to change and help others do the same. I truly cannot express to you all how wonderful this gospel is. The only way you can know is if you get on your knees, pray, and study it. As you live it and you ponder it, you will see just how amazing and wonderful it truly is. I would not rather be doing any other thing with my life.

I love you all and I hope you enjoy these fun pictures. I told you I was owning the cripple thing :)

-Sister Peterson

 We went to windixie just so I could use one of those electric carts

 My zombie foot

 Our biggest fans

Hairdo by my biggest fans 

July 18, 2016

There is a Cure to the Heat

I found out that rain cures the heat. It stays cool while it is raining (like a 20 degree difference!) and the next day is generally cooler as well. Also, the rain is so kind as too warn you it is coming with loud thunder hours before it comes. Really, it thunders when the sky is blue!! There's your week's fact about north Florida.

 

This week was great. For once, we actually hit all of our numerical goals. That makes me really happy. I am definitely a little driven by results. I do recognize that sometimes, our goals are not what God necessarily has in plan. Those are the weeks we get to build a little extra faith in Him.

 

Cedric is still progressing wonderfully. He is already volunteering to help with things the branch does and just feels like he is a part of the family. He LOVES the Book of Mormon. It's cool talking to him about it. I have gained quite a knowledge of the scriptures. I don't know how, because I have only been reading them for three years, but I have been able to relate things back and forth through the book and the Bible. It's amazing to see how things all fit together in the gospel. It just continuously testifies of itself through its utter perfection.

 

This week was pretty great as I got to meet with the mission president for official interviews. We had a great conversation and he gave me some really helpful counsel. I am just so excited to work with President and Sister Smith.

 

We also have found a lot of success in our finding efforts this week. For some reason, my fear of talking to random people has almost disappeared. I am so grateful for that. It has been wonderful watching random people soften in our encounters as we begin to testify of the restored gospel and show them how they can know which church is the true church.

 

Joseph Smith was chosen in his weakness for a reason. We are all weak in some way. Many of us find the truth in a way very similar to his. It reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures - Ether 12:27. As we come unto Christ and humble ourselves, we will be able to see our weaknesses turn into strengths. Our humility is required to be enabled through His atonement though.

 

I hope you all know how grateful I am for this gospel and for the many wonderful members of the church. I miss my ward in Arlington dearly, and I am so grateful for all of your past and continued support.

 

-Sister Peterson

 

It's clearly watermelon season and we are Murican in the south

 I can't believe people drink sweet tea by the gallon here.

That stuff is gross anyhow!

July 11, 2016

Madison Sees Progress

It's been a good week. I would say the highlight has definitely been watching Cedric progress towards his baptismal date.

We taught him several times this week, once with a member in fact! It's like he is already a part of the family. That's how I felt when I came into the church, so I couldn't be more grateful that he gets that too! He also was able to find someone to sit with his mom so he could make it to church this week. I was so afraid that something was going to fall through and that the branch council would think we are full of it. But, about 5 minutes into sacrament meeting, him and our branch mission leader walked in and found a seat! He was able to stay for all three hours and loved it!!! It was a miracle and surely an answer to his and our prayers.
 

I found out a little more about his history with the church this week as well. It turns out that his nephew, which he raised, came into the church with opposition from Cedric and the rest of the family. Cedric now realizes how right Malcom was when he was converting. It is just so cool to see someone make that type of transition. It has helped me realize how true this church is. Anyone can know it for themselves. We have a member who was staunchly Baptist, but now knows without a doubt that this is where all the truths of Christ's teachings are found. They are all in one place due to the restoration of the priesthood.
 

We have also seen great things happen with Tammy and her family. Her son is serving in Korea in the army right now and is taking the lessons from missionaries over there! His wife, who lives nearish is also taking them. Tammy will hide with her and read the Book of Mormon and pray. Tammy also has an opportunity to move out soon, which would allow her to get baptized!!! Things are really happening. I know it is an answer to many of our prayers. How blessed we are to be here to see it happen! Everything happens in God's timing, and every once in a while, we get to see it happen at a time we appreciate as well.
 

We have just seen so many great successes and opportunities in this area this week. I could go on for days. Madison is like family. I really feel like I am just going to the rescue and aid of my own family. This gospel is worth every effort that we put in! I walked around for the last two days with a super irritated eye. It was just incredibly painful. But, we had people who needed us, so we got up and out of our apartment no matter the cost. The cost that Christ paid was quite large anyways, so any small amount we can muster should always be given.
 

I love you all! Enjoy this adorable picture of Sofia. She likes the box. Oh, and the picture from out meeting with the new mission president.

-Sister Peterson

 

July 4, 2016

We are in Good Hands

Oh what a week! We are still on fire about Cedrick's baptismal date. He is so ready to be baptized. It is just so amazing to see. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to help him get there.

What is even more exciting is that we met President and Sister Smith on Thursday! They are soooo awesome. I already love them so much. They shared all about themselves and their family. Both of them are converts and basically, my conversion story is a combination of theirs. Even down to crazy details! I just had it so incredibly confirmed to me that they are supposed to be my mission president and wife. I was called to them before they even got here! 

And then, on Sunday, they drove the hour out to Madison to meet with us. He needed to meet with me due to some medical issues I was having. When we met, I just felt so much of the Savior's love. I know that he is a representative of the Savior in my life right now due to his calling. I just feel so much better now after talking to him! I know that I am in good hands. I shared my conversion story with them and they were just floored by how similar our stories are. It was such a great meeting. 

This week otherwise was pretty great. The Lord has truly been guiding us and keeping us busy. Just when I think our entire day is lost, He sends us something to do and somewhere to be. Like, on Friday, we spent time with our pal Tammy, and I hung beautiful doors with her! It was great. I also weeded someone's flower bed in the 100 degree heat. No biggie :) 

In other news, this morning we had the wonderful opportunity to meet with our 93 year old member, Sister Ponce. While we were there, she said she wanted to take us out to dinner. Well, we went to Wendy's with her, hoping she wouldn't fall again because she is super fragile. How many people can say they went to lunch with a 93 year old firecracker on fourth of July? It was so fun. Old people are hilarious! 

I just hope you all know that I know the Savior lives. I learned so much from church yesterday and my studies this week. He is real. And He loves us more than we can imagine. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. He gave us that book so that we might know the truth in these latter days. Also so that we might feel of His love. If you read and truly pray about it, member or non member, you will feel the love of God greater than you ever have. You will know that it is a true record and holds the key to changing your life and feeling true joy.

I love you all and am so especially grateful for those in the church who have loved and supported me. You have no idea how much even your small acts have impacted me and my life. Thank you. 

-Sister Peterson

 Seattle much?

 I am so proud of this door.

Our patriotic lunch date