TENesSee

Well Y'all I hit 10 months this week, how time flies! Sometimes it crawls, sometimes it flies... overall it definitely passes. I thought I would share a list of 10 things I've learned while out here and then share a little bit more about my companion Sister See. Get it? TEN and See, Tennesee. Funny.

TEN THINGS I HAVE LEARNED

REPENTANCE.
I talk about it all of the time but seriously I have learned SO much about repentance. I feel like on a mission you relearn the Gospel all over again and sometimes things click in ways they never before have. That is how repentance has been for me. As I reflect back before my mission I think I knew what it was and that I was pretty decent about being repentant. Yet in no way was I where I am now. I have learned that all repentance is is change. Even desiring to be better is the beginning stages of repentance. Saying "I am going to be better tomorrow," or "I'm going to stop doing that today..." hello, that is repentance. But probably the most amazing thing about it is not only have I learned more about it I have SEEN repentance take place. I've seen it in myself changing and relying more on my Savior as I desire and strive to see as He saw, teach as He taught, love as He loved, and walk as He walked. But also I've seen it in others... In the man who did a 180 from not knowing if God existed to praying and reading the Book of Mormon every day.  I even saw it just yesterday as I watched a man pass me the sacrament and noticed the "Plankton" (from spongebob) tattoo on his forearm... it was the most beautiful thing! THAT right there my friends is repentance. It is glorious, I love it. It is one of God's greatest gifts, the ability to change... made possible by His Son, who IS the greatest gift to us.

PRAYER IS REAL & QUESTIONS ARE GOOD
Ok so I read a quote from Gordon B. Hinkley that says "what a marvelous and wonderful thing is prayer," oh how I agree and know that to be true!!!! Prayer is real, it is wonderful and it is my go to. I am so grateful for its power and availability. It connects us to heaven any time, any place.  I have also learned over and over the importance of asking questions. This whole restored gospel began with a question. How incredible is that?! I have experienced firsthand my prayers and questions be answered. Just this weekend I compiled a list of not 1, not 10, but 16 questions. 16! (16 stones Ether 3:1;) Questions that I thought about and prayed about and took with me to the women's session of conference. And many them I would say probably half, were addressed. Not spelled out, but pretty darn close. Not in ways I expected but in ways the Lord intended. For example question number 1: how can I be less hard on myself? So there was an overwhelming theme of self-worth and divine nature, and President Uchtdorf literally said: "If you find yourself worrying about what other people say about you, may I suggest this antidote: remember who you are. Remember that you are of the royal house of the kingdom of God, children of Heavenly Parents, who reign throughout the universe."
So you see, prayers and questions are answered every day if you approach Him with faith and effort.

PRIORITIES AND PERSPECTIVE ARE EASILY MESSED UP
Oh boy... watch out, I'm climbing up on my soapbox... wheuf, Ok, deep breath...  I Could someone PLEASE explain to me why people can live in shacks but still have a smart phone and a yappy dog that requires expensive food and maintenance? While you are at it also explain why people are willing to drive clear into town to go shopping or to an appointment but aren't willing to drive the same distance or less to do their visiting or home teaching? OR (and this one really irks me) why do people say "I can't stand it when people are hypocritical and judge me when I go to church" Um excuse me let me go get my mirror... dont tell me you don't do the same thing to people you see! I know I am guilty of being a hypocrite and judging unrighteouslu at times... aren't we all?! Are we not all sinners?! Ok... But I'm really not trying to be judgmental though and call people out... really I'm not. I understand there is more behind what I can see, and I need to cast the beam in my own eye. But c'mon people I have learned so much about priorities and perspective. And it honestly makes me question, what things do I do in my life that people from the cheap seats think "What in the world is she doing?" That makes no sense!" All I can say is the best priority is Christ and the best perspective is also Christ. Everything falls into place when He is the center and we can find the help we seek by looking to Him instead of what is popular or offered by the world.

EVERYONE IS FIGHTING A BATTLE
I am going to keep this brief. Marjorie Pay Hinkley I think is who said it best: "be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about" I have a unique opportunity to hear a lot about those battles and let me tell you, I would have never guessed a lot of them, and never wanted to hear or see the pain in people's eyes and face as they share. It has been so humbling to witness how many horrible things go on in people's lives yet at the same time what a blessing it is to testify that no matter what those challenges and concerns may be the Savior and His teachings, the Gospel, will help them. It WILL. Guaranteed.

GREEN IS GOOD
I saw my first commercial car lot this week that was all grass, a huge mowed field with cars displayed all over it and big stadium lights illuminating it. Only in Tennessee is there enough greenage and rain to maintain a display like that. It's pretty cool I love all the green here. Besides that recently I came across something that I wrote in my preach my gospel: "be a greenie your entire mission"

GOD IS GOOD, HE HAS A PLAN
EVERY day I learn that more and more. He has a total plan, a plan for all, called the Plan of Salvation. But He also has individual plans for each one of us, catered to our needs, supported by our faith, and lead by our Savior. Too many evidences of this have been shown to me that I cannot deny God really does have a perfect plan.

THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES
There aren't. I dont believe in coincidences. There is no way it was happenstance that we showed up to visit a less active and it was the complete wrong address and yet we met a son of a preacher taught him about the restoration got a return appt and committed him to coming to our church, Christ's church. Nope, no coincidence.

DARKNESS CANNOT OVERPOWER LIGHT
Look it up. Where light is darkness cannot overcome. Scientifically and spiritually light overpowers darkness. Every time. In nature and in lives I have seen it in my own and those I have met. A little more light is a lot less darkness.

JESUS IS MY SAVIOR AND IS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES
People say, I found Christ,  well me too, in the scriptures. He is there all over, bible book of Mormon, D&C, and Pearl of Great Price. He is in modern scripture of general conference and my personal scripture of my patriarchal blessing.


SISTER SEE
Ok I have learned so much from her. She has taught me that every person has potential. Every single one. She has been through a lot, overcome a lot, and is really strong. She works hard, loves big and has a strong testimony. She is a spiritual giant to her family. And knows a lot about the area, zone, and sisters around us. Which I'm so grateful for. Together this week we found 23 new investigators. Sometimes I wonder if I'm still in the south. It's pretty incredible. Also we taught two Spanish guys and got return appointments!!!! Things are on fire here and I'm so excited to be here and keep learning. We have a chance to go on exchanges with a lot of the surrounding sisters which is a cool opportunity to meet more of the missionaries and learn from them and also help them. It's like having a mini companionship or temporary companionship which I was really nervous for at first but turned out to be so awesome. I had some really amazing experiences and am just really so grateful to be right here right now.

Love y'all!!!!

Keep on watching and learning!!!

Have a blessed week!!!!

Love,
Hermana Hall

10-4 Good Buddy

Alright so this week has been uppity up and downity down... but last time I checked I'm still wearing my tag, I'm still a missionary, and I'm still alive so that must be why. Long story short I left dear sweet Poplar Creek and dear sweet Sister Allen and journeyed to the land of Greeneville Tennessee with my new companion Hermana See. She came out at the same time as my trainer Hermana Yauney, she has been out almost 14 months and is from Portland Oregon. She is am extremely hard worker and I have learned an insane amount from her in just a few short days. This area is amazing, it's been quite the experience coming into an area that already has people to teach, a clean place to live, and someone who knows the area. Because whitewashing has been all I've ever known. I've served in two previous areas where neither companion knew anything about the area, the people, or the apartment...  however this has been different. And my response to the change has been different. Not going to lie the first couple of days were ROUGH. My inward struggles were so real. For starters there isn't that common bond between companions like there is while whitewashing when both of you are thrown into the unknown together. I feel like a new missionary all over again and have to keep reminding myself I actually do know what I'm doing. With all that being said I really have been blessed with some incredible experiences this past week. This area really is on fire, they have been pulling double digit numbers of investigators each week which is incredible for the South. However I am beginning to understand and starting to believe that it can happen in any area. And the reason and way is actually super obvious but it is also something that I've never witnessed or maybe I have but it never clicked.

The way to get new investigators is this:
Be yourself right off the bat.
Get to testifying right away
Talk about the restoration
 and drumroll please...
 YOU DON'T GIVE THEM AN OPTION TO SAY YES OR NO.
 Gone are my days of saying: "We are sharing a message about Jesus Christ that we can promise will bless your life, would you be interested in us coming back?" Ahhh I'm cringing!!!! It's so obvious no one will buy into that... well I mean some do but the majority around here say something like "No, I already go to church" "I already know Jesus" and/or the classic: "I'm Baptist!" But thosr responses can't be said to something like: "We know that our message is true and we go around sharing it all day everyday... we will be back in this area next Wednesday and would love to come back and share more with you around 2:00 does that work" if answer is yes: "Great! What is your number?" If no: "What day would be better"  Y'all.... with this approach, we got 10 investigators in four days.... FOUR DAYS!!!! Hence My title this week: 10-4 good buddy. 10 investigators 4 days.... My land, where the heck am I?!?!?!?! Oh yeah... right where I am supposed to be! God is so good! He knows what we need even if we don't want to change.

At Zone Conference this past week Elder Legrand Curtis from the seventy came and his wife asked us all what the biggest blessing of our mission has been... Of the many things that were shared that I agree with I contributed the following: "I understand repentance. It is change. I am happiest when I'm changing, and I can't imagine going through the rest of my life without knowing that." I meant it then and I mean it now. I'm definitely being stretched in this new area, it's a lot of newness, and more responsibility. But as one of my favorite returned missionaries Annie Gardner once told me:


 "Be where your feet are and love where your feet are."  My feet are currently in a cute little Tennessean town called Greeneville and when I'm on them and moving and working drama decreases, pity diminishes, and I feel so much better about life. Work is the cure for so many things. So let me give you a run down of my life this past week, and give you an update about where my feet and I have been, and how I'm growing to love it.

- My feet kept moving even though my legs were complete jello after doing cross fit with a ward member at a different church. Those people at Church of Christ are beasty. I could barely walk for the next four days. But I loved it.

-My feet walked away from my home and comp in Poplar Creek, my heart was ripping to shreds, but I'm working on loving it here.




- My feet jumped into a tiny little car crammed full of shtuff that was mine to journey the hour and a half to my new area, and I tried to love being there.



- My feet forced me to walk into a bunch of administrative meetings I felt completely inadequate at, especially when I was supposed to give a spiritual thought and no one told me until they announced it as part of the program. So off the cuff I shared my 2 Timothy "sermon" and prayed it didn't sound flustered. And I worked to love being there out of my comfort zone, new, nervous, trying to take everything in.

- My feet walked between aisles at the local food bank as we served the people and assisted them in having meals on their tables for the next month. And I loved being there with the sweet elderly people who took me right under their wings and talked to me and quoted scripture and laughed with one another.

- My feet allowed me to stand and greet many of the sweet ward members that are making this huge change bearable, I already have such a love for them especially the guy who showed up in a full purple suit, socks, fedora, and Prince lapel pin. What a guy. He's my current fav. And I loved being there meeting so many people, it's the biggest ward I've been in so far, and the people are amazing.

- My feet kept up with my companion as we tracted and found people, one night 3 new people in 30 minutes. One of them was even Spanish! Wow!!!! I loved being there and am excited to return back and teach!

- My feet held me upright when I gave a talk in sacrament meeting without any notes or really even an outline on what I wanted to say, I prayed that I could open my mouth and it would be filled, and it was. I loved being there.

- My feet bounced up and down when I was so nervous during a lesson where we both felt prompted to promise a woman if she came to church her prayers would be answered. And we did. And they were. And I loved being there.

- My feet danced as I jumped up when a huge cricket crawled up one sister's neck and then jumped onto the table, into an elders lap, then down on the floor, and up anothet elders pants. It was so funny I love this new zone I am in.

- My feet sat still as an Elder gave me a blessing after the request of my new companion that we start the transfer off right. I am so grateful and loved being in that room with that sweet spirit.

- My feet have tucked underneath me as I kneel and pray and pray and pray and I love being there speaking with my Heavenly Father who listens, hears, and answers my every prayer.

My feet have gotten me here and I am so grateful. I love being here on a mission. I'm so grateful for the trust the Lord has in me, the strength I receive from Him, the things He allows me to learn, and growth He encourages me to experience.

Every day we take steps closer to or away from Him.

May it be closer, and when it's away, let us repent and take those steps to be better.

Love Y'all

Take care,

Love,
Hermana Hall

10-4 Good Buddy

Mack and Merc highlights

Well the time has come... the dynamic duo (coined by a family in our ward after they heard our first names) of Mack (Sister McKenzie Hall) and Merc (Sister Mercedes Allen) is splitting up and shipping out. This past week we received transfer news that I will be leaving our dear sweet Poplar Creek area and heading to Greeneville TN. Of the thousand things I could talk about and the array of emotions I feel about this change I want to first start out by sharing what a privilege and a blessing it has been for me to be not only Sister Allen's companion but her trainer... and then I'll share some highlights from our last week together as companions.

So training a new missionary has by and large been the most Christlike thing I have ever done. Truly. And I mean that in the greatest way. It couldn't have come at a better time in my mission, because I had come to a point when I needed to stop thinking so much about myself. Heavenly Father knew it was time for me to take a break from worrying about all I was doing and/or not doing and the changes I was making and lessons I was learning. He knew it was time that I teach and share my experiences with someone else. Someone whose shoes I had been in 6 months prior. Feeling like a deer in the headlights thinking "What have I just gotten myself into?" He trusted that I could do that, that I had enough experience to pass on and enough confidence to take on a new area, a new missionary, and a new start... all while whitewashing. A completely clean slate. I remember laying in my bed later that first week, and realizing that more than ever before in my mission but more importantly my LIFE I was not thinking about myself! I wasn't thinking so much about home, about friends, about things I was missing, I wasn't thinking about my insecurities or my flaws, I wasn't worried about not making progress I wanted. I was more worried and concerned about my companion across the room. My heart went out to her as she went through many of the same stages I did.  Frustration, trials of faith, lack of confidence, misunderstanding, trouble relating, asking for patience, pleading for strength, homesickness, fear of the unknown, worries for the future, etc. And on top of that we were both at ground zero in this area. We had no idea where we were. No idea which way was North (to be honest I'm still not sure... sorry dad, hate to disappoint you but my internal compass is nonexistent). We didn't know anyone or anything about anything... except for the gospel. And that's where we started... from where we were at, with what we did know. We took what we knew and applied it to our situation. We went over the ward list and map and made visits "nearby." Looking back they were so all over the place it's a wonder we had enough miles for the month. We jumped right into the work (and really worked) and just invited and bore testimony... simple and sweet as that. But because of that we have seen miracles. We have seen a run down area that hasn't seen a baptism in 18 months have one 2 days ago. We have seen a ward that doesn't know 3/4 of the names on the roster start to reach out and help out. We have seen people change, people repent and people come unto Christ. And the most remarkable part is we've done the same. We've changed we have repented and we have come closer to Christ. So yeah the experience of mine the last 12 weeks has been the most Christlike yet because I've begun to lose myself more fully and yet find myself more deeply. Christ's promise is so real "Whosoever will lose (her) life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25) I've learned more about myself and more about Him by working and doing than ever before. It's remarkable.

Ok so now let me gush about this "new missionary" that I've spent the last 80 days with. Merc. My homegirl, my literal homegirl, from Kaysville Utah. What a small world. God is so good, and I know that it is no coincidence that we had CTE (home ec) and a computer design class our 7th grade year of Junior High. No coincidence that we played on the Davis High Golf team together for four years, had the same Human Bio class our sophomore year, and English, and chemisty class our junior year. And then now find ourselves as companions in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. It's no coincidence because THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES!!!! Aw man if I had a quarter for everytime I've said that these past two transfers... I'd have a bunch of quarters. That's been the "theme" of our companionship I guess you could say... well that and "Where are we?" Whenever something weird happens... like when we had to run out to the car late at night and we opened the door to see a man with a ponytail riding one of those old fashioned bicycles down the road in the pitch black... and I'm talking those OLD fashioned bikes!! The ones with the huge front wheel and tiny back one??? Yeah those! But anyway, our mission president made it clear when he came into the mission that we all agreed to be here before we ever came to this earth. He emphasized that we are foreordained to be here, and to be here in the companionships that we are... so that means that I promised Allen long ago that I would be her trainer and her companion in the great TKM. And I promised I'd be worthy and accept the call to make it out here. And she did the same. And boy am I grateful! Because she has taught me so much. Three things specifically jump instantly to mind that I'd like to share and then I'll give the play by play of the week.
Charity: there was this one day talking to this one man for over two hours. Sister Allen got in the car afterwards and was pretty quiet and then the next morning shared something with me that changed my life and my outlook on people and my Savior. She said "I sat and listened to him tell all about his life and the struggles he has had... And I asked myself: would I be willing to go through all of that in order for him to become more like God? Because that is Christlike love and if I'm not willing to do that, than I am doing something wrong... And need to change and be better."
Let THAT sink in for a minute...
...
And then let me ask you who is training who?
She is amazing.

Fasting: during a frustrated phase of missionary work one week we were pulled over to the side of the road, exhausted, dripping in sweat, and frustrated. I was at a loss at how to be honest that I was not enjoying the day yet positive that it would be better. It was then that Sister Allen recommended we fast... so we did that next day. For an entire 24 hours. We woke up in the middle of the night both thinking we were going to die of thirst, but we didn't. Then a week later as a result of this fast we had an investigator contact us through requesting a Book of Mormon online... this investigator just got baptized. More to come on him later.
...Let me ask you, who is training who?

Not giving up: in talking about less actives (a topic in which I get very fired up about, just ask our ward council, and our relief society... :) Sister Allen pointed out that there comes a point when you "give up" on someone that they realize they've been given up on. And no matter how hardened their heart that has to sting... And I don't ever want people to feel that, let's be more persistent than Avon ladies people! Give and serve as much as people will accept. And then pray. Pray, pray, pray.
...let me ask you, who's training who?

Alright here's the rundown of our week, well the highlights I guess... I'm starting to understand the Book of Mormon writers when they say "not even a tenth part could be written"

MONDAY: taught two lessons during pday hours.  Both very effective and worth the time. "Find when you reach, teach when you find." Even among members. Then we did a bunch of tracting even though it was the first UT game of the season... to say nobody wanted to talk to us, is a humongous understatement.

TUESDAY: POURED RAIN. Had an uncomfortable dinner appointment, I don't know what made it so awkward but it was... No me gusta. But finally got into contact with a girl who has been taught by missionaries a lot in the past but then lost contact. However she liked us and wants to continue... score!!!

WEDNESDAY: tracted, had a lesson with our investigator on date, the Book of Mormon referral and "Golden Boy" investigator. He passed his baptismal interview which was great. Also had a random turn of events where I met a Spanish guy who had met missionaries in Alabama and wanted to come to church. So we got him the local church address and missionaries number and got them a referral! Wahoo!!!

THURSDAY: we met this woman who had a few questions about the life after death, the moment Sister Allen said "spirit world" this woman shot up from her seat and said "YES, YES THAT MAKES SENSE! OH I KNOW THIS IS TRUE!" it was amazing to watch the gospel click in her mind and her heart. I love being a missionary. Then... miracle round 8,465... our beloved less active neighbor said he knew he needed to take the sacrament and that he would try to make it this Sunday!!!!!! He didn't make it but next one he will I just know it!!!!!

FRIDAY: said farewell to my wonderful friends at Habitat for Humanity. That was a heart wrencher... I'm definitely taking my family back there when we come tour the mission. They gotta meet my buddies there, and I have to see if some of the things I sorted and put on shelves ever sell. Such as the the lovely book ends of the bust of Christ and Mary, the Led Zepplin cassette tape collection, and the ancient crutches that Tiny Tim once used. Yep I'll definitely be back there someday.



SATURDAY: Our golden boy got baptized!!!!! And his non member family was there to witness it, his parents and sweet Nanny (grandma) were all in attendance. It was an event of the year, people kept coming and coming and more and more chairs were set out. It was a missionary's dream. Sister Allen and I spoke about the fourth article of faith and our ward mission leader gave an amazing talk on the Holy Ghost. Then we saw the ordinance be performed and felt the spirit thick in the room as two Elders we work closely with presented the message of the Restoration while we waited for them to get changed. Afterwards our newly baptized convert got up and shared his testimony. Short, sweet, and emotional. "I never imagined myself here, and I never imagined myself so happy..." Me too brother, me too. I understand more than I can express the important point that missionary success isn't measured by baptisms. THERE are so many roles that play into labor in the vineyard whether it be planting seeds, tilling, digging, or harvesting, and sometimes... I'm just going to say it, sometimes it is just straight up dunging! But I would be remissed if I didn't express my gratitude for the opportunity Heavenly Father gave Sister Allen and I, to teach this man and help him enter the gait, and guide him as he begins this journey. The first step being faith and the first ordinance being baptized. I am so excited to see what the future holds for him. We set a temple date for him to receive his endowments on September 15 of 2018. He hopefully will go to the temple ASAP, we wanted to go tomorrow but logistically that just wasn't happening. Out of state temples aren't like Utah temples open almost all day almost every day... boo. Either way whether I'm there or not he is going to the temple and it will be amazing! I'm so grateful to have worked with him!





SUNDAY: 2 of the 4 people that said they'd come to church didn't... boo. But the primary made up for that disappointment by giving us the sweetest and most hilarious program I've seen in a long old time. It never ceases to amaze me the power of a testimony of a child as well as how incredible the principles of the restored gospel are, at any and every stage of life. It's those basics that change people's lives.

Well that's a wrap. I love the experiences I've had, the memories I've made, the people I've met, and the faith I've tried, tested, and proven. I'm so grateful for the trust my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ have in me and for the opportunity for further light and knowledge that awaits me.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have served in Poplar Creek with Sister Allen.

THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES.

Just heavenly happenings...

His arm is stretched out still.

Mack and Merc signing off... for now.

Love,
Hermana Mack Hall

If We Now Shun The Fight

Recently the song Come, Come, Ye Saints has become one of my favorite hymns especially as a missioanry. I couple of my former companions loved it and I always thought: "Oh yeah it's such a good one, very inspiring, reminds me of trek, yeah yeah, good good." Well this week as it came on in the car a line stood out to me over all the rest...

"How should we think to earn a great reward... if we now shun the fight?"

It reminded me of the experience I had as a new missionary when I expressed to my trainer that I didn't understand why it was growing increasingly difficult for me out here. Everyone had always told me I'd be good missionary. I had always wanted to be here... so why was it still so hard? In short I honest to goodness thought I was "better than change" so to speak... I thought I could do this mission thing without pain, without adjustment, without homesickness, without loneliness, without doubt. I overestimated myself. And I told her as much. And her response both relieved me as well as rebuked me, and I needed it. She said she had felt the same way... relief. Then she told me something her dad had told her... rebuke: "Why do you think you are exempt? You grow in the fire of affliction NOT bathwater..."

He understood that line in Come, Come, Ye Saints. How can we expect to earn the reward while shunning the fight? If we don't pay the price what are we really going to get? Certainly no experience, no growth, no knowledge... We have to fight for the reward. And believe me... it's a fight to be here. Every day it's a fight. Life is a fight though isn't it?

Paul talks about that in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" I have always read that verse (and I grew up with my dad quoting it often) but I have always thought that it was a good mantra for life, at the end of our lives how great would it be to say that? Or even the end of a mission? But recently I have wondered, how great would it be to say that at the end of every DAY?!

In 2 Timothy again, chapter 2 verse 3 & 4 Paul again writes and speaks of fighting the good fight more specifically by being a: "Soldier in Christ"
 he says:


Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.


We all have the chance to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. We are taught that as we don't entangle ourselves with worldy affairs because we desire to please him who hath chosen us... that's the motivator, the goal, the reward. We know Christ's army wins. But will we personally win against our own battles overcoming the world and our daily fights and courses to finish?

I want to share a few of the battles I have fought this week to illustrate... Some of them are small and slight and some are bigger and tougher. All are real and all have been fought. I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith.


It's a fight to be patient with people that don't let you speak and don't stop talking.

It's a fight to have an increase of love for the ancient lady preaching at you about your religion not believing in Christ as the Son of God and then contradicting herself 20 times and ultimately saying that she doesn't believe that we are all children of God... How sad! 

It's a fight to take the man seriously who says "you need to examine your religion...." ....umm I think I could say the same to you sir...

It's a fight not to argue with those who want you to do exactly that... argue

It's a fight to understand how someone can be so prepared for the gospel and who is willing to take off work to go do baptisms for the dead three days after his own baptism... I stand all amazed... 

It's a fight to remember the own testimony you've spent 19 years building

It's a fight to trust the Lord and His timing and plan

It's a fight to stay awake during lessons that are 2 hours too long

It's a fight to say to yourself: don't judge them because they sin differently than I do

It's a fight to watch a sweet old woman try to hand you bills to fill out because her tremors are too bad for her to attempt to write 

It's a fight to be excited for a new day sometimes

It's a fight to have the only thing stopping you from drinking water to finally break your fast is a 60 year old woman that will not stop talking

It's a fight to prioritize and plan your day knowing it will get shaken up flipped upside down and otherwise flushed down the drain

It's a fight to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong

It's a fight to make a u-turn and go talk to someone you don't want to

It's a fight to not be discouraged when people stand you up

It's a fight to kill a huge daddy long leg with a massive egg sac attached to it... all the while praying it won't burst and have an infestation... ewwwwwww

It's a fight to not crack a smile and a laugh when you say to someone after their retelling you about their horror stories of injuries "so what is the worst injury you've ever had?" And their response is "I had an atomic bomb dropped on me... the lift broke and a 4,000 lb bomb came crashing down and the tail end caught me and trapped me under it and broke both my hips, my legs shattered, my ribs broke, and I was in the hospital for 9 months..." yep that'll do it! The phrase "you dropped a bomb on me" is very literal for this man.

It's a fight to have an eternal perspective

It's a fight to focus on the positive

It's a fight to pull money out of your account for fast offerings

It's a fight to believe that people really will want to join this church after teaching them about all the changes that they need to make and things that will be asked of them

It's a fight to choose obedience over temptation

It's a fight to say a prayer in the morning first thing

It's a fight to keep working when your mind and body is begging you to stop

It's a fight to be here.

But in this fight, we are on the winning team. To earn the great reward we can't shun the fight. We can't do it. We have to be the good soldiers of Him who has called us. Day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute. So that each day we can kneel in prayer and echo with Paul "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" that doesn't mean we are going to be perfect. Perfection isn't found in this life, but we can fight another day knowing that our course is ultimately leading us towards perfection and if we keep the faith we'll get there.

I know this is true

In closing...

2 Timothy 2: 10

Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.



Paul endured what he did, for the sake of others. In doing so he was emulating Christ who endured what He did for the sake of others as well. In every battle ever fought there was a purpose, there were people to be fighting for. Think of the Title of Liberty in the Book of Mormon, and even modern day wars and battles. There are fights being fought in behalf of and in mind of others. And that's why I am fighting many of my battles... Because I know that there are people out there who are elect and ready to receive the gospel and gear up to fight with us. And they are waiting to be found. Even in a sometimes uphill battle. How grateful am I to have the opportunity to be a "good soldier" I'm not perfect but I'm fighting. And that's what He asks.

And I leave this with y'all to ponder and meditate. How are you a good soldier and how is your fight going? Are you keeping the faith? What's missing? Just like the military there are strict regimens in God's army, how are you measuring up to them? His commandments are meant to protect us and arm us with righteousness. Are you putting them on or leaving them behind trusting that you can do it on our own and are "exempt" from the difficulty? Are you shunning the fight or fighting the good fight? Because it is good, it is oh so very good. And will forever be worth it. Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Alright peace be with y'all
Have a  blessed week
DON'T SHUN THE FIGHT!
Love,
Hermana Hall

Lessons from the Dentist's Chair

This week I had the lovely privilege of going to the dentist to get a cavity filled. A few months back after my comp had to go in for her own dental work I was inspired to take better care of my teeth it was then thst I noticed I had two little pin holes in one of my molars... great... I've been cavity free for a few years now and here I am in the middle of Tennessee with one... what am I supposed to do? To be honest I ignored it for a while and hopes that maybe it would go away or at least not be a problem for 11 more months... well I found myself back at the Dentist's office with my comp and decided to ask them if I should get it fixed... The hygienist said "Yep definitely come back, unless you want a root canal." Um so I don't think anyone in the history of ever has wanted one of those so I decided to get myself together and schedule an appt. I waited a few weeks until our new mission doc came into town and then I got my insurance figured out and got an appointment scheduled at an office near where we are living in Oak Ridge. Ok so here I am the morning before we are getting ready to go and I hear myself say to Sister Allen. "Alright let me go floss and brush my teeth and hope I haven't procrastinated the day of my repentance..." and then I went and brushed my teeth and flossed better than I had in weeks. As I was walking out the door the realization of what I just did hit me like a truck... why did I take extra time to brush and floss and scrub and shine?

Because I knew a dentist was about to examine my teeth...

But you see, the damage was already done, the cavity was already there, no amount of last minute brushing could change that. So why did I do that? And I know I'm not the only one... how many of y'all have done that exact thing??? Thought to yourself "Oup I've got a dentist appt today better floss for the first time in weeks and pull out that mouthwash I haven't used in months..." Whyyyyy do we do that?!?!?!! Why when it comes time to be accountable we rush and try to brush up last minute??? And I'm not just talking about teeth. We shove everything in a drawer or closet when we have guests, we paste on a smile and are more obedient when there are church leaders around, we are on better behaviors when we know people are watching. It's those last minute fixes that are just cover ups. The cavities are still there, the mess, the disobedient attitude, and sins are still there, the damage has already been done.

And then we try to cover it up, but how different would it have been if we would have been making those little efforts to stay clean the entire time? The cavity wouldn't have developed, the mess wouldn't have been made, the sin wouldn't have been committed.

Before I draw this all to a conclusion I want to also confess that at least for me after my visit to the dentist is over I don't know about y'all but I LOVE the feeling of slick clean teeth and I commit to myself pretty much every time I go to the dentist that I'm going to have that feeling for the next 6 months until I go back again. And I do pretty dang good for a couple of weeks at least... my flossing is consistent, my brushing lasts for at least two minutes, I rinse, and use whitening products, and it feels good. Then one late night out with friends, or one rushed morning, or one justification of "nah I'll be fine" and all of the sudden I'm out of habit and I lose the pattern and consistency of what I've been striving for.



From what I've heard from many "about to return home" missionaries and returned missionaries I've noticed a common fear that they are scared to go home and into old habits and distractions. They want that "slick, clean" feeling they have developed in their lives and they don't want it to go away. And I am beginning to feel the same way. I recognize that I won't ever live the missionary schedule, the way I am, by myself, ever again. I know that. But that doesn't mean I should stop studying, stop relying on prayer and having that be my go to. It doesn't mean I should stop going to all three of my church meetings and other meetings on top of that. It doesn't mean I should stop saying hi to people I would normally just walk past in Wal-Mart, it doesn't mean I should be unmotivated to not do my visiting teaching after seeing the effects of doing it and not doing it has on the ward as a whole. I don't need to stop having a couple of pass along cards in my bag to leave around randomly, and it doesn't mean that I need to stop sharing my beliefs and living the gospel. It doesn't mean I  shpuld stop doing the basics. And see that's exactly the answer to the concern about giving up and breaking those patterns that have helped us become "slick and clean" the answer is to stay true and cling to the basics. Praying, reading the scriptures, and going to church and attending the temple is the same as flossing, brushing, rinsing, and whitening... They are those small habits but they are what make all of the difference. And when that one late night with friends comes, or the hectic morning or one justification of "nah I'll be fine without it" without prayer, without reading my scriptures, without church, without the temple. When those times come we need to stop it right after, repent and change right then and keep those basics habits, keep them priorities. Because if we do we won't cavities to worry about, or sins to cover up. Dang... all this tooth talk... maybe I should be a dentist...?

But I want to share an experience I've had with each of those basics this week: prayer, scripture study, church, and the temple.

PRAYER: I just want to testify that there is nothing better than watching an investigator grow and change and one of my personal favorite changes is when they pray. I remember in Mexico our "investigator" we taught in the CCM who was actually our teacher, I remember her praying at the end of our lesson and I remember tears streaming down my face. I'll never forget that experience. And I'll never forget the experiences I've had out here with investigators and their prayers. I guess the best way to describe it is you know when a little kid prays and it is so sweet and innocent and a little bit stuttered but at the same time just kind of completely perfect? That's what it's like. Listening to someone who for over 20 years didn't know who God was pray to Him thanking Him for the beautiful weather, for blessings, for us missioanries, for the opportunity to be here right now, for the things he is learning. Aw man... that's what the line
"More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children." (PMG V)
is all about... happiness you never knew existed. Joy you never knew was available, change you never thought possible. And being not only a firsthand witness of it but also a guide in their journey. It's incredible.

SCRIPTURE STUDY: well I could write for literally days on this subject ask any of my companions and I'm sure they would admit to sometimes regretting the question "Sister Hall what did you learn in personal study today?" Because I get so pumped and just talk and talk and talk. The scriptures are just so amazing and I can honestly say I've fallen in love with them I remember hearing this quote in seminary and thinking to myself... hmm... I don't know about that, that is a really odd way to put it...

“I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine” Gordon B. Hinkley

But here I am age 19 in Tennessee and that is the way I feel about my scriptures. I love them, if there was a fire that burned them or if I were to lose them I would be devastated. I love them because they have enlightened my mind and lifted my spirit. There have been times when it has been tedious and when I have read out of a duty to do so... But now... oh my goodness they are delicious to me. I love them.

And I want to share one thing I've learned from them this past week. I just restarted the Book of Mormon... I am using a softback copy that we usually hand out. I'm reading it clear slate, blank pages, and I'm trying to find Christ in its pages. Already He is everywhere, I box around all the references and titles for Him. He's on every page... on some pages in nearly every verse, sometimes multiple times. And it's incredible. But a chapter that really stuck out to me from my studies this week was 1 Nephi 17 this is where Nephi is commanded to build a ship. So first of all he is prompted to go to the mountains and pray and he does so. And that is where the Lord commands him to build a ship and that he would show him how to build it. And you know what Nephi says in response? "Whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I might make tools to construct a ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?" He does NOT say... "How am I supposed to do that?!" Or "Why Lord? Why me? I'm insufficient... There is no way" "Why do we need to leave this land Bountiful, it's nice here, are you sure this isn't the promised land?" No he says (in effect) "Where do I go to get started? Where can I go to do my part and make tools that I'll need to do your work? "Where? Tell me where to go and I'll do it Lord." And then he receives his answer and he gets right to work making tools and he writes that he builds a fire which is unique because up until that time he says that they weren't able to build fires. Who knows why? Maybe it's so they could remain hidden and protected from hijackers and ancient highwaymen... who knows... all we know is that the Lord knew and also that Nephi writes that He provided a way for them to eat meat without cooking it and He was "their light in the wilderness"  preparing the way for them and guiding them along. As long as they kept the commandments He would continue to do so. And then Nephi says... And I just love this

Wherefore, I, Nephi, did strive to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my brethren to faithfulness and diligence.

Please notice that no where it says "I Nephi did from that time forward perfectly keep all of the commandments of the Lord" No he said "I Nephi did STRIVE to keep the commandments" the word strive means to:  attempt by employing effort and/or to exert much effort. That doesn't mean perfectly. It means giving your best effort, and trying... but really trying.

By stark contrast his brothers after seeing him molten ore and make tools and begin to build a boat they asked how? And Why? And they doubt in Nephi's abilities ultimately doubting in the Lord. They don't keep the commandments in fact they don't even try, unless someone compels them to usually through huge life shaking ways. So they begin to murmur once again and Nephi ah man I love him he finally gets to the point where he has had enough of their ignorance and he begins to throw down... to testify with such power calling them to repentance. From verses 23-50 he calls them out... And then he says in verse 50

And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?

He testifies that the same merciful God and redeeming Lord that has rescued, preserved and guided people throughout all time is the same Lord that is guiding their family. The same one that parted the sea and saved the children of Israel and provided for them. He is the same and will provide for them. He essentially asks them what one seminary teacher once asked me... "How puny is your God?" And that I have found is where Nephi's testimony is grounded. He knows the nature of God, he knows Christ has been, is and will always be merciful. And that He will always provide a way. I love that. I so admire him. And I just love the things that I'm learning on a daily basis and the things I apply on a daily basis.
 
CHURCH: I am so, extremely grateful for the opportunity to take the sacrament and I'm also so grateful for the organization of the church. Sister Allen and I attended the best ward council meeting I've been in, during my entire mission. We had emphasized the need for an outreach program to the dozens of less active families we have on our roster. On our group email to the ward council we expressed our frustration that we are overwhelmed by the amount there are and also by the fact that we can find them but we cannot be their fellowshippers   because we are temporary. And ward members are not. And active members are the ones that understand why we go to church, but we are also the ones that are responsible for helping other people learn and understand that as well. Anyway long story short we had a ward council focused on the need for an increase in home and visiting teaching. And a member of our bishopric (this guy is my hero his two year old son was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and is truly a miracle in the making and their family are handling it with the most amazing perspective I have ever before witnessed, wow I am just blown away by them) so anyway this guy is a champ. But he shared how in his old stake in Illinois he worked closely with a stake President who had a theme of home and visiting teaching. And he broke it down into applications of the Saviors ministry. Home and visiting teaching is our ministry it is our offering to God and it shows our love to Him and Christ by visiting Their people. And he used Matthew 25:40 "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren he have done it unto me." This brother emphasized that phrase "the least of these my brethren" that it means "The least deserving, the least accepting, the least grateful, the least receptive" when we reach out to the leasts then that is reaching out to Christ. I LOOOOVE THAT!!!! He also taught that we can only minister as much as they will accept but we can do that consistently. And he shared an experience that he home taught a family that never opened the door even though lights were on and their big scary dogs were barking like crazy, but he kept going, and then eventually they came to the door and they chatted on the front porch, and then moved inside over the threshold, and into the living room, and the big scary dogs began to like him. And what did he see when he went into the living room? A wall full of pictures of this man with sets of missionaries, he loved missionaries they were his fellowshippers but he was missing ward member friendship. But through the efforts of his hometeacher he found it. That hometeacher eventually moved away from Illinois and into our ward and was relating this experience but before he left he made sure that that guy had a new solid home teacher. He has since heard that that man reactivated, his non member wife was baptized and they were sealed in the temple. THAT my friends is what happens when we all work together and do missionary work, when we all work together and do Christ's work. When we reach out to those who are lost and those who stray. Doesn't that make you want to go do your home teaching lesson and visiting teaching lesson maybe during the first week of September rather than the last??? Just sayin....

TEMPLE: ok and finally I just want to say how grateful I am for temples and the blessings that have  come into my life and the life of my family. Standing talking to an investigator on date to be baptized in two weeks and discussing the temple with him and planning that we were going to go with him brought that unknown joy I never knew existed again. I was getting giddy pulling up pictures and telling him all about it. And honestly so was he. I'm so grateful for the peace and guidance and saving grace of the temple. And to have grown up with them so near. They are out of this world, truly. And they

I love y'all and I know the basics keep us clean and pure and on the right track. I know we can follow Christ and be perfected in Him. He is preparing the way and if we STRIVE to keep His commandments He will lead us along.

Have yourself a blessed week and brush dem teeth!!!
Love,
Hermana Hall



     HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!!


              9 down....                    


 9 to go!!!







Becoming quite the chefs!






Tennessee is so beautiful!!!

The Debt Has Been Paid

You may recall a few weeks into our time here in Oak Ridge we had a late night Beatles concert next door in our duplex... oh good times! Especially now that time has passed we can look back and laugh more now than before when we were dragging our mattresses into the other room at 2:00 a.m.!!!


 I must admit that we have been holding that against our dear sweet neighbor for the weeks since... He doesn't know it of course... we haven't outright asked him what the heck he was doing that night but we have placed a few innocent questions randomly in conversations. "So do you like The Beatles???" "What is your favorite song of theirs?" "Is it 'Imagine' perhaps???" He hasn't fessed up and so we have this behind the scenes "grudge" about it. But this week he made up for it. Because smarty pants me locked us out of the house. Keys, phone, tablets, wallet, everything locked inside of the house. Before y'all judge me let me just defend myself and say that it is muscle memory that I always turn the bottom lock first thing after we get in the house, it's a habit, one I grew up with actually. So we were coming in for the night after having been on exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders serving in Chilhowee area (side note last time I was there I met a guy who is obsessed with fishing and hunting and all things outdoors and I took him a Browning hat and he was over the moon excited, I love me some backwoods redneck buddies:) Anyway we were coming back from that so we had our bedding and bags to bring in and I said to Sister Allen "We'll have to make two trips..." So we did! I remember we went in, threw the keys on the table, dropped our bags on the floor and then I shut the door behind us as we went to go grab another load. When we got back I turned the knob and it didn't budge... oh. no. We tried breaking in using the card I use to log into the speed checker box in the car... it got absolutely destroyed in the doorjam. We tried to remove a screen and see if the window would open... no luck. Our only other option was our next door neighbor. We knocked on the door and he gave us this little wimpy bookmark that was laminated... ripped that to shreds! Then he gave us a butter knife, no luck with that either. Finally he came out with a flashlight and a butter knife and tried his hand at it... no dice... He walked back to his apartment deposited the knife and came back with a crowbar... nope... He walked back yet again and came back with the butter knife AND crowbar and with about 1,000 prayers and a swift hip bump to the door it flew open and we were saved!!! Eaten alive by mosquitoes and dripping with late night humidity but home safe and sound at last!!! Thank goodness for good neighbors. He looked at us and said "Ok... Now girls... don't lock yourselves out anymore..." And needless to say his debt from the Beatles episode has been paid! Now we owe him one... His favorite candy is "Boston Baked Beans" they are candy coated peanuts and I personally think they're gross but they're his fav so the next day we gave him a box of those with a note that said "Thanks for always BEAN there for us!" He was touched... We do love our crazy-doomsday-weed smoking-ex marine-book-of-mormon-lovin-bestie!!!! He's a good one!!! But something I want to focus on in this letter is that line "the debt has been paid"

I read this story shared by President Packer that ties in perfectly, it is a little long but I absolutely love it, I promise it is worth reading. The point he makes is that  we are all indebted by sin but can be saved from it through The Mediator, our older brother Jesus Christ.

“Let me tell you a story—a parable.

“There once was a man who wanted something very much. It seemed more important than anything else in his life. In order for him to have his desire, he incurred a great debt.

“He had been warned about going into that much debt, and particularly about his creditor. But it seemed so important for him to do what he wanted to do and to have what he wanted right now. He was sure he could pay for it later.

“So he signed a contract. He would pay it off some time along the way. He didn’t worry too much about it, for the due date seemed such a long time away. He had what he wanted now, and that was what seemed important.

“The creditor was always somewhere in the back of his mind, and he made token payments now and again, thinking somehow that the day of reckoning really would never come.

“But as it always does, the day came, and the contract fell due. The debt had not been fully paid. His creditor appeared and demanded payment in full.

“Only then did he realize that his creditor not only had the power to repossess all that he owned, but the power to cast him into prison as well.

“‘I cannot pay you, for I have not the power to do so,’ he confessed.

“‘Then,’ said the creditor, ‘we will exercise the contract, take your possessions, and you shall go to prison. You agreed to that. It was your choice. You signed the contract, and now it must be enforced.’

“‘Can you not extend the time or forgive the debt?’ the debtor begged. ‘Arrange some way for me to keep what I have and not go to prison. Surely you believe in mercy? Will you not show mercy?’

“The creditor replied, ‘Mercy is always so one-sided. It would serve only you. If I show mercy to you, it will leave me unpaid. It is justice I demand. Do you believe in justice?’

“‘I believed in justice when I signed the contract,’ the debtor said. ‘It was on my side then, for I thought it would protect me. I did not need mercy then, nor think I should need it ever. Justice, I thought, would serve both of us equally as well.’

“‘It is justice that demands that you pay the contract or suffer the penalty,’ the creditor replied. ‘That is the law. You have agreed to it and that is the way it must be. Mercy cannot rob justice.’

“There they were: One meting out justice, the other pleading for mercy. Neither could prevail except at the expense of the other.

“‘If you do not forgive the debt there will be no mercy,’ the debtor pleaded.

“‘If I do, there will be no justice,’ was the reply.

“Both laws, it seemed, could not be served. They are two eternal ideals that appear to contradict one another. Is there no way for justice to be fully served, and mercy also?

“There is a way! The law of justice can be fully satisfied and mercy can be fully extended—but it takes someone else. And so it happened this time.

“The debtor had a friend. He came to help. He knew the debtor well. He knew him to be shortsighted. He thought him foolish to have gotten himself into such a predicament. Nevertheless, he wanted to help because he loved him. He stepped between them, faced the creditor, and made this offer.

“‘I will pay the debt if you will free the debtor from his contract so that he may keep his possessions and not go to prison.’

“As the creditor was pondering the offer, the mediator added, ‘You demanded justice. Though he cannot pay you, I will do so. You will have been justly dealt with and can ask no more. It would not be just.’

“And so the creditor agreed.

“The mediator turned then to the debtor. ‘If I pay your debt, will you accept me as your creditor?’

“‘Oh yes, yes,’ cried the debtor. ‘You save me from prison and show mercy to me.’

“‘Then,’ said the benefactor, ‘you will pay the debt to me and I will set the terms. It will not be easy, but it will be possible. I will provide a way. You need not go to prison.’

“And so it was that the creditor was paid in full. He had been justly dealt with. No contract had been broken.

“The debtor, in turn, had been extended mercy. Both laws stood fulfilled. Because there was a mediator, justice had claimed its full share, and mercy was fully satisfied” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, 79–80; or Ensign, May 1977, 54–55).

Don't y'all love that?!?!?! Because of the mediator, that "friend who knew him well, knew him to be shortsighted, and loved him" because of Him, the debt was paid. We all have that friend... that friend is Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for Him. So grateful that He sees my shortsightedness and wants to help. He pays my debt. He paid my debt. I remember hearing once in seminary "Christ paid the debt He didn't owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay..." it struck me then and it strikes me now. He loves us that much. To go through all that He did. All that we do. So that we wouldn't have to go through it alone... I'm indebted to Him. It reminds me of a scripture in Mosiah 2 verse 24 "...Ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?" All that we are is made possible through Christ, all that we can become is possible through Christ. We had a lesson this past week and I said in referencing to the Plan of Salvation that "This plan is made possible only through Christ and only because of His Atonement." ...I know I've said that before, I know I've learned it before, I know I've read it before, but for some reason saying it that time was different. I meant it more than ever before. I know that it is true. He makes all things possible. Because of Him this work goes forward, the plan is possible, the debt is paid. Only through Him. We really are so indebted to Him.

And so I want to wrap up by sharing an experience that I am indebted to Him for:

The Elders in the other ward had a baptism this week so we decided to invite our two progressing investigators to it. One has a date to be baptized and the other... spoiler alert he is on date now as a result of what happened. So let me share real fast... the one on date had been struggling receiving his answer about whether or not this is all true. We had a lesson with him with a member who told him straight up: the more specific your prayer the more specific your answer. I sware we've told him this already but this time it clicked so thank goodness for ward members!!! He encouraged him to go to his car turn down the music and pray out loud and express to Heavenly Father that he had hope in the gospel and the plan of salvation but wanted to know if it is true and ask: is it true? Is the gospel true? Is the plan of salvation true? So this experience happened the night before the baptism... at the baptism the next morning he told us the result of what happened. He said "I almost called you guys but didn't... last night on my drive home I prayed out loud... and I got a warm feeling inside... and it was amazing..." Oh. My. Goodness. There have been times during my time here when I've honestly doubted I would ever in the course of my mission hear words similar to those. But Heavenly Father is so good and Christ is so merciful that they grant me faith promoting experiences and ultimately prove me wrong. Ok so there is miracle #1 at the baptism... one of our investigators has received a spiritual witness that what we teach and what he has learned is true. I'm so happy and so grateful! Miracle #2 happened at the very end when we were cleaning up. It was just missionaries and the investigators left... there were two sets of elders and Sister Allen and I talking to these two men and one of them, the one not on date... whoa wait back up... This is the one that has done a complete 180 in a week... in 7 days we went from walking out of a lesson with him to picking up the phone to hear that he knows he needs to read the Book of Mormon and agreed to read part of it over the phone with us. At the baptism he said that he was over 60 pages into it. He is changing, he is repenting, and we get to be a part of it!!! But anyway as awe-inspiring as that was at the end of the meeting as we are all grouped up suddenly he blurts out "So what are the qualifications for baptism? How do I do it?" As Sister Allen and my mouths gaped open one of the elders across from us took it in stride and shared that he needed to go through the missionary lessons, come to church at least twice, and keep the commandments. He told him that basically he needed to just keep listening to us and we would help get him there if that is what he wants... Y'all... if you could have met this man when we first did... And then see what he is becoming... it is absolutely incredible. The gospel makes "bad men good and good men better" it does, it really really does! It's the most breathtaking thing to be a part of. Sometimes it's breathtaking because you are holding your breath hoping, wishing, and praying, or cringing from discomfort... but other times it is breathtaking because you see and understand Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ a little better and come to see more clearly their work and their glory "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." The moment that their purpose becomes our purpose and the moment we believe that it can happen... that is truly breathtaking. And I am indebted in my experience.

I'm so grateful to be here, it's been a dark and bumpy road at times but it's also been the most joyful and bright sunshiney experiences I've ever been a part of. 9 months of the most rewarding mess I never knew existed. 9 months of experiences I'll never forget nor regret. So here's to another 9. I know they will continue to be soul-searching, gut-wrenching, heart-warming, and awe-inspiring and I'm excited for what they hold. For the people I have yet to meet, the self I have yet to develop, and the Savior I have yet to find in greater abundance.

9 months down 9 to go. I'm ready. How bout' you?

Hope y'all stay blessed this week. Enjoy the eclipse and as our Stake President so profoundly pointed out: look at your own life and the ways that you "block out the Son" and remove them. More light is available to us than we can imagine and the debt for its cost has been paid. You are priceless in the eyes of the Lord, don't let anyone tell you different, including yourself.

Have a peachy sunny day y'all!!!

Love,

Hermana Hall




McKenzie hits her 9 month or Half way
mark tomorrow... please send her a note
if you can!


"Cooned" again.... EW!

                     
So Happy to see a past Companera

Breakfast of Champions?


Eclipse Day August 22, 2017