Russell's Email 10-21-10

everyone,
BAPTISMS!!!! We had two of them this past week for C. and A. It's kind of sad really, our mission is still really focused on getting LTM's (lessons taught to investigators with members present) and sometimes I get sad that we won't have as many LTM's anymore because of a baptism. lol
This week is also going really well. I had a really powerful experience in Sacrament meeting this week. As I thought about my mission during the sacrament, I thought, "Have I really changed that much?" I recall President Christensen telling me sometimes the spirit holds back our vision of progress to keep us humble. At the moment that question went through my mind, a lot of my previous mistakes and transgressions flashed through my mind. "I could never do that again." I thought in my mind. It was a great strength to me. Then we had the speakers. Before the meeting started, there was a girl sitting on the stand who was wearing a hat. Like a fitted baseball hat but one of those "cute" girl dress caps. I leaned over to Elder B., "Does that girl know she's wearing a hat on the stand in sacrament meeting?" "That's screaming, "Hey I need to be taken off because I'm in church!" Elder B. replied. Well, then they announced the program and I realized why she was wearing a hat. K. was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer 4 months ago and is going through chemo right now. She was wearing a wig and the hat to cover it. (Um, yep! I felt like a jerk) well, she started her talk off with a story about a guy who fell from a cliff and he caught hold of a branch. "Is there anyone there?! Help me!!!" He cried. "Let go of the branch and I'll catch you." He heard God say. "Um, is there anyone else?" everyone chuckled and then she talked about faith. She told us how her faith was tried when they told her she had cancer. She didn't know what that meant, only that she could die. She cried, "Why me? I'm 15. I go to church, I read my scriptures, I say my prayers. Why me?" but through the atonement, blessings, prayer, scriptures, and church attendance she has been able to strengthen her faith. I was blown away by this talk and her absolute faith. I thought, "If she can go through that, I can take on my challenges."
Then her mom got up. Stinkin' rip my heart out why don't you. She talked about how 13 years ago they lost K.'s little sister who was only 6 months old. Then when they told K. she had cancer she dropped to her knees and just cried. "Please Lord, you can't another one of my girls." I wanted to cry so bad! I thought, what else could happen to this family. As the talk went on, I realized how much the atonement is there to help and support us. I had a great experience and my faith was really strengthened by their talks.
I think those two events really were the highlight of my week. We also have had some really great lessons with some of our investigators. Everyone that we are teaching is doing really well and has such a strong desire to have the gospel, but I believe each person is experiencing opposition from someone in their family which is holding back at least some of their progress. I would be very thankful for some prayers in behalf as they want the gospel but are having a hard time.
It's just been a great week filled with teaching opportunities and great experiences. I love ya'll tons and I'm thankful for all that ya'll do for me. Love ya!!!!