February 3, 2014

Tender feelings today.

Got a couple calls this week, one which brought good news, and the other I didn't want.

Firstly, this was a pretty good week. With obvious bumps, but a definite high was getting a new companion! I got a call from President on Thursday, telling me that I would be getting another baby...whaaaat? #doubletraining So Saturday night, we got picked up by Pres, and he took us to his house to pick up our new companion. Her name is Soeur Fahl (pronounced fall), she is German but sounds American, is a convert, goes to BYU-I and reminds me of Chan. Guys, she is the epitome of a tender mercy. After we took her out to dinner and got home, I got the call from Mom and Dad. Cue the most surreal experience of my life. But that's why I am so grateful for Heavenly Father's timing. And also, to be on a mission. It's the best way to distract myself, I just turn to this little baby bleue who is about to fall over due to jet lag. She is great though, and so willing and happy to be a missionary. Also, she was in the MTC for only 9 days. Basically long enough to get used to the time change, only to fly back, and get all messed up again. 

Something that I thought a lot about over the past 2 days is our reactions to things like this. I feel an incredible amount of peace. I realized that in heart breaking moments like this, we are shaken, but then we can be strengthened. I can feel divine support that is difficult to explain. But now I know. If I had a testimony before of Heavenly Father's plan, now I have a knowledge that God created a perfect plan, so we can be with our families forever. 

I love this opportunity to be here as a missionary. This is why we need missionaries! Because I never want to think how dealing with these trials would be without the truths that I know. This is why we need to find families, to show them that they can be for forever. And even with trials, and struggles, and pain, I know that we are receiving divine support. Thoughts that have been rolling through my head over and over are "Trials are either stumbling blocks or stepping stones." or "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Jacob 3:1-2

Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those [trials] who seek your destruction.
O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

D&C 101: 14,16

And all they who have mourned shall be comforted.
Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine ahands; be still and know that I am God.

For my family, you have my prayers. I miss you all, but I am so grateful for your faith. Let this build you up, not tear you down. I LOVE YOU.

Love,

Soeur Luthi