This week I have really been looking forward to writing because so much has happened and I am really excited to share. To be honest, I think it has been one of the best weeks that I have had here and the time just seems to have flown by!
To start, one of the big highlights of my week was last Tuesday, when I got to meet David A. Bednar! We had been looking forward to the conference with him for the past couple of weeks and both Sister Satini and I were surprised at how the time flew. To listen to him, we all got to ride to Naga, eating snacks, enjoying the beautiful view, and talking.
It was super fun!
~Lunch before the conference with Elder David A. Bednar~
(Me, Sister Stackhouse, Sister Jimenez, & Sister Satini)
We got to Naga on time and waited in anticipation for Elder Bednar to come. Right before he got there, they announced that we would be taking a group picture with him and I was more than a little excited when I realized that Sister Satini and I were sitting in the seats right behind him and his wife. Literally nobody could have been closer. It was so surreal! I was joking with Sister Sattini that she should lean forward and start giving him a back massage!!! LOL
After that, we had the conference with Elder David A. Bednar, his wife and Elder and Sister Haynie of the 70. Elder Bednar opened up the floor for discussion and took the time to listen and respond to the missionaries thoughts and ideas. Close to the beginning, I had the opportunity to share what I learned from one of his talks about Conversion, it was awesome! Even though I was so nervous to be speaking to him. :) But David A. Bednar was really nice and super easy to talk to.
At the conference, I was overwhelmed by how powerful the spirit was. In particular, as Elder Haynie was sharing what a privilege it was to have a general authority with us in the beginning, the spirit seemed almost palpable.
Additionally, after the meeting, I also got to say hi to Sister Villa. I was a little bit surprised when such a strong sense of love washed over me when I saw her. I almost cried because I was so happy, and it was so cool hearing about how she is doing in her new area. I want only the best for her.
Our experience with Elder David A. Bednar really got me pumped up and ready to work for the rest of the week and since then, Sister Satini and I have been trying really hard to fulfill our purpose as missionaries. On Thursday, we had the opportunity to go over with the Elders to the Baidel family's home (some of our investigators) and the Elders offered a priesthood blessing to Tatay, who is feeling sick. The blessing really seemed to help him and his understanding of priesthood authority. His family is so amazing! Some of our favorites to teach, but we haven't quite figured out a way to better help tatay understand priesthood authority, which I feel is essential if we really want to see them start progressing again.
(The Baidel family's new kitten!!!)
Additionally, this week we had the opportunity to teach one of the coolest kids I have ever met: Roberto and his family. I know I wrote a little bit about Roberto last week (the kid we met playing with the Rubik's cube) and this week I want to share a little more.
Every time we teach their family, I am more and more impressed by Roberto's strong spirit and understanding of gospel principles. He is not shy to answer questions and always really thinks about his answers. For example, after teaching him about the Restoration on Thursday, we asked what it would mean if Joseph Smith were a true prophet. After a couple of moments, Roberto gave a beautiful answer. He said, "If Joseph Smith were really a prophet, it would mean that the things he taught were true and that this is really God's true church on the earth." We were both blown away by his answer and definitely left on a bit of a spiritual high.
This leads me to my next highlight of the week: Saturday, which ended up being one of the BEST days I have had on the mission so far. For one, we had two baptisms last Saturday for our investigators Tatay Asor and Brother Joseph.
And the other Sisters had a baptism for their investigator Sister Joy as well.
It was so amazing!
We've had so much fun watching them both grow and progress over the past couple of weeks, especially Tatay Asor. Apparently, missionaries have been trying to teach him for a long time now, but he would always hide from them and say no to a baptismal date. We are not sure what changed (he is always willing to listen to us and accepted a baptismal date so readily) but we were both grateful and excited to be a part of this spiritual journey for tatay Asor and brother Joseph. It's crazy how much the gospel can change people!
After the service, we had lunch and headed over to get a cake for Brother Roberto, since we knew his family was celebrating his 17th birthday today. We chose one out and dropped it off with his mom. We put "happy 4th birthday" on Roberto's cake because his birthday is actually February 29th! LOL.
As we were leaving, I looked down and realized that I had been wearing two different shoes (one black and one blue) all day. I was SOOOO embarrassed!
Anyways, we returned to Roberto's later in the evening where his mom gave us some spaghetti before we headed out with Roberto and his friend to watch a live broadcast with Elder David A. Bednar at the church. Additionally, we picked up Jobert (another one of our investigators) on the way as well.
It was such a privilege to get to hear from the apostle again, but more than that, I was so happy that some of our investigators--who we have really come to love--were able to attend as well. They both ended up getting so much out of the broadcast and had so many good things to say. It was amazing to see how much Elder Bednar's words seemed to touch them, and answer many of their concerns and questions, especially for Jobert.
Anyways, Roberto attended church again yesterday and everyone loved him. They were all asking questions and wanted to get to know him better.
Also, I almost cried when at the beginning of sacrament meeting, I looked back and saw Jobert sitting at the back of the room. It has been a few weeks since he has come to Sacrament meeting and I was overflowing with joy to see him there again. I know how much of a sacrifice it is for him to come, and I was so grateful.
Anyways, those were just a couple of highlights from a week full of miracles, awesome experiences, and overflowing joy. I feel like my heart has been opened up so much this week, I'm surprised I haven't burst :)
I don't know how I was so lucky to be blessed with such an amazing companion, who I constantly learn so much from,
awesome kabahays (Sister Jimenez told me to say that),
amazing investigators and the easiest, most joyful mission in the whole world. I really love it here in Goa and am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to meet so many incredible people. Sometimes I wonder "why me?" There are so many missionaries who would be so much better at teaching and understanding these amazing people, yet God gave the opportunity to me. And I am so thankful.
I just want to finish by saying that as I was teaching this week, I realized how grateful I am for my parents and the example that they have been for me. My dad and mom have always worked so hard to provide for me and my siblings and to raise us in the gospel--despite the fact that I acted like a spoiled brat more than I would like to admit ;). But looking back, I am so grateful for the sacrifices they have made to raise us in the gospel, I truly think that is the greatest gift they have given us.
Anyways, I hope you all have an amazing week, and don't ever forget how much your Father in Heaven loves you! His plan is simple. Just follow Him, and I know everything will work out in the end :)
I love you all!
-Sincerely, Sister Matheny
P.S. Check out this awesome bathroom...don't you just love the tiles! :)
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