Wow what a blur! This was the last week of our transfer and I definitely think it was a good end to a great six weeks! This transfer we have had 5 baptisms, with lots more on the way next transfer and have met tons of new people we are excited to start teaching. The only sad part about it all, is that I won't be the one teaching them anymore :'( because this upcoming transfer I am moving to NAGA!!!! So I guess it is going to be a little bit bitter sweet.
On the one hand, I am really REALLY going to miss all of our investigators here,
Sister Satini,
and Sister Jimenez
but on the other, I am excited to start a new journey in a new area. The other slightly-scary/slightly-
Anyways, I guess I will take this time to speak about my AMAZING area in Goa one last time before I have to say goodbye tomorrow...
So pretty much every single day this week has had something special happen, we have seen miracles,
eaten LOTS of good food,
and we also had two baptisms this week.
To start, I want to talk about the MIRACLE. So I will just say, GOD REALLY DOES ANSWER PRAYERS and fasting really works. So this Monday, we had an FHE planned at our investigator Roberto's home. We invited several of our other investigators and were hoping to be able to have a couple fun activities and a lesson for them all there. I remember on Sunday, we dropped by one of our investigators--Brother Israel--and invited him to come the next day. He said he wasn't sure but that he would check his schedule. I remember I really REALLY wanted him to be able to attend, because I felt very strongly that it would be a HUGE turning point for him, but I didn't know what we should do to make it happen.
That night when we got home, I was thinking of EVERYTHING we could possibly do to help when I suddenly felt very prompted that I should fast. So before bed, I opened up a fast, praying that Brother Israel would be able to make it on Monday.
So the next morning (Monday), we texted him to give him all the details and let him know when we would come get him. I had this HUGE knot in my stomach all day just waiting for a reply and finally, in the afternoon we got one. Immediately, my heart lurched as I read the words "Sisters, I will not be able to make it tonight. I have things I need to do". In that moment, I felt so crushed. I didn't know what to do, say, or how to react. I felt that I had been doing everything I could to help him be able to come and yet... he wouldn't be able to come.
After that, Sister Satini and I asked about what he needed to do and how we could help and were more than a little surprised when out of the blue he texted us saying "The things I needed to do have been canceled". We were so excited! I almost jumped for joy inside the grocery store when we got that note.
Anyways, long story short we hit a couple more little bumps in the road after that but in the end, everything ended up working out and we had an AMAZING family home evening at Roberto's home. It was a full house and I saw my prayers answered in more ways than one while we were there.
I saw the spirit working through and with our investigators throughout the whole night, and the air was thick with the spirit. After, on the way home, I felt so HAPPY. I felt we had been part of a miracle and was so grateful that my prayer has been answered.
For me, it ended up being another confirming experience that God really does love each of his children dearly and that when we ask with real intent and do everything we can, God will ALWAYS help us. He is always there, he is always listening... sometimes it just takes a little effort on our part to hear him ;) But I promise, that when we are willing to do that, it is all worth it in the end.
In addition to that experience, I definitely shed a couple tears at our RS anniversary when I ate a pepper that was so hot, I thought steam would come out of my ears! I had been eating a salad one of the members made and they didn't tell me I wasn't supposed to eat the peppers, let me just say... I don't think I have EVER had so much WATER in my life!
Additionally, we had a super AMAZING baptism this week for our investigators Sister Trisha and Brother Roberto. We had an awesome turn-out and the spirit was almost palpable. After the ordinance, I almost cried as Roberto stood up and shared his testimony about the gospel. As he was speaking, he had to stop a couple times because his eyes were getting teary and I could definitely feel the spirit as he spoke. It is at moments like those that I really remember why I am here and why I came on a mission in the first place.
I remember when I came out on a mission, I just prayed that I would get to be a part of some people's conversions stories and get to see the gospel change lives. I have only been out for three transfers and already I have had that prayer answered time and time again.
The gospel really does change hearts and I am so grateful to have it in my life.
Finally, I am really going to miss Sister Satini in my new area.
She will be training next transfer! I am super excited for her! And I know that our investigators will be in good hands with her.
I really have learned so much from her about loving the people and not only working hard, but working smart as well. I feel like we had a good thing going and I will definitely miss her in Naga.
Anyways, I could talk FOREVER about all the amazing things we are so fortunate to experience every moment of every day here, but for now I will just finish saying that I am so grateful to be a missionary. I know I say that all the time, but it is because it is TRUE! I wouldn't trade my time here for anything in the world, it has been some of the best time of my life.
So for any of my friends and family back home who are thinking about serving, JUST DO IT! It will be worth it. And even though some days are sad, hard, happy and full of crazy new experiences, every moment is full of joy and I promise that you will NEVER forget it :)
I love you all and hope you have the best week ever!
Sincerely, Sister Matheny :D
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