Change is good

Mi familia hermosa,

Last Tuesday I went on an exchange with Sister Romero in Sacramento and Sister Beale came to be with Sister Toro (the two sisters I trained served together:)). I went on an exchange with Sister Romero last transfer, too, and it was so great being able to see what changes a few short weeks can bring on the mission. They are a little short on miles this month, so we walked from one house to another (a luxury we do not enjoy here where there are so many English speakers!) and I got a very nice sun burn on my arms, which has now turned into a farmer's tan. I wish I had worn shorter sleeves...

On Wednesday we had Zone Conference! The theme was the Challenge to Become. If you haven't read the talk by Elder Oaks I would recommend it! A few elders shared the talks they had written, and I really liked some of the scriptures they shared. In Hebrews 11:40 it says (in the JST), "God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect." And Ezekiel 36:26 talks about how we will have a new heart and new spirit, and that he will take out our stony heart and give us a heart of flesh. It's only through sufferings and challenges that we can be stretched and grow. Heavenly Father has something good in store for us, even though we don't like the punches and slaps that come along the way. Sometimes when we are talking to people on the street or at their door, we teach about the purpose of life. Some tend to disagree with us--that life is not supposed to be a time of testing because a loving God wouldn't create us with that purpose in mind. But I know that it is and that he sent us to the earth to progress--but he didn't leave us without a Savior and without help (prayer, scriptures, the Holy Ghost). Any loving parent wants his or her child to grow and become better than they are--to leave the home, go to school, become self-sufficient. This morning I was actually talking to Sister Toro about how I have been teaching her everything I know about the mission and have tried my best to prepare her to have a beautiful mission and that I have worked so hard because I want her to be a better missionary than me. I had a strange glimpse into parenthood (but I know that it doesn't even compare). And that's exactly what our Heavenly Father wants of us. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that helps us on our path back to Father in Heaven.

President Lewis asked us to think about this question: "What attribute will I develop to make me a more powerful and effective minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ?" I chose faith and have been studying faith every day and trying to exercise more faith--faith that as I get up and start moving, I will have the energy to keep going through the day. And faith to find people who are searching for the gospel in its fullness. And faith that as we teach them, they will feel the Spirit and have a desire to make and keep commitments.

President also asked us to review our obedience and worthiness. "What are you becoming and what's the next step for you?" He told us to remember who we are. That we are divine children of a Father in Heaven. He showed a clip from the Lion King--who knew a children's movie could have such a powerful message? Remember who you are.

And I am out of time. Oh darn, and we had Stake Conference yesterday and got a new Stake President. Two members of the Seventy came and talked about really great things. Okay, love you all. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Love you!!

kates