Changes Abound! Happy 2014!

Written on 1/5/14

Hello my loved ones!

I just finished reading all of your emails and goodness gracious, there is so much to be grateful for this week. You are all so wonderful and inspiring... I love you all so much.

This week has been a loooong week. It started with our New Years Eve...On NYE and New years day all the missionaries had to be in at 5 pm. We were all sitting in the kitchen washing laundry, where we got a dreaded phone call from the Assistants. Sister Fitz looked at the screen, then threw the phone and told me I had to answer it. I picked up and Elder Sablan asked for Sister Fitz. I handed her the phone again and watched as her face fell..... Emergency transfers. Needless to say, our New Years Eve was slightly dampened. We all cried a lot, but tried to have fun anyway. New Years Day we spent that night together as well, helping Sister pack and trying to enjoy our last time together.

Thursday we went to Galo for transfers and for my follow up training with President and Sister Lopez. My new companion is Sister Person! She was my Sister Training Leader in my district, and she is returning home a week from tomorrow. Weird! We had a really successful week together- lots of baptism dates given and.....

Sister G. was baptized on Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The MOST best. She gave the cutest, simple and strong testimony after her baptism, and was just so bright and happy. What a lovely little thing she is. Her sister also accepted the invitation to be baptized. Baptisms for all! Whew. Love it. I'll try and get some pictures to you all.

I'm so glad my letters finally came! There are more coming, and I'll keep writing, but who knows when they'll all get there :) I love hearing about all your adventures and your vacation together! And your home projects, too, Mom :) Can't wait to see pictures of the progress!

In our follow up training President Lopez based his training on the videos featuring Elder Bednar and his talk "Spirit of Revelation". You should all go watch the video cycle! "Patterns of Light." There's 3 videos and they are so good. Only a few minutes each :) His talk is SO good, and if you have a few minutes, read that too. Here's a small excerpt from it:

"In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God”.

As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord”. Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding, and direct and protect you and your family."

So good, right? Man, I love Elder Bednar. Always a good reminder for me to remember who is really in charge. It's not me, and it's not you. But we are all in the hands of the Master potter. I testify to that with all my heart. He gives us enough light, and guides our steps daily, in order for us to grow day by day. The gospel is so cool.

Anyway, till next week! Sorry this email is a little scattered. The work is working here in the Philippines. Never forget this blondie loves you.

XOXOXOXO

Sister Luke

P.S. Happy Happy New Year!
sorry, the pictures aren't working :P Maybe next week!

This is Sister Person! I'm finally tall! She's a cutie. And SO good.