Busy Week!

Hey there!

 

So this week has been crazy. As you know we had exchanges and general conference at the end of last week. Then we had a sister's conference on Tuesday that lasted all day, then we had interviews with President and a training on Friday that lasted half the day. Lots of spiritual nourishment this week! I'm still trying to absorb it all. I've never been surrounded by so much spiritual awesomeness all the time. It's incredible, but it's a lot to take in. It kind of wears you out sometimes haha. I loved everything we got to do this week, but my favorite was probably the interviews/training. The AP's and zone leaders talked to us about the 5 areas of focus for our mission, which we recite all the time and strive to always apply. This is how it goes, "In the Great California Ventura Mission, we are Preach My Gospel Missionaries, we baptize, we obey with exactness, we seek to be trusted more than loved, and we teach with power and authority." They each talked about one area of focus - it was awesome. Each one is so central to our purpose as missionaries. I love learning about how we can become the missionaries the Lord needs us to be. While we were learning about that President Castro pulled us out one by one for interviews. That man is so inspired. As he was talking to me I had this overwhelming feeling of the truth that this really is the Lord's work. This is not President Castro's mission. He is a person just like I am, and he has stewardship over me. He is a man called of God and he runs this mission the Lord's way. I am amazed at how well he knows me personally and knows what he needs to say to help me be a better missionary. He definitely has the gift of discernment. I've just learned so much this week of how I want to be better. It's exciting! And slightly overwhelming at times. But I just need to keep reminding myself that God doesn't expect perfection, but He does expect our best. I know if I give Him everything I have, He will take care of the rest. I love being a missionary!

 

It was also busy because we've had a TON of appointments! We had 6 appointments every day for 3 days in a row. It was awesome! I love getting to teach. Knocking doors and declaring to people is great too, but I love teaching lessons.

 

Also, there was a moment of truth the other day. I got on the scale and learned that I have gained 9 pounds of faith, testimony, and tortillas. NINE! That's never happened in my life. These wonderful Mexican people are very generous with their food haha. Next goal: learn to refuse food without offending. Wish me luck!

 

We have this investigator named Adolfo (I think I've mentioned him before), and he is quitting his job so he can come to church with us on Sundays! What an example of faith. It's so inspiring when you see people make these leaps of faith. We have many other investigators who's progression towards baptism and lasting conversion is halted because they can't make those commitments. But if they can't commit, maybe they're just not ready yet. We just have to be supportive, loving, and bold as we strive to help people change their lives. This work is definitely different than anything I've ever done or will do! The work of saving souls. It's definitely the Lord's work. It's a wonderful opportunity to get to be His hands.

 

I love you all!

Hermana Cannon