I really have loved this area. It has been such a pleasure to serve here. I really feel I've fulfilled my purpose here. There is no greater peace than knowing you did everything the Lord expected of you. I've never felt so trusted by the Lord and those around me as I have here in this area. The Lord has used us to accomplish wonders!
This ward is amazing. They are working so hard. They're going to continue to see miracles. I have spoken twice in sacrament meeting and told them that the Lord has a vision for this area. I can see it and feel it. I know that if they keep being obedient and strive to implement the work of salvation in their daily lives, this ward is going to grow. (I just got chills while typing that. That means it's true!)
Here's a story from this past week. Remember Domitila? She was the one from months ago who got a priesthood blessing and was healed from tuberculosis. She wasn't willing to change so we stopped visiting her. Last week I felt prompted to go back. We did so and ended up getting to teach Domitila and her granddaughters, Jessica (7) and Gabriela (4). They are so sweet. I love them. We taught them how to pray and they both did! We committed Jessica to help Gabriela learn to pray and remember to do so each night. We went back again on Saturday and had another great lesson. The girls were so excited to see us. You can tell they recognize the spirit we bring. They drew us pictures, and we gave them a picture of the temple. Gabriela couldn't stop looking at it - she loved it. Then Hna. Prestgard had a nice Spanish Book of Mormon with a testimony of a ward member written inside that was given to her by her home ward. (They do that there for each missionary in their mission language). She gave it to Jessica, who loved looking at the pictures. Domitila was even asking questions about our message and seemed to want to know. At the end of the visit Jessica said, "I knew you were going to come today." We both really felt like these seeds we planted will bring forth fruit one day. These little girls will grow up and remember the missionaries coming over and how it made them feel. Hopefully they will remember how to pray and do so. Maybe one day, when Jessica's older, she will find that Book of Mormon again and read it. It was a sweet experience :)
Other exciting happenings in Solvang:
Our recent converts are doing great! Dane continues to bless the sacrament each week and he is starting to make friends in the ward. Connie said that when she started meeting with us she didn't know her purpose (I even remember her saying that). But now, she knows her purpose is to share her experiences and her knowledge to bless others. She's going to do so much good. She even just got assigned to visit teach this less active sister who she'll be perfect for! I really think she's going to touch her a lot and help bring her back. So exciting! Carl got the priesthood and wants to get a limited use recommend and his patriarchal blessing soon! He is anxious to serve and lift others. His son Woody said he wants to be baptized too, which will probably be in February!
There are so many joys of being a missionary. You don't realize sometimes how huge your influence is. You help change one person, then they impact others, and so on. It's incredible to be a part of. I love being a missionary. This is the most joyful time of my life.
I love you!
Hna. Cannon
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