Hey y'all!
Yes that's right, can you believe it's been four months? Holy cow I am still in shock just thinking about it. Time really flies when you're out here! I love, love, love it all. There have been really bad days and really good days, but I enjoy and take in every single one. I love to see how the Lord works and I'm really starting to understand how much every one of us mean to Him- he cares about every single person, and He wants them all to return! I feel so privileged to have the greatest purpose in the world- to help the Lord accomplish His work by bringing His children back to Him.
Let's see... Our progressing investigators right now are A and S. They live down the street from Bishop, and Sister Lynes (Bishop's wife) and A are good friends. We started teaching them a couple weeks ago and so far things have been going really well. S is a little skeptical about the church, but two nights ago we had a really amazing lesson about prayer, the Spirit was really strong as Sister Lynes, Sister Nielsen and I testified that the Lord is real, and that He answers our prayers when we have the faith. He said out of all the people in his family, his mom is the only one who prayed and she still prays constantly. She was about to lose her house to her own daughter, and S kept asking "Why doesn't God answer her prayers? Why?" Sister Nielsen has been through a lot like S and she testified to him that yes, the Lord does answer prayers, but in his own way and own time. As we ended the lessons, we offered a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to help his mom in the way that He saw best. We left feeling really good and really excited, because they were both talking about quitting smoking and drinking, and we haven't even taught the Word of Wisdom yet!
Yesterday we got a text from A that said, " Sisters! Just wanted to thank you guys so much for praying with us last night. We were in shock today when they signed the house over to his mom!! And God did answer our prayers, thank you so much!" WOW! We were so excited for them and so happy that Heavenly Father answered their prayers right then and there. His timing is perfect. His love is priceless! I'm so grateful that they were able to have that experience, and we really hope and pray that they will get an answer to their prayers about the church. I have a feeling... that they will get baptized soon :)
I'll be honest, it's been difficult for me lately because I've been hitting what is infamous for being know as "The Wall". I can't really explain it if you've never felt it, but it feels like you are being monotonous and teaching is hard and it just really sucks. BUT. Sister Nielsen and I have really been studying the Atonement and she has been very in tune with the Spirit. I woke up with a stomachache and just felt like crap. But I got up, moved around, put the laundry in and tried to shake it off. (It's not easy) We had personal study and I really just felt like crying. As we started comp study, Sister Nielsen said "Sister Maughan, I read a talk that I think applies to you. I just want to let you know it's ok to not be perfect, Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to do your best!" That really meant a lot to me that she said that, and I'm so grateful that she has been listening to the promptings of the Spirit, whether for me or for our investigators. We take good care of each other and sometimes the mom just has to let her daughter take charge! It's actually been good for her since I've been down and out, because she is starting to take charge in lessons and in talking to people. SO maybe it's a blessing that I feel like this?! Hmm never thought of it that way but it kind of makes sense.
I love learning about the Gospel so much, when i come home I guarantee I will know the Bible like the back of my hand (maybe)/. It's so good, and with the Book of Mormon, it makes so much sense! I love to read and to find out new things, even if it's just little.
I just want to thank all y'all for your support, your love, your letters, and your prayers. I feel them behind me when I feel weak. I remember who I represent and I try to do my best. Probably one of the hardest things for me to accept out here is we can't do everything! We cannot, and will never be perfect in this life. And that is why I am eternally, infinitely grateful for the sacrifice of the Savior. He is the only reason I get by some days. Without Him I am nothing! I rely on Him and I seek His guidance and I do my best to follow it. This area is still really hard to find new investigators, but I know they are out there and as long as we are diligent, He helps us find them. It is the greatest blessing to be out here. It is the most mentally-challenging event I have ever had to go through, but I thank the Lord for making me a strong Texas missionary. I sometimes think about how I am changing and who I am becoming, and I realize how the fire truly does refine us. And when we go through these hard times, we understand the Savior better and begin to understand, ever so slightly, the pain and the agony he went through, because He LOVES US! So much. I will finish! I made the decision, I will not falter, I will finish, and I will serve the Lord in whatever capacity He requires of me.
I love you all so much and remember to enjoy life and to always seek out what the Lord wants for you, He is always watching out for you and He always has your back! We are never alone.
Con todos mi amor,
Sister Maughan
Abrazos y besos
Sadie and her new companion Sis. Nielsen on p-day…a service project to move firewood that turned into a mud bog.
Gangsta' pose.
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