blessings

This week went by fast and with only one more I have a feeling it will finish faster than I'd like. In the last few weeks we've had a lot of trouble finding people to teach and in the three weeks prior to this past one we only found a total of three new people to teach. Every week we changed things around, how we contacted, how we asked references, but nothing seemed to make a difference. In our district meeting last Monday we talked about attitude and how it makes the difference in the work. I didn't feel very different after the activity but I think it helped us. Our week went a lot differently - we found seven new people to teach. It was a huge blessing and answer to our prayers and I know this week we will keep finding people. We found out that they will be putting Elders in our area when I leave and while we are both sad about that, we know it'll all work out.

     Members are already gearing up for my departure and have started giving me gifts. One member almost started crying when my companion let it slip I was close to leaving. That made it feel more real. I also had my final interview! That was an interesting experience and it was a chance to reflect on my mission and how I've changed. Sometimes I feel I'm still me, the same I was, but I know I've changed throughout my mission, and my president was quick to tell me I've changed a lot. I guess we'll see what you all say next Wednesday! It's coming fast.

     I was reading through some Liahonas the other day and came across a quote I really liked and I found the talk online in case someone wants to read it. It talks about challenges and trials and how necessary they are. One part explains that "One’s life, therefore, cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free...
     Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, “Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!” The mission has been hard, there have been moments where I wonder if I can do it, if it's worth it, and questions of why is this happening to me. As Elder Maxwell explains, these are the experiences we asked for in the Pre-Earth existence, we knew they were coming and we cherished the opportunity to have them so that we can become like our Heavenly Father. Life is hard, but it's our attitude that determines our success, and while hard, it's always worth it. 

     I love you all! Have a great week.

Love,

Hermana Bennett