Hello all,

Missionary work is very hard sometimes. I don't think anyone can properly describe the turmoil and stress that goes into doing the Lord's work. It's something that you have to go through yourself to really understand. Its like trying to explain to someone what salt tastes like, or what it's like to feel the spirit. If you haven't experienced it yourself, there's really no way to fully understand. Although missionary work is very hard, it is so worth it when you are able to help someone bring the light of the gospel into their life!

I found an article in the ensign that I really liked though. :)

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As a young man, I looked forward to the day when I would serve a full-time mission. When I finally entered the mission field, I discovered that missionary service was not what I had expected--it was better. It was harder than I thought, but the satisfaction that came from doing what the Lord asked of me was indescribable.

Never before had I experienced the joy of helping someone attend church. Never before had I felt the thrill of hearing someone say, “Sure, come on in” so that they could hear the restored gospel. Never before had I sensed the reality of the power that came as we declared repentance. Never before had I prayed with such real intent. Never before had an hour of scripture study gone by so fast. Never before had I been brought to tears by the realization of my imperfections. Never before had I experienced the devastation that comes with the words, “Elders, please don’t come by my house anymore.” Never before had I gotten a blister on my foot the size of my thumb. Never before had I felt so protected. Never before had I felt so much responsibility for my actions because I wore the name “Jesus Christ” on my chest.

Never before had I been so close to my Heavenly Father as I came to be during my full-time mission. 

...

 

{Sister Lacno and I got a reward for having a clean car!}

This week, sister Lacno and I did a lot of tracting, and we saw quite a few miracles! It was great! However, there were also some huge let downs.

We were knocking doors one day, and we met this really cute girl named Brooke! We talked to her for a little while on the front doorstep of her house, and showed her the "Because of Him" video. She loved it, and we could tell she was really feeling the spirit while we talked to her about how Jesus Christ is our Saviour. We said a prayer with her before we left, gave her a Book of Mormon, and set up a time to visit again and talk to her more about the restoration of the gospel. She was really excited!

However, when we stopped by for our next appointment, we heard some yelling inside her house. Her dad answered the door and did NOT look happy to see us. He said, "Are you people from the church?" I said, "Yes we are! Is Brooke h-" Before I could finish my sentence, he said, "I told Brooke she is done with this church stuff! Enough already!" *DOOR SLAM* 

I just do not understand how some people can be so rude, but I really try not to take it personally. However, this time I did. Normally I don't cry over rejections like that, but Brooke was so promising and so excited about the gospel! It was a hard night for me. Thank goodness for my wonderful companion, and her patience with me. We sat in the car, said a prayer, and she pulled up the Mormon Message, "Good Things to Come." Good things really do come, but we have to understand that the Lord's timing is different than ours. 

{Got to go on exchanges with Sister Priestley! Had a blast! :) }

This morning, Sister Lacno and I read Alma 26, where Ammon is rejoicing over the successes that they had as missionaries! Ammon did feel like giving up at one point, but he says in verse 27,

Patience is the key! And I am learning more and more every day to be happy about little successes. As long as we are trying to follow the Lord's will for us, we are doing what's right! Thank goodness for the Lord's patience with His impatient children. :) 

Oh! And here's some good news: Tanisha, one of our investigators is getting baptized this weekend! Wahoo! :) 

Thank you for all that you do! I love you bunches and bunches. 

Love,

Sister Robinson

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