Hey family! Happy Halloweens! On Wednesday I hit 18 months of being a missionary :) I am so happy I have these next 3 weeks here in the MBM:) Also, thanks Cate & Jared for signing me up for my college classes tonight haha. Don't worry- I'm not freaking out or anything... maybe just a wee bit. But mostly because......we got bed bugz again. Let's just say I'm thinking of dumping my 2 suitcases and just coming home with a carry-on....
The trunk or treat for Hagerstown ward was Tuesday & it was great! The gym was packed & there were a few nonmembers :) Then Wednesday Antietam ward had their trunk or treat & our investigator Robin & her 3 kids were able to come. It was crazy trying to find her a ride but we were able to & it all worked out :)
We were trying by a potential this week. We met this family from Sierra Leon. This man Davies & his family, had met with missionaries before. When Sister Giles went to hold the door for him he said that he knew we were missionaries because of how kind we were. He said that we were always welcome in his home :) It's cool to see that our influence stretches wider than we realize. Those missionaries probably had no idea that he would come to Hagerstown :)
Sister Wheeler drove us around Saturday night. They were having the huge annual "Mummers Day Parade" so we took a lot of side streets. We were able to visit with Jackie & she and Sister Wheeler just hit it off :) We read 2nd Nephi 2 with her and her eyes were open to a different and true perspective on Adam & Eve and why we face opposition in this life.
We met this woman, Cassie, last week when trying to find a potential. She told us to come back so we did. We taught her about the Plan of Salvation. It was a really amazing lesson. She struggles with knowing her purpose & divine worth. She felt like she was always put down & told that she was a mistake. She even had thoughts of suicide. We testified of her divinity & of Christ's love as He was in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane feeling every thing that she ever will. Friday we went back & taught her fiance, Chris. He had never been into religion but he was able to say his first prayer ever. It was a powerful prayer. He thanked the missionaries for showing him and Cassie the way :) Then the next day they came to the church for a church tour. They have a 1 year old & a 2 year old. It was really great being able to show them around the building and the emphasis on families. They are really special people.
My favorite quote this week is from meeting with Mariah, a recent convert. She's been having boy struggles & she always dates men who are a lot older than her who don't treat her very well. She said she's been trying to take a break from boys. We told her, "Mariah, if we can stay 1 1/2 years away from men, so can you." She laughed & said "good point."
I love you guys so very much. I am so grateful & thankful for every day of my mission. Yesterday as we were out talking to people I ran after this man that I almost missed. I felt so much joy testifying of the Savior & asking him about his own beliefs and how they've strengthened him. As Chris said his first prayer I felt so much happiness knowing that even just that one step, of saying a prayer, is bringing his soul closer and unto Jesus Christ. It reminds me of the scripture in D&C about how great our joy will be if we bring but one soul unto Him. I believe that can be fulfilled in many ways. The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ is loving & accepting everyone. We can't have misconceived notions about others & we can't assume that someone isn't "ready" or "made for" the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is for everyone. We need everyone. We need their individual talents, abilities, and personalities. We need their love for the Savior. When we understand this, we will understand more of the Savior's love for us.
I love you guys so much.
Xo Sister Stolworthy
PS - The church put out this new video series, "Unity in Diversity." It is amazing! This was one of my favorites by elder holland:) https://www.lds.org/
Blue light district ;)
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