This week was a crazy one! Monday was Zone Pday, Tuesday was exchanges, Wednesday was the Christmas Devotional, Thursday was more exchanges, Friday we took "dying" sisters to the mission home (waaahh) and we almost froze to death, Saturday we were snowed in most of the day, and Sunday was a pretty normal great Sunday!
A few highlights from those days:
Kyle has been struggling this whole time with quitting smoking. We asked him this week if he would like a Priesthood Blessing to help him, especially as its the week before his baptism. He said yes, so we got our ward mission leader and another man to come and give him one. They explained how the Priesthood is the Power of God and Authority to act in His name and so on. Then they proceeded to give him a blessing. It was powerful. It was sweet. There were things said that only Heavenly Father would know, seeing as he hadn't told anyone (not even us) what was really going on in his head. It was truly meant for him. As soon as the blessing was over they asked how it felt. Kyle responded, choked up with tears, "it was good", and quickly covered his face. I looked over at our Ward mission leader and he was teary as well. It was a very sweet moment that ill always remember. Kyle had his baptismal interview this Sunday and was found worthy!!! So as of right now he is set to be baptized this Christmas Eve!!!!! Its going to be a white Christmas!!!!!
One night last week our Ward Mission Leader gave us two different referrals- his neighbors. Its always a little scary contacting referrals because you never know how they're going to respond, and you don't want to ruin the relationship of the member with their neighbors. But we contact them anyway of course! So one night before we were about to go home, we knock on this door. They answered a little hesitantly, but as soon as we used their neighbors name and that we were sharing a Christmas message, they let us right in! Not only that but they offered to make us hot chocolate and made us all sit by the fireplace etc. They are super super cute family, with a 12 y/o girl and an 11 y/0 boy. As we sat and talked and joked around with them, we found out that Sister Sherwoods family friend knows the dad! So we all took a selfie and sent it to him! Such a small world. We shared the video with them and it went well! They said we are always welcome back whenever were around!
Then the next night we went to the other referral. Same kind of situation. They let us in, were super nice, but they had a lot of kids! So they all gathered around and we watched the video- the room went silent. I have seen this video millions of times, but for some reason watching it then I felt the Spirit so strong- as if I were watching it for the first time! Halfway in the mom spoke up and said "Is it ok if I cry?!" and we said yes, cause honestly we were on the verge of tears too. When the video ended I looked up to see everyone had been so touched. We talked about Christ and the Christmas initiative and they said they'd try and do it! The dad kept saying "Its as if I called you guys to come over. This was perfect timing. This is what we call divine intervention. Etc" We were clearly there for some specific reason, we don't know what, but we could feel it. The Spirit was so strong and beautiful.
It touches my heart immensely knowing the service I do could be an answer to prayers for people. Of course, its not me doing it, but the Lord, and I'm just His instrument. But I love more than anything this work. Im so incredibly grateful to be here on a mission experiencing the things I am and truly learning righteous things. I'm so excited for Christmas on the mission as i will strive to draw nearer to my Savior instead of nearer to my gifts. He is the True Gift, and i will forever cherish Him. May God Bless you all, and may we all feel His love and gratitude for the things around us!
Merry Christmas everybody!!! I will be emailing again on Saturday (that will be my next Pday since the library is closed Monday) so stay tuned for a Christmas message then!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!
Love always
Sister Loyd
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